Nature Photographers Ltd

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

Search Results

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

Loading ()...

  • Modern Timber Frame Building
    132970.jpg
  • Modern Agricultural field
    164442.jpg
  • Digiscoping - taking a digital picture through a birder's scope
    156702.jpg
  • Using a compact camera
    156432.jpg
  • Lock on the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal looking towards Loch Fyne restaurant in the centre of Reading at dusk, Berkshire, Uk
    156233.jpg
  • Lock on the River Kennet and Kennet and Avon Canal looking towards Loch Fyne restaurant in the centre of Reading at dusk, Berkshire, Uk
    156234.jpg
  • Dusk over the River Thames at Reading Bridge, Reading, Berkshire, Uk
    156235.jpg
  • Millenium Bridge over the River Thames looking towards St Paul's Cathederal, London, Uk
    156240.jpg
  • Eton and Eton Bridge over the River Thames at dawn on a winter's morning, Berkshire, Uk
    156257.jpg
  • View of Eton Bridge and Eton from the Windsor bank of the River Thames, Berkshire, Uk
    154526.jpg
  • Dusk on the River Thames at Staines Bridge, Middlesex, Uk
    154535.jpg
  • View over Great Sound, Bermuda Island, a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean.
    160387.jpg
  • View of Hog Bay looking towards Somerset Village, Bermuda Island, a British island territory in the North Atlantic Ocean.
    160386.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    157723.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    157711.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156787.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155610.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155379.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145015.jpg
  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
    144469.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    114225.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144267.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144270.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    127794.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    143045.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143426.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    143774.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    144052.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    157970.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    157864.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    157863.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    157712.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    157710.jpg
  • Corn Bunting - Miliaria calandra. L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    157690.jpg
  • Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157192.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157157.jpg
  • Small Heath - Coenonympha pamphilus - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    157056.jpg
  • Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix - female. L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156899.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156788.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156789.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156424.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    156420.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    156283.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155612.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155611.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155613.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155614.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155378.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155259.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155161.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155163.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    155162.jpg
  • Modern combine harvester in barley
    154813.jpg
  • Modern combine harvester in barley
    154812.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    153871.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145017.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    145016.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    136766.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    136157.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    133892.jpg
  • Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.
    117330.jpg
  • 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.
    133831.jpg
  • 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.
    133741.jpg
  • 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.
    133740.jpg
  • 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.
    132494.jpg
  • 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.
    132492.jpg
  • 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.
    132490.jpg
  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
    131263.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    110556.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    114224.jpg
  • Przewalski’s Horse Equus ferus przewalksii The last remaining race of the otherwise extinct Wild Horse, and the ancestor of modern domesticated Horses and Ponies. It no longer occurs in the wild, in its native Mongolia, but small herds are kept in captivity in our region, occasionally being used as grazers for nature conservation purposes. It is a stocky, short-legged and Pony-sized animal. It is grey brown or dun overall, often with a dark vertebral stripe and a mealy nose.
    123436.jpg
  • Chillingham Cattle Bos primigenius Shoulder height 1-1.5m aka White Cattle. Probably resemble the ancestors of modern breeds, which are extremely variable in appearance. Adult Chillingham Cattle have shaggy white coats with a reddish line above the dark nose; the skin of the ears is also reddish. Male (bull) is larger and stockier than female (cow). Both sexes have yellowish horns; those of male are larger than female’s. Juvenile (calf) resembles a small, hornless adult with cleaner coat.
    128442.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    136045.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144264.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144263.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144265.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144266.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144269.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144268.jpg
  • Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus Wingspan 18-24cm Small bat with sleek, fluffy fur that is rich grey-brown above and buffish brown below. Note the dark ‘bandit’ mask and dark, oval ears with 4-5 transverse folds on the outer edge. People with good hearing can sometimes detect their high-pitched contact calls and Common Pipistrelles echolocate at around 45khz. Widespread and common in woods and gardens, with a fluttery flight. Summer roosts are often in roofs of modern houses.
    144271.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    108795.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    119212.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    127881.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    129464.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    137675.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    138309.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    141357.jpg
  • Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra L 16-18cm. Plump-bodied bunting with non-descript plumage but distinctive song. Dangles legs when flying short distances. Forms flocks in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts, streaked on breast and flanks, and flushed buff on breast. Bill is stout and pinkish buff. Voice Utters a tsit call. Jingling song is sung from fencepost or overhead wire. Status Local and declining bird of cereal fields, particularly barley. Has suffered terribly from modern farming practises.
    143083.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143109.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143134.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    143340.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143385.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143386.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143396.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143637.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143728.jpg
  • Corn Crake Crex crex L 27-30cm. Easy to hear (in right locations) but secretive and tricky to see. Sexes are similar. Adult has sandy brown upperparts; dark feather-centres create ‘scaly’ look. Face, throat, breast and belly are blue-grey while flanks are barred chestnut and white. In flight, note chestnut patch on inner wing and dangling legs. Juvenile is greyer than adult. Voice Territorial male utters ceaseless crek-crek, crek-crek… mainly at night. Status Migrant visitor; has declined terribly due to modern farming practises. Now restricted to hay meadows and damp grassland.
    143893.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143960.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143958.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    143959.jpg
Next