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
{ 303 images found }
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    155609.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    124562.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    124611.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    128430.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    128474.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    145907.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    128119.jpg
  • Bathyphantes gracilis - female. Abundant everywhere in grass and undergrowth, this small spider builds a hammock web, usually close to the ground.
    156844.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    128429.jpg
  • Brown Rat Rattus norvegicus Length 30-50cm Familiar rodent with omnivorous diet. Swims and climbs well. Adult recalls an outsized mouse but with a larger, plumper body, shorter ears, shorter legs (but larger feet) and a thicker tail. Fur is coarse and mainly brown, grading to grey on underparts. Tail looks scaly with sparse bristles. Utters agonising screams in distress. First reached in Britain in 1720 as a stowaway on boats. Now widespread and abundant especially in areas where food is discarded.
    145908.jpg
  • Neriene peltata. Liyphiid spider in hammock web in tree in woodland.
    155137.jpg
  • Linyphia triangularis - Female. The most common large Linyphiid spider in gardens and the wider countryside.
    155128.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    129649.jpg
  • Rowan Sorbus aucuparia Rosaceae Height to 20m <br />
Open, deciduous tree. Bark Silvery-grey, smooth. Branches Ascending with purple-tinged twigs and hairy buds. Leaves Pinnate, with 5–8 pairs of ovate, toothed leaflets, each to 6cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers to 1cm across with 5 white petals; in dense heads. Fruits rounded, scarlet, in clusters. Status Locally common native; also widely planted.
    118373.jpg
  • Brown Rat - Rattus norvegicus
    161213.jpg
  • Thrift - Armeria maritima - Lundy, north end.  Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    155474.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153909.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153910.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153927.jpg
  • BULBOUS BUTTERCUP Ranunculus bulbosus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairy perennial of dry grassland, including chalk downs. Note the swollen stem base. FLOWERS are 20-30mm across with 5 bright yellow petals and reflexed sepals; borne on furrowed stalks (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are divided into 3 lobes, each of which is stalked. STATUS-Widespread and often abundant.
    130921.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    144449.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    144451.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    145297.jpg
  • Short-tailed Vole (Field Vole) Microtus agrestis Length 11-16cm Locally abundant grassland rodent. Makes network of concealed surface runways and tunnels just below surface of soil, or through compacted roots of grasses. Diet comprises mainly grass roots. Adult has plump body and a relatively shorter tail and smaller ears than Bank Vole. Coat colour is mainly grey brown, palest on chest and belly. Utters shrill squeaks in alarm. Common in grassy habitats ranging from lowland meadows to upland moors. Widespread but absent from Ireland and most islands.
    103188.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    133973.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    144116.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157157.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus - Winter. Feeding on Three-spined Stickleback. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154648.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153892.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153905.jpg
  • COMMON GLASSWORT Salicornia europaea (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Fleshy, yellowish green annual that fancifully recalls a miniature cactus. Often appears segmented. Entirely coastal. A classic saltmarsh plant that tolerates tidal immersion in seawater. FLOWERS are tiny; appear at stem junctions, of equal size and in 3s, (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are minute seeds. LEAVES are small, paired and fleshy. STATUS-Locally abundant.
    134782.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    145299.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    128747.jpg
  • Woodpigeon Columba livia L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns.
    143693.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143960.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    144085.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    144117.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    158040.jpg
  • Woodpigeon Columba palumbus L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar.<br />
Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns.
    157956.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    157939.jpg
  • Feral Pigeon or Rock Dove. Known by the scientific name Columba livia, these birds are essentially one and the same. The Feral Pigeon (L 33cm) is the domesticated descendant, and urban counterpart, of the Rock Dove, a shy bird of wild cliffs and coasts. Feral Pigeon occurs as variety of colour forms but true Rock Doves show little variation. Both form flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile Rock Doves have blue-grey plumage, palest on upperwings and back, and flushed pinkish maroon on breast. Has two dark wingbars and dark-tipped tail. In flight, note small white rump; upperwings have dark trailing edge and narrow wingbar. Feral Pigeons occur in spectrum of colour forms from almost black to pure white. Some are very similar to ancestral Rock Dove. Voice Utters a range of cooing calls. Status Rock Dove is restricted to coasts and cliffs in N and W and is rather scarce. Feral Pigeon is abundant in towns and cities; occasionally seen on farmland and also in ancestral haunts.
    157715.jpg
  • Feral Pigeon or Rock Dove. Known by the scientific name Columba livia, these birds are essentially one and the same. The Feral Pigeon (L 33cm) is the domesticated descendant, and urban counterpart, of the Rock Dove, a shy bird of wild cliffs and coasts. Feral Pigeon occurs as variety of colour forms but true Rock Doves show little variation. Both form flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile Rock Doves have blue-grey plumage, palest on upperwings and back, and flushed pinkish maroon on breast. Has two dark wingbars and dark-tipped tail. In flight, note small white rump; upperwings have dark trailing edge and narrow wingbar. Feral Pigeons occur in spectrum of colour forms from almost black to pure white. Some are very similar to ancestral Rock Dove. Voice Utters a range of cooing calls. Status Rock Dove is restricted to coasts and cliffs in N and W and is rather scarce. Feral Pigeon is abundant in towns and cities; occasionally seen on farmland and also in ancestral haunts.
    157319.jpg
  • Blue-throated Keeled Lizard or Dalmatian Algyroides - Algyroides nigropunctatus - male. The most abundant lacertid in Corfu. This male is in display colours in his territory along a wall in an olive grove.
    157122.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156787.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156788.jpg
  • Balm-of-Gilead Populus x jackii (Height to 20m) has abundant sticky buds, on downy shoots, that are balsam-scented. Young leaves aromatic when newly opened, heart-shaped and downy below; on a downy petiole. Mature tree is open-crowned, suckers freely and forms thickets.
    134313.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156283.jpg
  • Pardosa pullata is a very common wolf spider especially on open tussocky grassland often abundant in damper areas.
    156004.jpg
  • Little Auk Alle alle - Summer Adult. L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice.
    155555.jpg
  • Thrift - Armeria maritima (Plumbaginaceae) - West side of Lundy, Devon. Height to 20cm. Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    155473.jpg
  • THRIFT Armeria maritima (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    155475.jpg
  • Little Auk Alle alle L 20cm. Our smallest auk with a dumpy body, short neck and tiny, stubby bill. Flies on whirring wingbeats and can look almost Starling-like in flight. Swims well and dive frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has black cap, nape and back, and white underparts; at close range, note white lines on wings and tiny white crescent above eye. Not seen in breeding plumage in our region. Voice Silent at sea. Status Winter visitor from Arctic breeding grounds where it is locally abundant. Probably numerous in N North Sea in winter but seldom comes close to land by choice.
    155368.jpg
  • COMMON GLASSWORT Salicornia europaea (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
 Fleshy, yellowish green annual that fancifully recalls a miniature cactus. Often appears segmented. Entirely coastal. A classic saltmarsh plant that tolerates tidal immersion in seawater. FLOWERS are tiny; appear at stem junctions, of equal size and in 3s, (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are minute seeds. LEAVES are small, paired and fleshy. STATUS-Locally abundant.
    154988.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus - Winter. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154651.jpg
  • Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima),Handa Island, Sutherland, Scotland. THRIFT Armeria maritima (Plumbaginaceae) Height to 20cm.  Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
    144587.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hycanithoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    145289.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    154261.jpg
  • Feral Pigeon or Rock Dove. Known by the scientific name Columba livia, these birds are essentially one and the same. The Feral Pigeon (L 33cm) is the domesticated descendant, and urban counterpart, of the Rock Dove, a shy bird of wild cliffs and coasts. Feral Pigeon occurs as variety of colour forms but true Rock Doves show little variation. Both form flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile Rock Doves have blue-grey plumage, palest on upperwings and back, and flushed pinkish maroon on breast. Has two dark wingbars and dark-tipped tail. In flight, note small white rump; upperwings have dark trailing edge and narrow wingbar. Feral Pigeons occur in spectrum of colour forms from almost black to pure white. Some are very similar to ancestral Rock Dove. Voice Utters a range of cooing calls. Status Rock Dove is restricted to coasts and cliffs in N and W and is rather scarce. Feral Pigeon is abundant in towns and cities; occasionally seen on farmland and also in ancestral haunts.
    154367.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153888.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153889.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153891.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153896.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153907.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153911.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153915.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153917.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153918.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153919.jpg
  • Dunlin Calidris alpina (L 17-21cm) is the yardstick by which all other small waders should be judged. Get to know it in all its different plumages and you will have overcome the biggest hurdle in identification of other similar species. Several different races, with differing bill lengths, occur here outside the breeding season. Forms large flocks in winter. Summer adult has reddish brown back and cap, and whitish underparts with bold black belly and streaking on neck. Male is usually more boldly marked than female. Winter adult has uniform grey upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has reddish brown and black feathers on the back; pale feather margins align to form ‘V’ patterns. Underparts are whitish but with black streak-like spots on the flanks and breast; head and neck are brown and streaked. Voice Utters a preeit call; breeding ‘song’ comprises a series of whistling calls. Status Local breeding species on damp moorland and mountain habitats. Locally abundant outside breeding season due to migrants from Arctic.
    153925.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe - Podiceps auritus - winter plumage. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154225.jpg
  • Corkwing Wrasse Symphodus melops Length to 15cm<br />
A colourful species of wrasse, found on rocky shores with abundant seaweeds. Adult has variable colouring but is often yellowish or reddish with blue and red banding, especially on head. The is a dark spot at base of tail which is diagnostic. Widespread and locally common in S and W.
    141652.jpg
  • Corkwing Wrasse Symphodus melops Length to 15cm<br />
A colourful species of wrasse, found on rocky shores with abundant seaweeds. Adult has variable colouring but is often yellowish or reddish with blue and red banding, especially on head. The is a dark spot at base of tail which is diagnostic. Widespread and locally common in S and W.
    141614.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    134997.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    134996.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    134722.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    134702.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    134701.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    134676.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    132821.jpg
  • Noble Fir Abies procera (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Extremely large, narrowly conical conifer when mature BARK Silver-grey or purplish; develops shallow fissures with age. BRANCHES Youngest twigs are reddish-brown and hairy, with resinous buds at tip. LEAVES Bluntly pointed needles, 2-3cm long, grooved on upper surface; blue-grey colour is marked by paler bands on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are reddish and supported below shoot. Cylindrical female flowers, resembling small cones, are red or green and grow on upper side of shoot; green spine emerges beneath each scale. Cones, up to 25cm long, held erect on upper side of the branches. Disintegrate in winter, but may be so abundant that branches are damaged by their weight. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Pacific NW USA. Planted in our region since 1850, reaching greatest size in Scotland.
    132803.jpg
  • Balm-of-Gilead Populus x jackii (Height to 20m) has abundant sticky buds, on downy shoots, that are balsam-scented. Young leaves aromatic when newly opened, heart-shaped and downy below; on a downy petiole. Mature tree is open-crowned, suckers freely and forms thickets.
    132471.jpg
  • Balm-of-Gilead Populus x jackii (Height to 20m) has abundant sticky buds, on downy shoots, that are balsam-scented. Young leaves aromatic when newly opened, heart-shaped and downy below; on a downy petiole. Mature tree is open-crowned, suckers freely and forms thickets.
    132470.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    121358.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen in its native California, and even in Britain it has grown to become the tallest tree in many areas. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches, which may not start for several metres above the ground, are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in groves on the western slopes of the mountains. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    104415.jpg
  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen in its native California, and even in Britain it has grown to become the tallest tree in many areas. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches, which may not start for several metres above the ground, are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in groves on the western slopes of the mountains. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    103615.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    130875.jpg
  • BULBOUS BUTTERCUP Ranunculus bulbosus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Hairy perennial of dry grassland, including chalk downs. Note the swollen stem base. FLOWERS are 20-30mm across with 5 bright yellow petals and reflexed sepals; borne on furrowed stalks (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are divided into 3 lobes, each of which is stalked. STATUS-Widespread and often abundant.
    130717.jpg
  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
    128400.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    143609.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    144429.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    144431.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    144430.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    144584.jpg
  • RAMSONS Allium ursinum (Liliaceae) Height to 35cm<br />
Bulbous perennial that smells strongly of garlic. Grows in damp woodland, mainly on calcareous soils; where conditions suit its needs it often spreads, forming extensive carpets. FLOWERS are 15-20cm across, white and bell-shaped; borne in spherical, terminal clusters on slender, 3-sided and leafless stalks (Apr-May). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are ovate, up to 7cm wide and 25cm long, and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout much of the region, and locally abundant.
    144585.jpg
  • BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.
    145296.jpg
  • House Mouse Mus domesticus Length 14-19cm Ancestor of domesticated pet mice. Diet is varied. Presence detected by musky smell. Adult has a compact head and body, roughly the same length as tail. Coat ranges from yellowish brown to grey brown and is darker above than below. Ears are relatively large. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Probably introduced to Britain during Iron Age. Formerly abundant but now less so. Favours sites where food is stored (factories and farm barns) and has truly commensal association with Man
    102626.jpg
  • House Mouse Mus domesticus Length 14-19cm Ancestor of domesticated pet mice. Diet is varied. Presence detected by musky smell. Adult has a compact head and body, roughly the same length as tail. Coat ranges from yellowish brown to grey brown and is darker above than below. Ears are relatively large. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Probably introduced to Britain during Iron Age. Formerly abundant but now less so. Favours sites where food is stored (factories and farm barns) and has truly commensal association with Man
    114174.jpg
  • House Mouse Mus domesticus Length 14-19cm Ancestor of domesticated pet mice. Diet is varied. Presence detected by musky smell. Adult has a compact head and body, roughly the same length as tail. Coat ranges from yellowish brown to grey brown and is darker above than below. Ears are relatively large. Utters high-pitched squeaks. Probably introduced to Britain during Iron Age. Formerly abundant but now less so. Favours sites where food is stored (factories and farm barns) and has truly commensal association with Man
    115701.jpg
  • Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis Length 45-55cm Abundant rodent. Introduced to Britain, now the most familiar squirrel. Diet is omnivorous and renowned for its cunning in exploiting food sources. Adult has plump but elongated body and long bushy tail. Rounded ears lack ear tufts. Coat is mainly grizzled grey with whitish chest and belly. Some individuals are variably tinged with brown in summer. Utters teeth-smacking ‘tchack’ when alarmed. Native to North America, introduced here in 1876. Now widespread and common, its adaptability allowing it to thrive in woods, parks and gardens.
    122574.jpg
  • Short-tailed Vole (Field Vole) Microtus agrestis Length 11-16cm Locally abundant grassland rodent. Makes network of concealed surface runways and tunnels just below surface of soil, or through compacted roots of grasses. Diet comprises mainly grass roots. Adult has plump body and a relatively shorter tail and smaller ears than Bank Vole. Coat colour is mainly grey brown, palest on chest and belly. Utters shrill squeaks in alarm. Common in grassy habitats ranging from lowland meadows to upland moors. Widespread but absent from Ireland and most islands.
    123605.jpg
Next