Land /Water Wildlife

Greenfinches are getting bigger….

 

He’s a cheeky so and so

 

A goose?
There was a pair, not seen these before. Not a goodpicture.

 

Is that an Egyptian goose @pete ? Just going by the white bar on the wing. I've never seen one, but had a look online. They look rather nice.

 

Egyptian goose are quite common around here. It's not important but they aren't actually geese, rather a big duck, a member of the shell duck family I think.

 

I was going to call it a duck but thought it was too big.

I've never seen them before which is why I thought it worth a picture, quite unusual looking markings I thought.

 

I 'm surprised to read that Egyptian geese are considered an invasive species and it is banned from being kept as an ornamental bird.

 

I didn't know they were considered invasive either. I do live in their apparent stronghold but it's rare to see more than one or two pairs on a broad, although they have very large broods like other ducks. It's weird to think that a species naturally found amongst wildebeest and elephants, would chose chilly norfolk.

I don't remember a time when they weren't about.

 

They were introduced in the late 1600's for ornamental wildfowl collections, first was St James Park in London.
There are dozens of the around Dorset and breed annually., I have often posted photos of them in the What's flying thread .

 

It has been quite some time since I have seen our little vixen, Rosie, and I think she may have lost her battle with mange. Last night, a new fox appeared for the first time on my trail cam. It looks to be in very good condition and I surely hope it is living in a different den than Rosie was. Just like Rosie, it enjoys pizza crusts, but today I purchased dog food for it.

 

Not having see her for a while, it does seem likely that Rosie has gone @hydrogardener. Do you know whether the new visitor is male or female?

 

No Sheal, not yet, it has only made a single appearance as of today.

 

I still have not determined the sex of our new fox, but it may be planning on hanging around as it is stashing food all over the property to keep the feral cats from getting it. There is not much chance of it going bad in this weather! Foxy little critter.

 

Away at the moment spending time with our daughter who lives in Mandurah, Western Australia. Our fave place to walk is The Foreshore only a bus/train ride away plenty of wildlife out and about so posting a picture

 

Newts are out and about, this one i nearly stood on