Land/Water Wildlife

Raft Spider, RSPB Arne. I've previously struggled to spot these, but a very kind couple helped by pointing out where they were lurking amongst the vegetation. Taken from about 6 feet away with a long telephoto lens.

 

Red Squirrel, Brownsea Island

I took the track past the church, then turned left towards the Lily Pond [1] where there were loads of Red Squirrels.


[1] I was expecting a Monet type pool!

 

Re Brownsea, where did you park? I usually park at Shell bay, Studland and go to Sandbanks via the chain ferry which unfortunately is out of service. The Poole quay Brownsea ferry is a lot dearer and I would have to pay for hours of parking so I haven't been since June.

Glad you found the Raft Spiders, the Wasp Spiders aren't around now as they only live for a year.
Did you see any Spoonies?

I am of to Portland Bill tomorrow for the day.

 

Paid £4 for the Poole Quay MSCP . But I usually only pay for parking only several times a year, knowing all the free spaces wherever I go, but Poole Quay is a new one for me, so bit the bullet as a one off.

Getting back to Rockley Park (bargain 4 night break) using Google navigation (satnaff) was a nightmare as it constantly tried to send me over the closed Sails Bridge, even when it would have been quicker to continue with my (obviously congested) diversion, but I guess it was working on data that showed the Sails Bridge route clear of traffic, so kept trying to send me back that way.

Loads in the distance from the 2 storey hide, think somebody there said there were over 50.


P.S. Buying a lottery ticket for Saturday Rightmove.co.uk It's the new house next to the RSPB.

 

The Red Deer rut's in progress.









These 2 males were a bit young for that sort of thing

 

Noticed your comments Strongylodon 9th Oct. The following is too long but hope it is acceptable:
About Song Thrushes tried to protect them since a pair nested in a potting shed after being encouraged 12 years ago.
They still use it, the usual egg-stealers haven't found them, and take food and mealworms from a box on the er.. green Wheelie Bin designed to admit any birds no larger than a Song Thrush. Young thrushes and parents use it, and not bothered by Blackbirds which is surprising.
Kept a diary, 17 clutches of Song Thrushes were seen here during the 12 years, so only 5 second clutches which is disappointing!
Earlier this season they nested in a friend's shed 3 streets away, are they 'our' matured returning birds? Spring-time there's usually 2 or 3 Song Thrushes singing competitivley somewhere around here.
Younger one, same family.

 

This morning we had a young Bambi come bobing through the garden (nice the see the 4 legged bound's) with a fox runing after it, had a chace around then left, didn't look like freddy (fox) was trying to catch bambi more like it was a bit of fun

 

Every night have 3 hedgehogs come and visit, feeding in the feeding station.

 

After I cut the grass in the front garden yesterday I cleared some leaves under the front shrub border only to find a dead hoglet, It was smaller than the ones that had recently been visiting the back garden and it showed no sign of attack or being run over, sad but it may have just starved despite food available in ours and our neighbours back gardens.

 

Sika Stag at Arne RSPB while I was doing my volunteering walkabout.

 

A fine looking animal.

 

Can just about see a hedgehog in the feeding station

 

Odds and ends from Tenerife.

Tenerife Lizard, up to a foot long.



Female feeding on Lantana berries.


Iberian Pool frogs.




Red Rock Crab.




Rock Pool Blenny.


Tent Spider.

 

Bank Vole at RSPB Arne, taken a liking to sunflower hearts.