(Photo 2023/12/01)
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and install a new culvert.
(image ©️ Rachel McAloon)
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All five were developing well and were successfully fitted with BTO identification rings. These allow us to monitor the birds once fledged and to contribute data about breeding outcomes, survival rates and lifespan of Barn Owls to the British Trust for Ornithology.
There was evidence of food stored within the nest box, which is an excellent sign and reflects the abundance of vole/small mammal prey seen in the area this year. The nestlings were returned to their box before the parent birds returned from hunting.
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Perfect for potential Curlew nesting sites.
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Male and female Stonechat
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The pond is still shrinking
perhaps viewed mournfully by the Snipe on his pole.
The pond is certainly drying-up
But the Hawthorn has a fine blossom.
and some Curlew on the way
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Black Grouse on parade, and
the Golden Plover are here.
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However, five Golden Plover spotted and a healthy amount of frog spawn in the splashes right at the top.
]]>A pair of Partridge posed but it was taken through the windscreen, so questionable quality.
A couple of Roe Deer in our ghyll the first for some time, a mature doe and her last year's youngster.
My first pair of skylarks, a good flock of lapwing and a decent lot of golden plover, everything's on the move it would seem.
Ponds are full and looking good, ready for the first bathers.
]]>About ten more wader puddles done as well as a few short lengths of drain cleared out.
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Roe Deer fawn slot - the small size illustrated by a camera lens cap.
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Drystone walling. Repairs are always required and we've recently done 87 metres - looks pretty straight as well!
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However, I'm a bit concerned I've seen no partridge for weeks now, I just hope that at least one pair has managed to produce a brood in what's been a good year elsewhere.
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However, it is very purple with the heather in bloom.
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