Common Kestrel hovering, looking for small rodents.
Kestrel.
Author: Andy Finnegan
Feathers.
During the Victorian times, Little Egret feathers were highly valued for fashionable headgear. This led to a massive decline in the bird population. The demand for Egret feathers was immense. The birds were farmed and hunted extensively. The plumes were worth more than gold. This unsustainable trade ultimately spurred the creation of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
New Forest views.
The trees 🌳 are now developing their leaves. The cycle of life continues.
This test post was made from a smartphone.
Fox.
Our fox is equally at home within our woodland and farmland, or city streets. At the top of the countryside food chain, they consume a variety of animals. Their diet includes everything from birds and beetles to rabbits and rats. In the city, they scavenge around human activity waste bins and abandoned fast food is a favourite.
A spash of colour.
Or for those in the USA – A splash of color .
Stonechat on Gorse and Magpie in an Apple Tree.
Mandarin
Mandarin Duck Cadmans Pool New Forest.
Living History.
Today we had an exciting fast boat trip from Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. On High Speed Launch 102.
A calm sea and sunny weather added to the experience.
102 is the only survivor of the 100 class in the UK. She was launched in 1936. She was one of the first, fast offshore rescue boats in service with the Royal Air Force. She was one of the most technologically advanced production craft of the day, She saw active service in WW2. Off Calshot, she was damaged by a Messerschmitt 109 which also killed her radio operator. 1943, she transferred to the Royal Navy for target towing. She was sold off off in 1946. She became a houseboat. She was restored between 1993 and 1996 at Fawley. Now she is in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Lapwing.
One Lapwing was sitting in the grass, and two others were flying /displaying just over her head. My interpretation was that they were two males trying to impress. The mating season has started in the wetlands.
Eider.
Eider drake crab fishing. He would dive down get a crab, shake its legs off then eat it.
Another.
Another female Redstart. A beautiful bird, almost understated compared to the bright male bird.
Continued Reflections from my World. 