In search of Crossbills in the New Forest. Sadly, the weather was dull and the light was poor. However, the day was successful with several large flocks spotted high up in the pine trees and flying overhead. I managed to get a few record photographs, but I hope to try again on a brighter day to get some better shots.
Male birds are Red and females Green. I spotted a couple of Crossbills earlier in the year (when they were a first for me), link below.
After a morning’s walk in the New Forest with little about. We headed back to the car park and spotted a Kestrel hunting. She was using a dead tree to eat her catch. This gave a photo opportunity.
Male and female kestrels are different. How to Spot the Difference – Males and females have distinct plumage. The male has a blue-grey tail and wings, and a chestnut-brown back with black spots. The female has a brown tail and wings, with darker brown streaks on the feathers.
Another fungi walk in the New Forest this morning. All pictures today were taken with my phone, which it edited into a short film -so a bit of fun.
Sadly, too many people are foraging for fungi in the New Forest and spotting edible fungi is now difficult in many areas.
#Wordless Wednesday
The fungi season has started, and now every walk I look down as well as up!
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, is always a thrill to see, adding colour to the woodland floor.
This year has been the best year I can remember for Spotted Flycatchers in the New Forest. Almost on every walk, I see at least one. I think this year, the number of young birds that have fledged has helped boost the numbers on several occasions. I have seen family groups of at least 6
birds.
Fistulina hepatica
Another common name for this parasitic bracket is the Ox Tongue fungus. If you cut through the flesh, it does look like a slice of prime beef; however taste is said to be not as good as the appearance. They grow on broadleaved trees, especially oaks and sweet chestnuts, from late summer into autumn.
Today I decided to leave the long lens at home and take a macro lens on our walk, following a stream on the lookout for bugs.
Housefly.
Honey Bee.
Mint Beetle.
Raft Spider.
Juvenile Spotted flycatcher, New Forest.
Continued Reflections from my World. 