A couple of video films taken at Titchfield Haven Nature Reserve this morning. I wanted to capture some film of the Mediterranean Gulls, and due to their distance from the vantage point, I used an X2 converter on my Fuji 150mm to 600mm to reach the distance. Given the extreme distances, I felt the quality of the films was not too bad.
My second film is Black-tailed Godwits.
#Wordless Wednesday
Dartford Warbler in the New Forest this morning.
Fallow Deer deep in The New Forest.
Another circular Sunday morning walk on the South Downs.
This time of year, Rooks are re-establishing their nest sites. Rookerys are known for high noise levels, territorial disputes, and intense activity during nesting season.
Goldfinch.
Yellowhamer.
Brown Hare,
On the route, there is a memorial to a WW2 accident where 33 were tragically killed.
In early 1944, numerous training exercises were being undertaken in preparation for the Allied invasion of D-Day.
On the 4th April 1944, 1 HGSU, Horsa 1 glider, LG999 towed by Stirling IV LJ-842 of 196 Squadron took part in a large-scale glider exercise code-named ‘Exercise Dreme’.The night exercise of various legs was to take 3.5 hours, and the gliders were to be released over Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The glider occupants were two glider pilots and members of No. 3 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, 7th (Airborne) Division, King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
Low cloud was reported in the Lewis area and on the leg from Lewis to Winchester. As the towing Stirling descended through the clouds, it hit a tree. The glider released immediately and crashed in Warnford. All 27 men on board the Horsa LG999 were killed. The Stirling flew on for another 15 minutes when it stalled, and crashed at 21:00 hours one-mile south-west of Romsey, some 18 miles from the site of the glider crash, and all six crew members were killed.
Sheep farming on the South Downs.
“Nests on seaside cliffs, often among auks and Northern Fulmar.” This bird, in non-breeding plumage, was in a flock of Black-headed Gulls at Titchfield Haven on Tuesday, a relatively rare sight for us on the Hampshire coast.
‘The Hospital of St Cross’ was first conceived by the grandson of William the Conqueror, Henri de Blois. This remarkable establishment reflects a blend of history, charity, and architectural beauty, founded by de Blois, a young French monk and nobleman who later ascended to the esteemed position of Bishop of Winchester. In 1132, with a compassionate vision, he founded the hospital with the noble intent to provide shelter for 13 frail men who were unable to work. Additionally, the institution had a program to feed 100 men at its gates daily, reinforcing the values of community and care during a time when such charitable acts were vital.
During the mid-15th Century, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, recognising the importance of the institution, set up ‘The Almshouse of Noble Poverty.’ He played a crucial role in enhancing the hospital, overseeing the construction of the majority of its current buildings. Among these structures are the elegant line of Almshouses, which create a picturesque setting that has been appreciated for centuries. Over the years, the site has evolved through the medieval era, maintaining its foundational purpose of providing Almshouse accommodation. This commitment to charity and community support continues to this day.
Continued Reflections from my World. 