birds and birdwatch,

Male Kingfisher.

/ Andy Finnegan / 2 Comments

The bottom of the beak is a different colour for females. The male Kingfisher’s beak is entirely black. The female’s beak has a pinkish-orange tinge on the bottom.

To remember it is a female, many people say she is wearing lipstick.

Forest stream.

/ Andy Finnegan / 4 Comments

Another hot weather walk in the New Forest this morning found us following a small stream on the flat which helped us keep cool. There were many Dragonflies – Emperor Dragonflies were “dipping”. An action where they lay their eggs.

Another Dragonfly that was about in good numbers was the Golden-ringed Dragonfly.

A few bird spots.

Nuthatch.

Blue Tit.

A lucky spot walking back to the van was a young Grass Snake.

Goosander.

/ Andy Finnegan / 4 Comments

These diving ducks are a member of the sawbill family, named for their serrated bills, that they use to catch fish. A largely freshwater bird, they first bred in the UK in 1871. It built up numbers in Scotland and, since 1970, it has spread across northern England into Wales, reaching south-west England. Its love of salmon and trout has brought it into conflict with fishermen. This bird seen today in Titchfield Habour is a female (the male has a green head).

Bolderwood.

/ Andy Finnegan / 2 Comments

We went looking for deer in the New Forest today but were not very lucky only distant Fallow Deer. However, on a small pond, several dragonflies were buzzing overhead.

A female Stonechat.

Bee Hives are out in the Forest – As the Heather comes into flower Bee Hives are placed to take advantage of these nectar-rich flowers.

A lone Fallow Deer.

Favourite spot.

/ Andy Finnegan / 3 Comments

At the Little Bridge at Titchfield Harbour where the River Meon reaches the sea, there is a favourite spot under the bushes where a Grey Heron likes to fish. Often people miss him! If you wait for a while he may come out into full view.