Birds seen on a visit to Rutland Water in June

I was fortunate enough to visit Rutland water a few days ago and found it to be an amazing place full of bird song and rare species. The yelow wagtail, osprey and willow warbler were highlights but there is so much to see and hear at Rutland Water. I highly recommend it as a bird watcher's paradise.

Cirl bunting

Recently I went to the South Devon coast and there found the most beautiful little bird and one that is very rare indeed - the cirl bunting - Photographing them is not easy but I did get the chance to photograph a female and some of the other birds of the coast. I hope you like them.

Dartmoor

Dartmoor is a haunted land. A visit there seems to take you to a different world with many new mysteries. It is a land of Tors and legends and fairies and pixies and immense beauty. Above all it is ancient with settlements dating back at least 7,000 years. Circles of standing stones remind us of a time when bears, wolves and giant lions roamed the landscape and humans battled both them and the elements to survive. In some places it is still possible to feel their presence and their mystery. Interestingly, 1500 years ago Dartmoor had a Mediterranean climate......what does that say about current global warming theories?

Memories of summer time at Fleet Pond (A male Common Blue)

A Cute Baby Adder at Wood Lane Heath

More Signs of Autumn

I always think that when the smooth snakes start gathering together for warmth it means the first chills are arriving. Often at this time of year it is possible to find 4 or 5 of these reptiles together wrapped together for warmth.

Signs of Autumn

Autumn is definitely here.....yes, humans may still think it is summer time but look at the signs. Leaves are turning yellow, nights and mornings are chilly, the birds have all flown off to Africa and the mushrooms are beginning to appear....soon mists will follow.....