Nature Photographers Ltd

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • NPL Blog
Show Navigation

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
{ 1286 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Aylmerton Village from above, Norfolk, UK
    143174.jpg
  • View above Old Grimsby on Tresco, Isles of Scilly
    161481.jpg
  • View above Old Grimsby on Tresco, Isles of Scilly
    161482.jpg
  • The River Test at Cilbolton, Hampshire
    162376.jpg
  • Dawn over Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire
    162464.jpg
  • Over the tree tops at Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire
    162463.jpg
  • View over the Test Valley from Cow Common, Chilbolton, Hampshire
    162378.jpg
  • Cow Common, Chilbolton, Hampshire
    162379.jpg
  • Overhead view of the River Test at Cow Common, Chilbolton, Hampshire.
    162377.jpg
  • Aerial of Blakeney Point National Nature reserve, National Trust, summer, Norfolk UK
    156992.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156949.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156948.jpg
  • Railway Bridge over the River Thames at Goring from Hartslock Hill
    154547.jpg
  • Urban Environment
    129674.jpg
  • Aerial view of Blakeney Point, Norfolk, UK
    143176.jpg
  • Turkeytail - Trametes versicolor
    135575.jpg
  • Aerial of summer farmland over North Norfolk, UK
    157024.jpg
  • Aerial of Blakeney Point National Nature reserve, National Trust, summer, Norfolk UK
    156994.jpg
  • Aerial of Blakeney Point National Nature reserve, National Trust, summer, Norfolk UK
    156993.jpg
  • Sand Sole -  Pegusa lascaris
    156905.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156950.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156945.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156943.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156942.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156941.jpg
  • Eleonora's Falcon - Falco eleonorae
    156939.jpg
  • Evening light over the River Thames and Day's Lock from Wittenham Clumps near Wallingford, Oxfordshire, Uk
    154441.jpg
  • Overlooking the River Thames from the Chiltern Hills in summer, Oxfordshire, Uk - Summer
    154527.jpg
  • Dawn over the River Thames at Mill End and Hambleden Lock near Henley, Oxfordshire, UK
    154538.jpg
  • River Thames and Goring Viaduct from Hartslock Nature Reserve, Goring
    154548.jpg
  • Dehesa Woodland
    129554.jpg
  • The Thames at Tower Bridge from the Monument City of London
    132852.jpg
  • The City of London From the Monument
    132851.jpg
  • SPANISH LANDSCAPE
    133018.jpg
  • Rural Spanish Landscape from the air
    133017.jpg
  • BLAKENEY TO HOLKHAM, NORFOLK COASTAL FARMLAND FROM THE AIR
    142039.jpg
  • Saltmarshes on Blakeney Point, Norfolk, UK
    142532.jpg
  • Wareham Saltmarshes, Norfolk, UK
    143187.jpg
  • Wareham Saltmarshes, Norfolk, UK
    143188.jpg
  • Wells channel & Saltmarshes, Norfolk, UK
    143189.jpg
  • Goring and Streatley on Thames from hillside at Lardon Chase, Oxfordshire, Uk
    154458.jpg
  • Spring sunset over the River Thames overlooking Mapledurham House and Weir from the Chiltern Hills, Uk
    154489.jpg
  • View of the town of Pollenca from the road to Puig de Maria, Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
    154498.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has a flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of the long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along the dorsal surface of the body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case.
    142953.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata Length to 75cm<br />
Well-marked ray. Found in mouths of estuaries and sandy bays. Adult has typical ray shape with rather short snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with pale lines and spots. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142677.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna)Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
    142536.jpg
  • Thornback Ray Raja clavata Length to 90cm<br />
The most familiar inshore ray. Adult has flat, roughly diamond-shaped body with a short snout. Dorsal surface of long tail has thorny spines with swollen bases; these continue in a line along dorsal surface of body. Upper body surface is grey-brown with dark stripes or pale and dark spots; lower surface is pale. Tail looks banded. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142225.jpg
  • Spotted Ray Raja montagui Length to 75cm<br />
Similar to Thornback Ray but separable using pattern and structure. Fairly common in shallow inshore waters over sand. Adult has roughly diamond-shaped body and short, pointed snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with dark spots that do not extend to wing margins. Tail is long and does not look banded. Has spines along dorsal surface of tail and along centre of body; these lack swollen bases. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142226.jpg
  • Small-eyed Ray Raja microocellata Length to 75cm<br />
Well-marked ray. Found in mouths of estuaries and sandy bays. Adult has typical ray shape with rather short snout. Upper surface is grey-brown with pale lines and spots. Lays eggs, protected in a tough case. Widespread and locally common in S and W only.
    142224.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128683.jpg
  • Adder Vipera berus Length 45-60cm Venomous snake. Hibernates October-March and sunbathes regularly in spring. Males perform wrestling ‘dances’ to determine access to females for mating. Sexes are similar but females are larger than males. Adult ground colour ranges from reddish brown, greenish yellow or grey to creamy buff.  Almost all have a blackish zigzag line along back, anterior end of which looks arrowheaded and framed by inverted ‘V’ marking on head. Melanic ‘Black Adders’ also occur; commonest in N. Juvenile is similar but slender and usually reddish brown. Widespread but local, found on heaths, moors, open woodlands, rough grassland and coastal dunes. Easiest to see in early spring when basking.
    136064.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136125.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136129.jpg
  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
    136130.jpg
  • Grass Snake Natrix natrix Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.
    136218.jpg
  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
    141604.jpg
  • View over the Watership Down from White Hill, Kingsclere
    162375.jpg
  • Aerial vew of arable field, Hampshire
    161799.jpg
  • Aerial view of the River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161798.jpg
  • Aerial view of the River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161797.jpg
  • The River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161796.jpg
  • Aerial view of the River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161795.jpg
  • Aerial view of the River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161794.jpg
  • Aerial view of the River Test at Longparish, Hampshire
    161793.jpg
  • Adder - Vipera berus
    159805.jpg
  • Grass Snake - Natrix natrix
    159124.jpg
  • Hannington Tower and White Hill, Kingsclere Downs
    162374.jpg
  • Arable Crops at Andover Down, Test Way, Hampshire
    161787.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    158059.jpg
  • Merlin - Falco columbarius - adult male. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    158022.jpg
  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    157694.jpg
  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    157693.jpg
  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    157688.jpg
  • Merlin - Falco columbarius - juvenile. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    157574.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius - at nest. W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    121275.jpg
  • Little Stint Calidris minuta L 13-14cm. Tiny wader, like a miniature, short-billed Dunlin. Constant, frantic feeding activity helps with identification. Legs and bill are dark in all birds. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has white underparts, reddish brown on back and variable suffusion of rufous on head and neck. Note yellow ‘V’ on mantle, and pale supercilium that forks above eye. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts, with white on face between bill and eye. Juvenile has white underparts. Reddish brown and black feathers on back and wings have pale fringes that align to form white ‘V’ markings. Note buffish flush on side of breast, pale supercilium that forks above eye, pale forecrown and dark centre to crown. Voice Utters a shrill stip call. Status Regular passage migrant, most numerous in autumn when juveniles predominate.
    153786.jpg
  • Little Stint Calidris minuta L 13-14cm. Tiny wader, like a miniature, short-billed Dunlin. Constant, frantic feeding activity helps with identification. Legs and bill are dark in all birds. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has white underparts, reddish brown on back and variable suffusion of rufous on head and neck. Note yellow ‘V’ on mantle, and pale supercilium that forks above eye. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts, with white on face between bill and eye. Juvenile has white underparts. Reddish brown and black feathers on back and wings have pale fringes that align to form white ‘V’ markings. Note buffish flush on side of breast, pale supercilium that forks above eye, pale forecrown and dark centre to crown. Voice Utters a shrill stip call. Status Regular passage migrant, most numerous in autumn when juveniles predominate.
    153796.jpg
  • Sand Smelt Atherina presbyter Length to 15cm<br />
Slender, silvery-looking fish. Swims in shoals, often in inshore waters in summer months. Adult is yellowish-green above, pale below with silver scales along flanks. Has 2 dorsal fins, sited above pelvic and anal fins respectively. Local and seasonal, mainly in S and SW.
    142220.jpg
  • Sprat Sprattus sprattus Length to 16cm<br />
Shoal-forming Herring relative. Found in open seas but comes inshore in summer in particular. Adult is streamlined, blue-grey above and on sides, silvery-white below. Dorsal fin lies above pelvic fins. Belly has rough, saw-scaled outline. Widespread and fairly common.
    142062.jpg
  • Date-plum Diospyros lotus (Ebenaceae) HEIGHT to 14m <br />
Small, deciduous tree. BARK Grey or pink-tinged, broken by fissures into small plates. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Ovate or lanceolate with pointed tips and untoothed margins, dark glossy green above and greyer below; young leaves are downy above. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers bell-shaped and salmon-pink or orange-yellow. Male and female flowers on separate trees, males clustered and smaller than single females, which are about 5mm long. Fruit is a 2cm-long, edible berry; ripens from green, through yellow-brown to blue-black. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here occasionally.
    132888.jpg
  • Date-plum Diospyros lotus (Ebenaceae) HEIGHT to 14m <br />
Small, deciduous tree. BARK Grey or pink-tinged, broken by fissures into small plates. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Ovate or lanceolate with pointed tips and untoothed margins, dark glossy green above and greyer below; young leaves are downy above. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers bell-shaped and salmon-pink or orange-yellow. Male and female flowers on separate trees, males clustered and smaller than single females, which are about 5mm long. Fruit is a 2cm-long, edible berry; ripens from green, through yellow-brown to blue-black. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of SW Asia, planted here occasionally.
    132887.jpg
  • WHITE MULLEIN Verbascum lychnitis (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 1.5m. Upright biennial. Stems are rounded below but angled and downy above. Grows in dry, grassy places, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across, 5-lobed and white with whitish hairs on all the stamens; borne in branched spikes (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped capsules. LEAVES are ovate, shiny dark green above and downy below. STATUS-Local and rather scarce in S England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    131437.jpg
  • Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Length 15-22cm. Adult is a classic mouse-shape with pointed head, compact body and long tail. Coat is mainly yellowish brown above, with dark vertebral band along dorsal surface of head and body. Yellowish flank colour grades to whitish on underparts. Underground nest and tunnel network serve as a refuge. After dark, forages for seeds, nuts and fruits above ground; climbs well. Utters frantic squeals in distress. Common in woodland but also found in most other terrestrial habitats including scrub and gardens.
    112529.jpg
  • Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Length 15-22cm. Adult is a classic mouse-shape with pointed head, compact body and long tail. Coat is mainly yellowish brown above, with dark vertebral band along dorsal surface of head and body. Yellowish flank colour grades to whitish on underparts. Underground nest and tunnel network serve as a refuge. After dark, forages for seeds, nuts and fruits above ground; climbs well. Utters frantic squeals in distress. Common in woodland but also found in most other terrestrial habitats including scrub and gardens.
    113716.jpg
  • Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Length 15-22cm. Adult is a classic mouse-shape with pointed head, compact body and long tail. Coat is mainly yellowish brown above, with dark vertebral band along dorsal surface of head and body. Yellowish flank colour grades to whitish on underparts. Underground nest and tunnel network serve as a refuge. After dark, forages for seeds, nuts and fruits above ground; climbs well. Utters frantic squeals in distress. Common in woodland but also found in most other terrestrial habitats including scrub and gardens.
    144408.jpg
  • Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus Length 15-22cm. Adult is a classic mouse-shape with pointed head, compact body and long tail. Coat is mainly yellowish brown above, with dark vertebral band along dorsal surface of head and body. Yellowish flank colour grades to whitish on underparts. Underground nest and tunnel network serve as a refuge. After dark, forages for seeds, nuts and fruits above ground; climbs well. Utters frantic squeals in distress. Common in woodland but also found in most other terrestrial habitats including scrub and gardens.
    144714.jpg
  • Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Length 10-15cm Widespread legged lizard. Fond of sunbathing. Hibernates Oct-April. Gives birth to live young. Adult has rather slender body with angular, pointed snout. Ground colour is variable but brown is usual. From above, note vertebral row of dark spots or patches, and parallel rows of dark markings on flanks, bordered above by pale spots. Some have green or reddish flush to head. Mature male has bright yellow or orange underparts studded with dark spots. Juvenile resembles a miniature adult but with relatively much shorter tail; uniformly black for first few weeks of life. Has declined markedly. Still very locally common in open habitats, notably heathland.
    128681.jpg
  • Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Length 10-15cm Widespread legged lizard. Fond of sunbathing. Hibernates Oct-April. Gives birth to live young. Adult has rather slender body with angular, pointed snout. Ground colour is variable but brown is usual. From above, note vertebral row of dark spots or patches, and parallel rows of dark markings on flanks, bordered above by pale spots. Some have green or reddish flush to head. Mature male has bright yellow or orange underparts studded with dark spots. Juvenile resembles a miniature adult but with relatively much shorter tail; uniformly black for first few weeks of life. Has declined markedly. Still very locally common in open habitats, notably heathland.
    139926.jpg
  • Common Lizard Lacerta vivipara Length 10-15cm Widespread legged lizard. Fond of sunbathing. Hibernates Oct-April. Gives birth to live young. Adult has rather slender body with angular, pointed snout. Ground colour is variable but brown is usual. From above, note vertebral row of dark spots or patches, and parallel rows of dark markings on flanks, bordered above by pale spots. Some have green or reddish flush to head. Mature male has bright yellow or orange underparts studded with dark spots. Juvenile resembles a miniature adult but with relatively much shorter tail; uniformly black for first few weeks of life. Has declined markedly. Still very locally common in open habitats, notably heathland.
    144185.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    114577.jpg
  • Little Stint Calidris minuta L 13-14cm. Tiny wader, like a miniature, short-billed Dunlin. Constant, frantic feeding activity helps with identification. Legs and bill are dark in all birds. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has white underparts, reddish brown on back and variable suffusion of rufous on head and neck. Note yellow ‘V’ on mantle, and pale supercilium that forks above eye. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts, with white on face between bill and eye. Juvenile has white underparts. Reddish brown and black feathers on back and wings have pale fringes that align to form white ‘V’ markings. Note buffish flush on side of breast, pale supercilium that forks above eye, pale forecrown and dark centre to crown. Voice Utters a shrill stip call. Status Regular passage migrant, most numerous in autumn when juveniles predominate.
    127338.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    128854.jpg
  • Little Stint Calidris minuta L 13-14cm. Tiny wader, like a miniature, short-billed Dunlin. Constant, frantic feeding activity helps with identification. Legs and bill are dark in all birds. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has white underparts, reddish brown on back and variable suffusion of rufous on head and neck. Note yellow ‘V’ on mantle, and pale supercilium that forks above eye. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts, with white on face between bill and eye. Juvenile has white underparts. Reddish brown and black feathers on back and wings have pale fringes that align to form white ‘V’ markings. Note buffish flush on side of breast, pale supercilium that forks above eye, pale forecrown and dark centre to crown. Voice Utters a shrill stip call. Status Regular passage migrant, most numerous in autumn when juveniles predominate.
    129017.jpg
  • Little Stint Calidris minuta L 13-14cm. Tiny wader, like a miniature, short-billed Dunlin. Constant, frantic feeding activity helps with identification. Legs and bill are dark in all birds. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has white underparts, reddish brown on back and variable suffusion of rufous on head and neck. Note yellow ‘V’ on mantle, and pale supercilium that forks above eye. In winter, has grey upperparts and white underparts, with white on face between bill and eye. Juvenile has white underparts. Reddish brown and black feathers on back and wings have pale fringes that align to form white ‘V’ markings. Note buffish flush on side of breast, pale supercilium that forks above eye, pale forecrown and dark centre to crown. Voice Utters a shrill stip call. Status Regular passage migrant, most numerous in autumn when juveniles predominate.
    129018.jpg
  • Merlin Falco columbarius W 60-65cm. Our smallest raptor. Typically seen dashing flight, low over in pursuit of prey such as Meadow Pipit. Also perches on fence posts or rocky outcrops. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey upperparts and buffish, streaked and spotted underparts. In flight from above, note contrast between blue-grey back, inner wings and tail, and dark wing tips and dark terminal band on tail. Adult female has brown upperparts and pale underparts with large, brown spots. In flight from above, upperparts look rather uniformly brown with numerous bars on wings and tail. Juvenile resembles adult female. Voice Mostly silent but shrill kee-kee-kee… is uttered in alarm near nest. Status Scarce breeding season, found on upland moorland in spring and summer. Outside breeding season, moves S and to lowland areas and numbers boosted by migrants from Iceland.
    136304.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    139942.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145315.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145318.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145884.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145885.jpg
Next