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  • Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus - courting pair. L 46-51cm. Graceful waterbird with slender neck and dagger-like bill. White wing panels revealed in flight. Dives frequently. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey-brown upperparts and mainly whitish underparts; head has black cap and crest, and orange-buff ruff bordering paler cheeks. Bill is pink and eye is red. In winter, has drab grey-brown and white plumage. Juvenile recalls winter adult but has dark stripes on cheeks. Voice Utters wails and croaks in breeding season. Status Locally common breeding species on lakes and reservoirs. Widespread in winter, when also found in inshore seas.
    156642.jpg
  • Royal Tern - Sterna maxima
    143449.jpg
  • Rock Shag - Phalacrocorax magellanicus
    143447.jpg
  • Ruff - Philomachus pugnax
    161155.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - male and female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157630.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157629.jpg
  • Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus. Spring and early summer are the times when rare waders that breed in Asia turn up here. The Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus is unmistakable with its black and white plumage and ridiculously long, red legs.
    143383.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - juveniles. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157631.jpg
  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - Bull. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    157628.jpg
  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
    128132.jpg
  • Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla
    143442.jpg
  • Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla
    135472.jpg
  • Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla - summer adults mating
    160590.jpg
  • Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophris - courtship display
    160469.jpg
  • Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus
    160936.jpg
  • Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophris
    160476.jpg
  • Laughing Gull - Larus atricilla - summer adults mating
    160589.jpg
  • Black-browed Albatross - Thalassarche melanophris
    160475.jpg
  • Summer at Hampton Court on the River Thames, Hampton, Uk
    154469.jpg
  • Dusk over the River Thames at Reading Bridge, Reading, Berkshire, Uk
    156235.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    144144.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144140.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144145.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127658.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128095.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    144138.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144141.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    145057.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    145058.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144202.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    110470.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127582.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128098.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128099.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128112.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144139.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144201.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    121995.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128096.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128100.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128101.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128113.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128349.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128350.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128653.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    105100.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    107034.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    114336.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    114337.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127586.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127587.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128097.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128348.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128403.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128651.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128683.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    142204.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144137.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    144143.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    145059.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127588.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127655.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    128650.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144682.jpg
  • Common Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land:  woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.
    108275.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    118050.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    127657.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    128114.jpg
  • Common Frog Rana temporaria Length 6-10cm Widespread amphibian. Adult male has smooth, moist skin. Usually olive-yellow or greyish brown with variable dark blotching and spots. Darker red animals occur in uplands. Eye has yellow iris with dark, oval pupil. Dark mask runs from eye to eardrum. Underparts are greyish white with faint darker marbling. Hind feet have five webbed toes. In breeding season, acquires bluish throat and swollen nuptial pads on innermost digit of front feet, used for gripping female when mating. Adult female is similar but larger with white granulations on the flanks. Juvenile, when newly metamorphosed resembles miniature adult but with large head. Male utters low-pitched croaking calls when courting. Found in a wide range of habitats if still water is present for breeding. Easy to see in early spring when courting.
    144142.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    144257.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    144260.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    144322.jpg
  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
    101971.jpg
  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
    155933.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    102725.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    153774.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    101290.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    112537.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    128010.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    128108.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    128736.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    132831.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    143321.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    143320.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
    144258.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    144319.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    144323.jpg
  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
    142327.jpg
  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
    143172.jpg
  • Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae (L 5-6.5cm) Formerly considered thought of as a variation on the Edible Frog theme. However, now treated as genuine species. Widespread across N Europe. Previously native to Britain but driven to extinction. Re-introductions of Swedish animals appear to have been successful. It is a well marked animal with dark spots and a pale vertebral stripe. Males utter a duck-like quacking ou-Whack when courting.
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  • Shelduck Tadorna tadorna L 55-65cm. Goose-sized duck with bold markings. In poor light, looks black and white. In flight, note contrast between white wing coverts and black flight feathers. Sifts mud for small invertebrates. Nests in burrows. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male is mainly white but with dark green head and upper neck (looks black in poor light), chestnut breast band, black belly stripe and flush of orange-buff under tail. Legs are pink and bill is bright red with knob at base. Adult female is similar but bill’s basal knob is much smaller. Juvenile has mainly buffish grey upperparts and white underparts. Voice Courting male whistles while female’s call is a cackling gagaga… Status Common on most estuaries and mudflats; local at inland freshwater sites. Migrates to favoured sites like Bridgwater Bay in Somerset for summer moult.
    136015.jpg
  • Shelduck Tadorna tadorna L 55-65cm. Goose-sized duck with bold markings. In poor light, looks black and white. In flight, note contrast between white wing coverts and black flight feathers. Sifts mud for small invertebrates. Nests in burrows. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male is mainly white but with dark green head and upper neck (looks black in poor light), chestnut breast band, black belly stripe and flush of orange-buff under tail. Legs are pink and bill is bright red with knob at base. Adult female is similar but bill’s basal knob is much smaller. Juvenile has mainly buffish grey upperparts and white underparts. Voice Courting male whistles while female’s call is a cackling gagaga… Status Common on most estuaries and mudflats; local at inland freshwater sites. Migrates to favoured sites like Bridgwater Bay in Somerset for summer moult.
    137160.jpg
  • Shelduck Tadorna tadorna L 55-65cm. Goose-sized duck with bold markings. In poor light, looks black and white. In flight, note contrast between white wing coverts and black flight feathers. Sifts mud for small invertebrates. Nests in burrows. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male is mainly white but with dark green head and upper neck (looks black in poor light), chestnut breast band, black belly stripe and flush of orange-buff under tail. Legs are pink and bill is bright red with knob at base. Adult female is similar but bill’s basal knob is much smaller. Juvenile has mainly buffish grey upperparts and white underparts. Voice Courting male whistles while female’s call is a cackling gagaga… Status Common on most estuaries and mudflats; local at inland freshwater sites. Migrates to favoured sites like Bridgwater Bay in Somerset for summer moult.
    145940.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    155604.jpg
  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
    110207.jpg
  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Length 50-75cm Rabbit-like mammal but with longer legs and ears. A fast runner; does not burrow. Performs ‘boxing’ displays while courting. Adult has brown coat grizzled with grey and black, especially on back. Coat is thicker, darker and redder in winter than summer. Ears are black-tipped; tail is dark above with pale fringe, and whitish below. Has ‘wild’ looking eyes located high on sides of head. Mostly silent. Has declined due to farming practises and persecution but still locally common on farmland and grassland.
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  • Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.
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  • Natterjack Toad Epidalea calamita Local and scarce, and legally protected in Britain. Has a rather flattened body, short hind legs and greenish yellow iris. Burrows walk and walks rather than hops. Breeds (mainly April-June) in seasonally drying and sometimes slightly saline pools. Adult has diagnostic pale yellowish vertebral stripe. Skin is warty and ground colour can be yellowish brown or greenish brown. Back is usually darker than flanks and marbled with dark spots; underparts are creamy white. Juvenile resembles a tiny, large-headed adult with reddish warts. Male utters a purring croak, often after dark, when courting. Rare in Britain, found mainly on lowland heathlands and coastal dunes, but also on stabilised saltmarshes
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