Wildlife March 2011

[Gunilla]

Today I saw bees for the first time this year. I think it must be spring now, finally 

[SusanS]

Lovely photo.  We haven't seen any bees out and about yet, but Darren did encounter a very LARGE wasp which had been overwintering in the utility room.  It was a little annoyed as it couldn't find the way out through the closed window and door. 

[mark smyth]

The first swallow of the year has been seen in N Ireland and what a stunning day to be seen

[Stephenb]

One of the best things of living here in Norway is the cross-country skiing. I've had a winter holiday this last week and the weather has been perfect for skiing in the local area offtrack (until the weather changed earlier this week). Here's a clip from a trip to Skarpåsen (literally sharp hill) an area with some nice old Pine and Spruce trees and some interesting birds too (Three-toed Woodpecker, Great Grey Shrike, Pygmy Owl, Capercaillie etc) and there's a Black Grouse lek also.  By the way, it's not easy skiing with ski poles in one hand and camera in the other...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KCQ7rq0BE0&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[Maggi Young]

For most of the track there had only been one person ahead of you,  was that Mrs S. who was waiting at the end with a flask of tea and a sandwich?

 Super video!

[Stephenb]

If only....

I was following myself 

...and I was waiting for me at the end with a flask of tea and a sandwich...

[Maggi Young]

Very thoughtful of you, Stephen!

[mark smyth]

These two butterflies have been enjoying the very warm day here. It's been difficult to get long video footage. If I moved suddenly they flew off with him chasing her

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-T0NaxSgfg[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cral2tf_bBs[/youtube]

[mark smyth]

Stephen are you following someone elses tracks?

[RichardW]

Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs singing today, quite a few butterflies, bats & very noisy Little Owls this morning, dodging frogs and toads with the mowers today, spring has sprung 

[Stephenb]

Stephen are you following someone elses tracks?

See above, I was following myself   These are the tracks I made on my way up to the top...

Nice to see the Tortoiseshells! Difficult to believe with the storm still ranging that it's only 2-3 weeks before they (and Chiffchaffs) are seen here!

[Graham Catlow]

The nest box in the garden is now home to a pair of wrens,(Troglodytes troglodytes). They managed to take up occupancy before the robin got there. Although there was a squabble a couple of days ago with the robin evicting the wren and attacking it on the ground. The wren escaped and within a couple of minutes carried on building. I haven't seen the robin near since. The wrens don't seem to care if I am around and just continue about their business.

A couple of peacock butterflies have been hanging around the garden for a few days. This one is a little damaged.

Photos;
Arriving with moss for a comfortable lining.
About to enter.
Looking out before departure
Close up
Peacock butterfly.

[mark smyth]

Is anyone planning to put up swift nest boxes this year? This week I was told the latest figure for the decline in Scotland is a scary -60%  . I have added 3 boxes to my colony. 

[daveyp1970]

Graham super shots love the Peacock.

[scatigaz]

Went to my local reservoir today and saw several Sand Martins but was very surprised to see a House Martin amongst them. This is my earliest sighting ever of this species. Was scanning frantically to see a Swallow to make it a trio but had to rush off to work. Will try again for Swallow in the morning.