Local Heron and an eel.
The Eel has recently suffered dramatic declines and is a protected species. It is famous for its mammoth migration from its freshwater home to the Sargasso Sea where it breeds. I have regularly seen eels being taken by Herons at Titchfield Nature Reserve. I have also found some on the beach.
Length: up to 1m
Weight: 0.5-5kg
Average Lifespan: 15-70 years
A lone Black-Tailed Godwit (male) at Titchfield Harbour.
This Godwit colour varies depending on its age and the time of year. The male in summer has a stunning colour pattern with a chestnut brown head and neck. The underside is barred with dark brown stripes.
Four-spotted Orbweb Spider (male)
Four-spotted Orbweb Spider (female)
Stonechat family – It is that time of year when many young birds have fledged this Stonechat family were all very vocal and were happy to keep together in the gorse.
Back in June we found this New Forest Pool a mile or so from the road and enjoyed a few hours photographing and watching dragonflies.
Posted a couple of views back then.
We walked back there this morning. The same pond a month later. After our heat wave.
An apple core snatch and grab. Sometimes the temptation of getting close to a human for a tasty bit of food overcomes any fear. This Grey Squirrel was showing an interest in my apple while I was sitting on our van step. When I had finished eating it I dropped it on the grass within seconds he was on it.
And the prize.
Common Terns.
Another visit to Titchfield Haven nature reserve today to watch the Terns. As well as the adult birds lots of juvenile birds learn the ropes before they leave and head off to Africa from their parents.
Wordless Wednesday.
Common Terns at Titchfield Haven Nature reserve. A picture-heavy post. (includes some Red Shank & Black-headed gulls).
Common Terns are silvery-grey and white birds with long tails that have earned them the nickname sea-swallows They are graceful flight and frequently hover over water before plunging down for fish. They are often noisy. Each year nesting colonies are good at Titchfield Haven. UK breeding:12,000 pairs. I always look forward to their arrival in April and notice their absence when they leave in late August or early September. They migrate South to Africa after the breeding season.
Continued Reflections from my World. 