I'm managing to get out everyday and am fortunate that there are a couple of small woodlands, some heathlands and a golf course, as well as a canal, within walking distance of my home. The golf course has opened its grounds for exercise too, just asking folk to respect staying off the greens
.
Thank goodness I can get out of the built up area, as this is what is keeping me sane, as the other 23ish hours of the day are spent in a one bed flat...
I'd wandered some of these places before, but never really explored them as there are more extensive places a short drive away that tend to draw me away. Yet in these little corners of suburbia, thousands of things are living.
Grey Heron
Moorhen (all moorhens are called Gordon, from the song. You know; Gordon is a Moorhen. You might need to be old to get this!)
Peacock butterfly
Nuthatch
Bluetit, exploring a hole, which turns out to be already taken by.......
....the nuthatch. Who also eyes me warily.
Chiffchaff (I'm pretty sure, something was singing the right song just before)
Red kite
Pied Wagtail
Gordon's missus (moorhen)
Great tit
Mrs Mallard and her 8 mallardettes
Again, I think a chiffchaff, from the call just before.
Bluetit, nest building
Another peacock butterfly
Speckled Wood butterfly
A pair of raptors were having an aerial dogfight with this crow. I am pretty sure, from the banding on the tail, that they were sparrowhawks.
The best bit has been finding a little bit of pine woodland where a pair of kestrels seem to be living. I've been able to sit quietly on the edge and watch both female and male. They haven't seemed to be nesting (yet?) and I am being cautious not to disturb them; they know I'm there, but seem happy to carry on preening and sometimes moving trees without going further away. Other people (and dogs) are walking right beneath these trees anyway (though its on a quieter corner).
Mrs Kestrel (can't see well here but the tail colour is the giveaway; pale grey on the male, buff/body-coloured with bands on the female.)
Mrs Kestrel
Mrs Kestrel on a different day
Common Carder bee
Robby Robin
Squirrel!!
Jay, bathing in the canal. Think he's put gel on his hair!!!
I've also seen other birds, a few grass snakes, deer and a foxes' arse. Its a joy to see all these things, and the weather has been superb, making it just a little easier to stay at home.