This morning, I made an early start with the aim of spotting some Kingfishers from one of the hides at Titchfield Haven. There are several well-placed posts which are often frequented by Kingfishers.
As nothing goes to plan, there was not a Kingfisher in sight. However, a Sparrowhawk decided to land on one post. Then, within a few minutes of the Hawk leaving, a Little Egret landed on another of the posts.
Juvenile Spotted flycatcher, New Forest.
Between showers today, this Snipe came out into the open for a few minutes during my morning walk . Also spotted a Water Vole, but he was too quick for me to get a photograph!
Spotted the Leucism Oystercatcher today at Titchfield Haven, see old blog – he has been around since 2017. So nice to spot him again.
Occasionally, I see Cattle Egrets; numbers in the UK are rising. They often spend time close to livestock, such as cows, and they grab the insects and worms that their hooves disturb. Cattle Egrets have yellow or greyish legs and a yellow beak,
Some distant pictures of an alone Cattle Egret at Titchfield Haven yesterday.
Watching the Swallows, the juvenile birds are now flying and hunting for insects on their own. Parent birds fly with them high in the sky and low across the moor.
Another visit to watch Hobbies in the New Forest.
On today’s walk, we came across a family of Hobbies. Their noise high in a pine tree gave away the three youngsters’ position, calling to mum and dad, who were answering their calls and bringing in food. Hobbies are about the size of a Kestrel with pointed wings. Known for their fast flight, chasing large insects such as dragonflies and small birds such as swallows and martins. Prey is often caught in its talons and transferred to its beak in flight. Hobbies can accelerate rapidly in flight and are capable of high-speed aerial manoeuvres.
The bottom picture is of one of the youngsters deep in the tree.
Willow Emerald Damselfly and Southern Hawker Dragonfly at Titchfield Haven this morning.
Continued Reflections from my World. 