Wild about Animals Springwatch 2011

Our first Swallow has arrived this morning at Hunters Hamlet





I thought I saw two down on the beach a few miles from here yesterday, but I was'nt sure. The sighting this morning confirms it though, we get Swallows nesting here every year

WS

Fantastic - I will have to keep an eye out for our first swallows and swifts and house martins - busy time of year now for these birds.

Lai

We've got a pair now, and they are starting to look at nest sites. They were in the outbuilding that has the Caraven sites bins in it. It's usually one of the favourite nesting sites. So it looks a case of first come first served.
I also saw a few butterflys when I was down on the coast, not near enough to identify. I would think they were native species, as it seems a bit early for migration ones.

WS

Re the butterflies WS we've been seeing Peacocks for a week or so and maybe some others but as they are flighty you can't always get an ID on them!

Definitely lots of nesting going on ............... just got to find out where

Lai

Percy in full Spring mating dress




WS

Wow - yes, what a handsome peacock he is. Great photos WS.

Lai

Hooley Dooley he is looking fantastic WS, such a handsome boy. I bet that tail looks stunning when his tail is in full fan.

littllewid-x-

I put this on the 'feeding station' thread but I thought it might be better on this one

A Blackbird couple taken in the hedge this afternoon. When I first noticed them all I could see was the female's eye poking out between two leaves as both of them were completely hidden by the hedge but by the time I got my camera she had popped fully out and the male was on his way out too

Great shot PPH, definately looks like a courting couple to me
WS

thats what I thought. what had they been up to in the hedge and they did look a bit guilty when they emerged. maybe they were looking at potential nest sites. I know that its not going to happen but it would be so cool to have a nest right outside my window

I dont know PPH. Fancy playing Gooseberry
WS

not really, maybe I can get the Springwatch team to put up a camera. I don't think they will as itll cause problems with the other birds visiting my feeder and they may want a bit of peace and quiet

I think he has a proud look on his face PPH they look a lovely couple and he does look really healthy as you said earlier. It's a lovely picture and it would be fantastic to have a camera running wouldn't it.

littlewid-x-

Looks like the rest of the Swallows arrived today. There was the original two that arrived on the 9th April, then all of a sudden at about 12-00pm there was at least a dozen. The first two have started nest building in the stables
WS

That's great to hear WS. We still haven't seen any Swallows, Swifts or House Martins.

Lai

I had a walk round today, abd found 4 Swallows nests in the outbuildings. I also know that there are at least another 4 in the eaves of the buildings, but I cant actualy see them. So with luck I may be able to get some photos of baby Swallows soon. I saw this today on a Dandylion, not sure of the species it was a lot smaller than the white ones I used to call Cabbage Butterflies



WS

It could be a Wood White WS. http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/index.php

Glad to hear you've got the Swallows. We've got some House Martins but sadly at the moment not nearly as many as last year.

Lai

Just checked the site. I'd forgotten you put it on before, and yes I think your right it does look like a Wood White, and the area it was in is correct for that species
Thanks Lai
WS

Glad you found your Butterfly WS. It's a lovely photo. I tried taking some Wasps and Bees feeding on the Wisteria the other day. Need to down load them to see what they look like though.

littlewid-x-

Any of you Guys got an idea what this is. It was on our wall in the house after we'd been out side with the door open
This was shot with natural light

This one was with flash


I thought it was a bit early for Crane Flies ( Daddy Longlegs ),but as I've said before I'm not that good on insects
WS

I am not sure WS, I am not very good on insects either. I would guess either an Alderfly or a Lacewing but will have to :study:

Lai

mmmmmmmmmm but it had little legs, maybe WS had squashed it or maybe it's still growing .....

Lai

Me squash it . It's smaller than the image I've put on, proberbly about the same size as Doogs photo
WS