What's Buzzing or Flying near you today.... 2014

A damp dismal walk around Durlston CP this morning, one Peregrine and lots of Blackcaps and Whitethroats feeding continuously plus a flock of 20 Wheatears.
Juvenile Whitethroat.


Three of the Wheatears with a smart looking male on the right.

 

Young Stoggie pestering for food...No wonder they call them 'Squeakers'

 

Well that's supper wrapped up...(top left)

 

Had a walk around Hartland (Lowland) Moor and Middlebere Channel this morning.
After seeing loads of Spotted Flycatchers in Mallorca last week there were a few here feeding frantically before they fly back to Africa.
Surrounded by gnats it didn't know which way to turn!


Lots of young Yellow Wagtails around but as with the Spotted Flys, not for long.
They were feeding around the cattle but all flew off up onto a barn roof.




Another migrant hanging around for a while, one Osprey which caught a huge fish and the stuffed itself for twenty minutes. Poor shots as it was so far away.

 

Fantastic pictures as always Strongy. I learn so much from viewing your pictures and reading your descriptions,

Jenny

 

Thanks Jenny, Autumn migration is now under way and the birds stay around the coastal areas for longer as they are in no hurry to make the long journey back and there are obviously more of them with all the young ones. Some will hop back in fits and starts while some will make the 1500+ mile trip in one go!! such as some of the tiny Warblers.

 

It's such a lovely gentle day here in Battle today Strongy. Why would they want to leave this behind? How do they know when they must leave it no longer? It's all such a marvellous mystery and I hope they can continue to keep the secret to themselves,
Jenny

 

A mystery we can only guess at, day length may be one factor, temperature could be another although Swifts and Spotted Flys are normally the first to go in August/early Sept but with the warm weather and abundance of food they really shouldn't need to go so early so why do they?
The have senses we don't possess and possibly a built in navigation system as some young fly to the wintering grounds in Africa without their parents but still know where to go.
I wish I had the answers but.....

 

Awww Wow fantastic pics Strongy

 

I don't want to leave my sweet home, yet...


A 2nd House Martin youngster just about visible on the left


Common darter




Mother of pearl moth


A buzzard flew right overhead

 

Great pics HsuH! Lovely markings on the underneath of the Buzzard.

 

I love that little Mother of Pearl moth piccie @HsuH but, as always, your shots are a joy to view,
Jenny

 

The Bumblebees are getting in a right state with Sunflower pollen

 

Not much about today.
Reed Warbler and female Stonechat.