Coot
Surprisingly large water bird, when seen out of the water. Will soon see the arival of more coots from eastern europe.
Mallard and Moorhen
The Moorhens are have a secretive nature that makes them ideal sentinals on the marsh. You will often hear their alarm call (Ki-Kick, Ki-Kick).
Swan Family (south)
Swan family doing well. Young are now as big as the adults and can be seen stretching their wings!
Update!
Have been advised by Blogger that they have not created the link between Google Picasa and Beta Blogger. But hope to do so in the near future. I hope that they do soon as this is the best way I have of publishing my images to my Blog.
You will see that I have been able to post some new pictures and will continue to use this method for the time being, although it is not satisfactory.
You will see that I have been able to post some new pictures and will continue to use this method for the time being, although it is not satisfactory.
Problem with Blog!
I'm sorry but Blogger.com have decided to change things and is usual in such cases, there are a lot of problems. At the moment I'm unable to upload any photos. Will get back to you as soon as I can.
Back from Hols!
Hello everyone! Back from my hols in sunny Spain. Looking forward to getting on the marsh. Strangely enough our hotel in Spain was directly opposite a salt marsh, not as nice as ours. Same birds, sparrows, housemartins, pink flamingos!
The 'Fleet' Coatham Nature Reserve, Redcar
This picture shows the fleet and marsh in conjunction with the surrounding industrial land. This, in my opinion, emphasises the need for the close cooperation between industry and the environment, something which hasn't always been there. This cooperation is an ongoing requirement and should not stop at the planting of a few trees and shrubs, as it seems to have in the case of the Fleet!
Common Blue Butterfly (again)
I've rotated this image, because I think it looks better. I've noticed that the Common Blue Butterfly appears to prefer to rest upside down!
Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Attractive perennial that grows in the margins of still/slow moving fresh water. Uncommon in the North of England. Found here on the south bank of the Fleet.
Sedge Warbler (again)
This was a tricky one to photograph. He was in and out of the reeds hunting for insects, making it hard to get a focus on him. Had to use manual focus to avoid the camera 'hunting' or focusing on the reeds and not the bird.
Wednesday 9th August
Lovely morning for a walk with the dog. Trust have been out yesterday cutting grass, tidying paths. There's a difficult balance between housekeeping and disturbing habitats. I personally don't mind a bit of a jungle, but I understand that you have to cater for the majority. Have a good day.
Bristly Oxtongue (Picris echioides)
If my identification is correct, then this is a rare plant for the North of England. Chances are its a wrong identification!
Tuesday 8th August
For some reason my photos for yesterday did not register. I have therefore re submitted them along with today's offerings. Busy out on the marsh this morning, dog walkers and children fishing on the fleet. Enjoy.
Elder Shrub
Nothing unusual about an Elder shrub, very common, favourite of council gardeners! This one is ver late flowering?
Japanese Rose Hip
These are ripe or very nearly, yet on an adjacent shrub they were still green? Natures way!
Monday 7th August
I've decided that August is not one of my favorite months. The shortage of bird 'action' is really annoying. Today I was walking along the banks of the Fleet, warm, sun trying to break through, being buzzed by a cloud of 'miggies', when I suddenly realised that there was silence, all around me. Not one bird making a noise. Dreadful! Roll on autumn. One thing I did notice that there is a bumper crop of berries, no doubt we'll hear about a hard winter on its way! Enjoy
Red-tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus lapidarius)
Common bee of our countryside and gardens. This is the male of the species, distinguished from the female by the 'dirty' collar. Usually nest on the ground beneath stones.
Sunday 6th August
Day of rest, so had a little lay in. Very warm and humid, overcast, not good for climbing around the marsh. Watched the northside swans for five minutes as they preened and stretched their wings. It won't be long before the youngsters are looking like proper swans. Very quiet, strange sought of atmosphere. Holly had a short sprint after a startled rabbit, but I could tell her heart wasn't in it. Enjoy!
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Common bush around the marsh, native to the eastcoast. Apparently the berries are rich in vitamins and the plant is cultivated in some countries for its health and medicinal properties. Berries ripen in September and are best cooked before consumption.
Branched Bur-reed (Sparganium erectum)
Common reed found on still or slow moving fresh water. Notice the unusually shaped flower heads!
Saturday 6th August
Nice, warm and still day. Out by 7:00am so was pretty much on my own out there. One angler and a jogger! Looked for my camera lens cap but didn't find it! Climbed the ridge today and came back up the Valley. Very quiet for birds, that time of year. Noticed that all the Life Saving Aids were in the water! Enjoy.
Common Blue Butterfly (Polyommatus icarus)
Second generation butterfly. Male seen here displaying its violet-blue coloured wings. The next photo will show the same butterfly with wings closed.
Seven Spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7 punctata)
One of the commonest of the 24 species of ladybird. Seen here on a thistle, there must have been in excess of 100 in this community, which is quite common. They exude a long lasting pungent liquid if attacked.
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