The Comma Butterfly

So named for the comma shaped marking on the underside of the hindwings, these are one of our most impressive butterflies. I love to see them flying over the nettles which are their caterpillar's food plant. They have a powerful flight but stop to bask often and I can never see enough of them.

A Beautiful Grey Heron

Grey herons are at once both beautiful and menacing. Theyremind me of a teradactyl when they fly and I have seen them stalk and kill smaller birds such as ducklings and starlings. They are always an impressive sight and at Birdworld in Surrey they are very common and approachable especially when trying to rob the pelecans and penguins of their sprats......They nest in large trees around the gardens and there are often juveniles on the prowl as well....Pity the poor frogs....snakes....slow worms.....the list goes on.....

Yellow Hammer Bunting

I found this lovely little bird in Tugley wood. One of two seem to be there every spring and they are a welcome sight. They have a cheerful little song and are the brightest bird in the forest. Sadly they are a fast declining species.

A Perfect Wood Lark

I found this perfect Wood Lark on a dead birch tree on the heath. Soon after I found two smooth snakes nearby. Amazing. One of our rarest birds and then our rarest reptile within minutes of each other. Fantastic.

Stock Doves on St Mary's Church roof

Stock Doves are my favourite member of the pigeon family. They are uncommon and very shy but give themselves away by their loud "oooooouuuuuhhhhh" call which is far reaching and atmospheric. They are found mainly in the woods but in some areas will nest in church towers or in large trees in church yards if these have holes in them. This most beautiful of doves is a tree hole nester and is therefore a rare bird and probably declining. I was lucky to find a pair perched on a church roof in Wantage.

Male Common Blue At Wood Lane Heath

Ah, What Beauty....at your finger tips now.....look down look down.... A Male Common Blue....

Redshank, Curlew and Whimbrel

Here are three of my favourite birds....wow...what a trio....all present on the Pagham Marshes NOW!!!!!