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  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    138304.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    139499.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    139502.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    139504.jpg
  • Autumn colour in the beech trees that line the Grand Avenue through Savernake Forest near Marlborough, Wiltshire, Uk
    144721.jpg
  • Autumn colour in the beech trees that line the Grand Avenue through Savernake Forest near Marlborough, Wiltshire, Uk
    144720.jpg
  • Ballan Wrasse Labrus bergylta Length to 30cm<br />
Our most familiar and colourful wrasse. Found inshore on rocky coasts, sometimes in rockpools too. Adult has a thickset body and a long dorsal fin characteristic of all wrasse. The colour is variable but often marbled reddish-brown or green. Widespread and locally common except off coast of E England.
    141878.jpg
  • Ballan Wrasse Labrus bergylta Length to 30cm<br />
Our most familiar and colourful wrasse. Found inshore on rocky coasts, sometimes in rockpools too. Adult has a thickset body and a long dorsal fin characteristic of all wrasse. The colour is variable but often marbled reddish-brown or green. Widespread and locally common except off coast of E England.
    141879.jpg
  • Ballan Wrasse Labrus bergylta Length to 30cm<br />
Our most familiar and colourful wrasse. Found inshore on rocky coasts, sometimes in rockpools too. Adult has a thickset body and a long dorsal fin characteristic of all wrasse. The colour is variable but often marbled reddish-brown or green. Widespread and locally common except off coast of E England.
    141874.jpg
  • Ballan Wrasse Labrus bergylta Length to 30cm<br />
Our most familiar and colourful wrasse. Found inshore on rocky coasts, sometimes in rockpools too. Adult has a thickset body and a long dorsal fin characteristic of all wrasse. The colour is variable but often marbled reddish-brown or green. Widespread and locally common except off coast of E England.
    119483.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    144006.jpg
  • The Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta (L 12-13cm) occurs most regularly and recalls an outsized Willow Warbler. It has uniform olive-green upperparts with a brownish hue to the wings; the underparts (paler in juveniles than adults) are pale yellow, the colour most intense on the throat and breast. The legs are greyish brown and there is a pale eyering. Members of this interesting genus of warblers are summer visitors to mainland Europe. Unfortunately, none breeds in Britain but we do get occasional visits from passage migrants; look for them at coastal migration hotspots in autumn after south-easterly winds. As a group, Hippolais warblers are superficially similar to Phylloscopus warblers but have proportionately large heads, a peaked rather than rounded crown, a relatively large, broad-based bill and pale lores.
    145357.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    135917.jpg
  • Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus L 60-75cm. Similar to Bean Goose, but smaller and more compact; smaller bill is marked with pink. Pink leg colour is diagnostic. In flight, note pale blue-grey back, rump and upperwing coverts, and extent of white on tail. Forms single-species flocks. Sexes are similar. Adult has dark chocolate-brown head and upper neck, grading to buffish brown on breast and belly. Back is blue-grey with pale feather margins. Juvenile is similar but back is buffish and feathers lack clear pale margins; leg and bill colours are dull. Voice Utters nasal, trumpeting cackles; higher pitched than Bean Goose. Status Locally common winter visitor, mainly from Iceland; favours stubble fields and grassland.
    135918.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132907.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132907.jpg
  • Downy Japanese Maple Acer japonicum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 14m Similar to Smooth Japanese Maple, but bole is often even shorter; note also, differences between the leaves. BARK Grey and smooth. BRANCHES Upright and sinuous. LEAVES Hairy when young, with veins remaining hairy through the season. Leaves are lobed, but divided less than half-way to base, with forward-pointing teeth on margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Purple flowers grow in long-stalked, pendulous clusters, opening just before leaves. Paired, winged fruits, to 5cm across, have wings diverging widely; margins hairy at first. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, grown here for ornament; cultivar ‘Vitifolium’ is popular for its red autumn colours.
    132826.jpg
  • Hawthorn-leaved Crab Malus florentina (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m. Attractive and rather conical small tree with good blossom, small fruits and colourful autumn foliage. BARK Brown with yellowish scales. BRANCHES Mostly level to upright. LEAVES To 8cm long, sharply lobed, resembling those of Wild Service-tree. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers whitish and fruits red, around 1cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Possibly a hybrid between a Malus species and Wild Service-tree Sorbus torminalis, which it resembles. Planted occasionally.
    132752.jpg
  • Turnstone Arenaria interpres L 23cm. Pugnacious wader with stout, triangular bill, used to turn stones in search of invertebrates. Feeds unobtrusively. All birds have reddish orange legs and black and white wing pattern in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has orange-red on back, white underparts and bold black and white markings on head. Males have brighter back colours than females and more distinct black head markings. Winter adult has grey-brown upperparts, the head and neck. Breast is marked with blackish band that shows a clear demarcation from white underparts. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but upperparts are paler and back feathers have pale fringes. Voice Utters a rolling tuk-ut-ut in flight. Status Non-breeding visitor to coasts. Widespread and common.
    139591.jpg
  • Downy Japanese Maple Acer japonicum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 14m Similar to Smooth Japanese Maple, but bole is often even shorter; note also, differences between the leaves. BARK Grey and smooth. BRANCHES Upright and sinuous. LEAVES Hairy when young, with veins remaining hairy through the season. Leaves are lobed, but divided less than half-way to base, with forward-pointing teeth on margins. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Purple flowers grow in long-stalked, pendulous clusters, opening just before leaves. Paired, winged fruits, to 5cm across, have wings diverging widely; margins hairy at first. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, grown here for ornament; cultivar ‘Vitifolium’ is popular for its red autumn colours.
    132818.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
  • Red Oak Quercus rubra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 35m <br />
Broadly conical tree. BARK Pale silvery-grey, sometimes brownish, and mostly smooth; fissured with age. LEAVES Large, usually 10–20cm long; deeply lobed, with smaller teeth terminating in fine hairs at tips of lobes. Green above and paler matt green below during growing season; turn red or brown in autumn. Young trees produce finest red colourings. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous male catkins appear in spring as leaves open, turning tree golden-yellow. Acorns rounded, in a neat scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here for autumn colours; naturalised occasionally.
    124974.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
  • 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.
    115161.jpg
  • Red Oak Quercus rubra (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 35m <br />
Broadly conical tree. BARK Pale silvery-grey, sometimes brownish, and mostly smooth; fissured with age. LEAVES Large, usually 10–20cm long; deeply lobed, with smaller teeth terminating in fine hairs at tips of lobes. Green above and paler matt green below during growing season; turn red or brown in autumn. Young trees produce finest red colourings. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pendulous male catkins appear in spring as leaves open, turning tree golden-yellow. Acorns rounded, in a neat scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of N America, planted here for autumn colours; naturalised occasionally.
    120954.jpg
  • Red Kite Milvus milvus - pale colouration. W 145-165cm. Graceful raptor, identified in flight by deeply forked tail (twisted to aid flight control) and long, bowed wings. Seldom spends much time on ground but sometimes perches in trees. Sexes are similar. Adult has pale grey head but otherwise mainly reddish brown plumage. Eye, base of bill and legs are yellow. In flight from below, note reddish brown body and underwing coverts, silvery grey tail and patch on primaries, and otherwise dark wings. From above, tail appears red while reddish brown back and wing coverts contrast with dark flight feathers. Juvenile resembles dull adult with pale margins to wing covert feathers. Voice Utters shrill calls in flight, like somebody whistling for their dog. Status As recently as late 1980’s, confined to central Wales. Re-introduction programmes mean it is now very locally common in England and Scotland as well.
    156331.jpg
  • Autumn colours on Hampshire heathland
    154952.jpg
  • Autumn colours on Hampshire heathland
    154951.jpg
  • Cuckoo Wrasse Labrus mixtus Length to 30cm<br />
Colourful distinctive wrasse. Found on rocky coasts, venturing inshore in summer months. Adult has a rather slender body. Male is mostly blue on head, flanks and tail, and pinkish-orange elsewhere. Female is orange with black spots at base of dorsal fin. Widespread and locally common in S and W; almost absent from coast of E England.
    142115.jpg
  • Cuckoo Wrasse Labrus mixtus Length to 30cm<br />
Colourful distinctive wrasse. Found on rocky coasts, venturing inshore in summer months. Adult has a rather slender body. Male is mostly blue on head, flanks and tail, and pinkish-orange elsewhere. Female is orange with black spots at base of dorsal fin. Widespread and locally common in S and W; almost absent from coast of E England.
    141885.jpg
  • Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Rather slender, domed tree. BARK Dark greyish-brown, smooth in young trees, ridged with maturity. BRANCHES Slender and spreading. LEAVES 15cm-long, even more deeply lobed than Pin Oak but less strongly bristle-tipped. In summer, leaves are glossy green above and paler below with small hair-tufts in vein axils below. Turn brilliant red in autumn, especially in cultivar Q. coccinea ‘Splendens’. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Acorns, to 2.5cm long, are rounded, half-enclosed in a slightly glossy cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America. Planted here for its brilliant autumn colours.
    135434.jpg
  • Sweet Gum Liquidamber styraciflua (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 28m. A large tree with attractive foliage. BARK Greyish brown with scaly ridges. BRANCHES Twisting and spreading to upcurved. LEAVES Sharply lobed with a toothed margin. They are alternate and give off a resinous scent when crushed, unlike maple leaves, which they resemble. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The flowers are globose; fruits are spiny and pendulous, 2.5– 4cm across, resembling those of a Plane. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A widespread and common native tree of the south-eastern USA as far south as Central America. Familiar here as a colourful autumn tree in many parks and gardens.
    135422.jpg
  • Persian Ironwood Parrotia persica (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. A small, spreading deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Smooth, peels away in flakes, leaving attractive coloured patches; older trees have a pattern of pink, brown and yellow. BRANCHES Mostly level. Young twigs are hairy, and terminate in blackish hairy buds. LEAVES To 7.5cm long, oval with a slightly tapering tip and a rounded base. The margins are wavy or sometimes slightly toothed. They are glossy green above and appear slightly crushed or crinkled, and the underside is slightly hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers appear before the leaves in early spring; they are short-stalked clusters, reddish and inconspicuous. The fruits are dry capsules that split open to release small pointed, shiny-brown seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Caucasus and N Iran, introduced into Europe as an ornamental tree.
    135132.jpg
  • Yellow Buckeye (Sweet Buckeye) Aesculus flava (Hippocastanaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Large domed, deciduous tree. BARK Peeling and scaly grey-brown. BRANCHES Ascending and twisted. LEAVES Palmate with 5 leaflets, each up to 20cm long. The leaves turn red early in the autumn. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS 4-petalled yellow flowers are borne in erect spikes about 15cm long, usually opening in late spring or early summer. The smooth rounded fruits are about 6cm across, covered in brown scales on the outside and containing one or 2 seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E USA, planted here in parks and gardens for its excellent autumn colours.
    134586.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132925.jpg
  • Persian Ironwood Parrotia persica (Hamamelidaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. A small, spreading deciduous tree with a short bole. BARK Smooth, peels away in flakes, leaving attractive coloured patches; older trees have a pattern of pink, brown and yellow. BRANCHES Mostly level. Young twigs are hairy, and terminate in blackish hairy buds. LEAVES To 7.5cm long, oval with a slightly tapering tip and a rounded base. The margins are wavy or sometimes slightly toothed. They are glossy green above and appear slightly crushed or crinkled, and the underside is slightly hairy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers appear before the leaves in early spring; they are short-stalked clusters, reddish and inconspicuous. The fruits are dry capsules that split open to release small pointed, shiny-brown seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Caucasus and N Iran, introduced into Europe as an ornamental tree.
    132771.jpg
  • Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Deciduous conifer, conical at first, becoming broader and domed with maturity. When growing in or near water, fluted trunk is surrounded by emergent ‘breathing roots’ (likened by some to knobbly knees) characteristic of this species. BARK Pale reddish-brown, peeling in thin fibrous strips. BRANCHES Upright or spreading in older trees, carrying 2 types of shoots: long shoots bear spirally arranged leaves, and alternate side-shoots bear flattened leaves set in 2 ranks. LEAVES Alternate, up to 2cm long, and pale green; a greyish band on the underside has a fine midrib. A mature tree colours well in autumn before shedding its needles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones produced in slender, branching clusters up to 15cm long at end of 1-year-old shoots. Female cones are globose and woody, on short stalks, ripening purplish-brown in first year. Each scale has a small curved spine in the centre. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S and SE USA, planted here for ornament.
    132628.jpg
  • Swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Deciduous conifer, conical at first, becoming broader and domed with maturity. When growing in or near water, fluted trunk is surrounded by emergent ‘breathing roots’ (likened by some to knobbly knees) characteristic of this species. BARK Pale reddish-brown, peeling in thin fibrous strips. BRANCHES Upright or spreading in older trees, carrying 2 types of shoots: long shoots bear spirally arranged leaves, and alternate side-shoots bear flattened leaves set in 2 ranks. LEAVES Alternate, up to 2cm long, and pale green; a greyish band on the underside has a fine midrib. A mature tree colours well in autumn before shedding its needles. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones produced in slender, branching clusters up to 15cm long at end of 1-year-old shoots. Female cones are globose and woody, on short stalks, ripening purplish-brown in first year. Each scale has a small curved spine in the centre. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S and SE USA, planted here for ornament.
    132625.jpg
  • Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Rather slender, domed tree. BARK Dark greyish-brown, smooth in young trees, ridged with maturity. BRANCHES Slender and spreading. LEAVES 15cm-long, even more deeply lobed than Pin Oak but less strongly bristle-tipped. In summer, leaves are glossy green above and paler below with small hair-tufts in vein axils below. Turn brilliant red in autumn, especially in cultivar Q. coccinea ‘Splendens’. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Acorns, to 2.5cm long, are rounded, half-enclosed in a slightly glossy cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America. Planted here for its brilliant autumn colours.
    132548.jpg
  • Stag’s-horn Sumach Rhus typhina (Anacardiaceae) HEIGHT to 10m Small, spreading tree. BARK Brown. BRANCHES Downy. LEAVES Alternate, pinnate, with up to 29 leaflets, each leaflet up to 12cm long, coarsely toothed; produce fiery autumn colours. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Tiny flowers borne on separate sex trees; greenish male flowers and red female flowers red, in dense conical clusters, to 20cm long, at tips of twigs. Fruits resemble small nuts. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to N America, widely planted here and sometimes naturalised.
    103031.jpg
  • Autumn colours on Hampshire heathland
    154953.jpg
  • Cuckoo Wrasse Labrus mixtus Length to 30cm<br />
Colourful distinctive wrasse. Found on rocky coasts, venturing inshore in summer months. Adult has a rather slender body. Male is mostly blue on head, flanks and tail, and pinkish-orange elsewhere. Female is orange with black spots at base of dorsal fin. Widespread and locally common in S and W; almost absent from coast of E England.
    141876.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    135435.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    120970.jpg
  • Scarlet Oak Quercus coccinea (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 28m<br />
Rather slender, domed tree. BARK Dark greyish-brown, smooth in young trees, ridged with maturity. BRANCHES Slender and spreading. LEAVES 15cm-long, even more deeply lobed than Pin Oak but less strongly bristle-tipped. In summer, leaves are glossy green above and paler below with small hair-tufts in vein axils below. Turn brilliant red in autumn, especially in cultivar Q. coccinea ‘Splendens’. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Acorns, to 2.5cm long, are rounded, half-enclosed in a slightly glossy cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E North America. Planted here for its brilliant autumn colours.
    120956.jpg
  • Divach Falls, Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145564.jpg
  • Ancient Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
    144729.jpg
  • Oriental Darter - Anhinga melanogaster
    139693.jpg
  • Sunrise over the rocks on Porthselau Beach looking towards St David's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales
    156613.jpg
  • Sunrise over the rocks on Porthselau Beach looking towards St David's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales
    156614.jpg
  • The Landing Bay and South Light, Lundy Island, Devon
    156576.jpg
  • The Landing Bay and South Light, Lundy Island, Devon
    156524.jpg
  • The Landing Bay and South Light, Lundy Island, Devon
    156523.jpg
  • Sunset over Old Light, Lundy Island, Devon
    156512.jpg
  • The Landing Bay and South Light, Lundy Island, Devon
    156500.jpg
  • Starling Sturnus vulgaris L 20-22cm. Familiar urban and rural bird with swaggering walk. Forms large flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has dark plumage with iridescence seen in good light. Legs are reddish and bill is yellow with blue base to lower mandible. Adult female in summer is similar but has some pale spots on underparts and pale yellow base to lower mandible. Winter adult (both sexes) has numerous white spots adorning dark plumage and dark bill. Juvenile is grey-brown, palest on throat; bill is dark; spotted body plumage acquired in winter. Voice Varied repertoire of clicks and whistles including mimicry. Status Widespread and common but declining. Found in all kinds of open habitats in winter. Often nests in house roofs.
    156452.jpg
  • Sunset and incoming tise at Lepe Country Park on the south coast in Hampshire
    155578.jpg
  • Dawn over the harbour and Hugh Town from The Garrison, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
    155582.jpg
  • The Harbour at dawn, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
    155583.jpg
  • Moored boats on the Harbour Beach on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
    155009.jpg
  • Dawn over the harbour on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
    155010.jpg
  • Dawn on the quay at St Mary's Harbour, Isles of Scilly
    155012.jpg
  • Dawn on the quay at St Mary's Harbour, Isles of Scilly
    155011.jpg
  • Dawn on the quay at St Mary's Harbour, Isles of Scilly
    155013.jpg
  • Late autumn sunset in the New Forest, Hampshire, UK
    154958.jpg
  • Late autumn sunset in the New Forest, Hampshire, UK
    154957.jpg
  • River Thames from Richmond Hill in the autumn, Surrey, Uk
    154545.jpg
  • River Thames from Richmond Hill in the autumn, Surrey, Uk
    154546.jpg
  • Sunset Amboseli National Park, Kenya
    102010.jpg
  • HOAR FROST ON LEAVES
    132634.jpg
  • HOAR FROST ON LEAVES
    132636.jpg
  • Burnham Overy quay at sunset, Norfolk, Uk
    143183.jpg
  • Sunset over farmland
    143185.jpg
  • Beech Woodland at Holkham in Norfolk
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  • Felbrigg Great Wood in Norfolk UK
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  • Felbrigg Great Wood Norfolk UK Early November
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  • Burghfield road bridge over the River Kennet by the Cunning Man pub looking downstream towards Reading, Berkshire in England
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    154348.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Divach Falls, Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • Divach Falls, Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • Divach Falls, Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • Divach Falls, Glen Urquhart, Drumnadrochit, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • Plodda Falls, Glen Affric, Tomich, Scottish Highlands, Uk
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  • Sunset over the rocks on Porthselau Beach looking towards St David's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales
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  • Ancient Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Ancient Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Ancient Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Ancient Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Norway Maple Acer platanoides Aceraceae Height to 30m. Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Smooth, grey, ridged. Branches Less crowded than Sycamore; twigs green, often tinged red. Leaves To 15cm long with 5–7 toothed and sharply pointed lobes. Reproductive parts Greenish flowers, in erect clusters of 30–40. Paired wings of fruits spread almost horizontally. Status Introduced, widely planted and naturalised.
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  • Hazel Corylus avellana Betulaceae Height to 6m<br />
Multi-stemmed shrub, or short tree. Bark Smooth, shiny, peeling into papery strips. Branches Upright to spreading. Twigs with stiff hairs, buds oval and smooth. Leaves Rounded, to 10cm long, hairy above; heart-shaped base and pointed tip. Margins double-toothed. Reproductive parts Male catkins to 8cm long, pendulous and yellow. Female flowers red and tiny; produce hard-shelled nuts. Status Common, often coppiced.
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  • Common Larch Larix decidua Pinaceae Height to 35m<br />
Deciduous, conical conifer. Foliage turns golden before needles fall in autumn. Bark Greyish-brown, fissured with age. Branches Mostly horizontal. Needles To 3cm long, in bunches of up to 40. Reproductive parts Male flowers are yellow cones. Female cones are red in spring, maturing brown and woody. Status Native of central Europe, planted here for timber and ornament.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Aspen Populus tremulus Salicaceae Height to 18m. Slender tree with a rounded crown. Suckers readily. Bark Ridged and fissured with age. Leaves Rounded to oval, with shallow marginal teeth, palest below; rustle in the slightest breeze and turn golden in autumn. Reproductive parts Reddish male catkins and greenish female catkins on different trees. Status Common on poor, damp soils.
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  • Ash Fraxinus excelsior Oleaceae Height to 40m. Deciduous tree with open crown. Bark Grey, fissured with age. Branches Ascending; grey twigs flattened at nodes with conical black buds. Leaves Pinnate, to 35cm long with 7–13 lanceolate, toothed leaflets. Reproductive parts Flowers small, purple, clustered. Fruits are single-winged ‘keys’, in bunches. Status Common native; prefers calcareous or base-rich soils.
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  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
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  • Field Maple Acer campestre Aceraceae Height to 26m <br />
Deciduous tree with rounded crown and twisted bole. Bark Grey-brown, fissured, corky. Branches Much-divided and dense. Shoots hairy, sometimes winged. Leaves To 12cm long, 3-lobed; turn yellow in autumn. Reproductive parts Yellowish flowers in erect clusters. Fruits, reddish, winged, in 4s. Status Common native of woods and hedgerows, especially on calcareous soils.
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  • Japanese Cherry Prunus serrulata (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 15m. A small to medium-sized deciduous tree. BARK Purple-brown, ringed by horizontal lines of prominent lenticels. BRANCHES Ascending, usually fanning out from the bole and terminating in smooth twigs. LEAVES Up to 20cm long, ovate and drawn out to a long tapering tip; the margin is sharply toothed and the smooth petiole, to 4cm long, has up to 4 red glands near the base. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white or pink flowers grow in clusters of 2–4, opening just before the leaves; in some cultivars so flowers are borne on a 8cm-long petiole, may have notched petals, and vary in shade from pure white to deep pink. Fruits are round, to 7mm long and deep purple-crimson; they seldom develop in cultivated trees. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Probably native to China, then introduced into Japan at a very early date, and subsequently brought to our region where now it is a very popular garden tree. Centuries of breeding and selection have made modern trees different from their wild ancestors, which are rarely seen. SIMILAR TREES Originally bred in Japan and ancient in origin, there are many cultivated forms of Cherry that are popular here as garden tree, and that are often collectively referred to as ‘Japanese Cherries’; typically they are known only by their cultivar names. Popular forms include: Prunus ‘Kanzan’ with magenta buds and pink flowers; Prunus ‘Shirofugen’ with pink buds and white double flowers; Prunus ‘Shirotae’ with large, white flowers; Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ with pink double flowers.
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