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  • Sheltered Rocky Shore, Outer Hebrides, Scotland UK
    128242.jpg
  • Sandy beach on North Uist, Outer Hebrides
    143387.jpg
  • HEBRIDEAN MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza ebudensis (Orchidaceae) Height to 52cm. Small, sturdy orchid of grazed and poached marshy dune slacks. Endemic to Britain. FLOWERS are purple with a 3-lobed lip; borne in short, open spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy dark green, heavily marked and blotched with purple, and sometimes uniformly deep purple on upperside. STATUS-Rare, almost confined to a few spots on North Uist, Outer Hebrides.
    143399.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    120018.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    142533.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145625.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145628.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    156875.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    156875.jpg
  • HEBRIDEAN MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza ebudensis (Orchidaceae) Height to 52cm. Small, sturdy orchid of grazed and poached marshy dune slacks. Endemic to Britain. FLOWERS are purple with a 3-lobed lip; borne in short, open spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy dark green, heavily marked and blotched with purple, and sometimes uniformly deep purple on upperside. STATUS-Rare, almost confined to a few spots on North Uist, Outer Hebrides.
    156652.jpg
  • Sandy beach on North Uist, Outer Hebrides
    143388.jpg
  • HEBRIDEAN MARSH-ORCHID Dactylorhiza ebudensis (Orchidaceae) Height to 52cm. Small, sturdy orchid of grazed and poached marshy dune slacks. Endemic to Britain. FLOWERS are purple with a 3-lobed lip; borne in short, open spikes (May-Jun). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are glossy dark green, heavily marked and blotched with purple, and sometimes uniformly deep purple on upperside. STATUS-Rare, almost confined to a few spots on North Uist, Outer Hebrides.
    143401.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    144828.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    144848.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    144847.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145626.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145627.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus (L 42-50cm) shares some plumage similarities to Arctic Skua but is appreciably larger, with deep, powerful wingbeats, and long, spoon-shaped tail streamers in adults. Two adult forms occur: dark morph (uniformly dark) is seldom seen while pale morph is more regular; it has white neck and belly, dark grey-brown upperparts, yellow-flushed cheeks and a dark breast band. Juvenile has variably barred dark, grey-brown. Outer Hebrides and NW Ireland are migration hotspots for Pomarine Skuas.
    145652.jpg
  • Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus L 46cm. Aerobatic, graceful seabird with deep wingbeats and narrow, pointed wings. Food parasite of Arctic Tern and Kittiwake. Adult has wedge-shaped tail and pointed streamers. Sexes are similar but adults occur in two morphs. Adult pale phase has white neck, breast and belly, dark cap and otherwise grey-brown plumage. Note faint yellowish flush on cheeks. Adult dark phase is uniformly dark grey-brown. Juvenile is dark rufous brown. Voice Utters nasal calls near nest. Status Local summer visitor to Scottish coasts; coastal passage migrant elsewhere.
    145799.jpg
  • Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus L 46cm. Aerobatic, graceful seabird with deep wingbeats and narrow, pointed wings. Food parasite of Arctic Tern and Kittiwake. Adult has wedge-shaped tail and pointed streamers. Sexes are similar but adults occur in two morphs. Adult pale phase has white neck, breast and belly, dark cap and otherwise grey-brown plumage. Note faint yellowish flush on cheeks. Adult dark phase is uniformly dark grey-brown. Juvenile is dark rufous brown. Voice Utters nasal calls near nest. Status Local summer visitor to Scottish coasts; coastal passage migrant elsewhere.
    145800.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    161560.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    161562.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    161561.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    161558.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    161557.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    159827.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    159826.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    159828.jpg
  • Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus
    159829.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155647.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133172.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133407.jpg
  • Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima L 16-17cm. Long-tailed wetland bird. Sometimes feeds at feet of grazing animals. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has greenish yellow upperparts, yellow underparts, white outer tail feathers and whitish wingbars. Adult female is similar but less colourful. Juvenile has olive-buff upperparts and pale underparts, with whitish throat, yellow flush to undertail, white outer tail feathers and pale wingbars. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f.flava (race from mainland Europe) sometimes turns up; male has bluish cap and ear coverts, and white supercilium. Voice (all birds) Utters a distinctive tsree-ee call. Status Local summer visitor to damp, grazed grassland.
    136347.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    143984.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145318.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145317.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145812.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145884.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145885.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    158059.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Female. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    155660.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    113987.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    114577.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133174.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    133320.jpg
  • Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava flavissima L 16-17cm. Long-tailed wetland bird. Sometimes feeds at feet of grazing animals. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has greenish yellow upperparts, yellow underparts, white outer tail feathers and whitish wingbars. Adult female is similar but less colourful. Juvenile has olive-buff upperparts and pale underparts, with whitish throat, yellow flush to undertail, white outer tail feathers and pale wingbars. Blue-headed Wagtail M.f.flava (race from mainland Europe) sometimes turns up; male has bluish cap and ear coverts, and white supercilium. Voice (all birds) Utters a distinctive tsree-ee call. Status Local summer visitor to damp, grazed grassland.
    136343.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    143025.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145314.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145315.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    145316.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    135936.jpg
  • Kestrel Falco tinnunculus - Male. W 65-80cm. Familiar small falcon that habitually hovers where look-out perches are not available. Feeds on small mammals, ground-dwelling birds and insects. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has spotted, orange-brown back, blue-grey head, and blue-grey tail with black terminal band. Underparts are creamy buff with bold black spots. In flight from above, dark outer wing contrasts with orange-brown inner wing and back. Adult female has barred brown upperparts and pale creamy buff underparts with dark spots. In flight from above, contrast between brown inner wing and dark outer wing is less distinct than with male and tail is barred. Juvenile resembles adult female but upperparts are more reddish brown. Voice Utters a shrill kee-kee-kee… Status Common and widespread in open, grassy places. Breeding success dependent upon prey populations, notably Short-tailed Voles and Wood Mice.
    135937.jpg
  • Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii L 14-15cm. Tiny, slim-bodied wader with deliberate, almost creeping, feeding action. Compared to Little Stint, has short, yellow legs, longer tail and wings, and slightly downcurved bill. Note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts and white outer tail feathers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey-brown upperparts and streaked grey head, neck and breast; many back feathers having dark centres. Underparts are white. In winter (unlikely to be seen here), has uniform grey-brown upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has white underparts and brownish upperparts with scaly-looking back. Voice Utters a trilling call. Status Scarce passage migrant; favours margins of shallow freshwater pools. A few pairs breed in Scotland.
    158055.jpg
  • Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto L 32cm. Relatively recent arrival to Britain and Ireland but now a familiar sight and sound in urban areas. Often seen in pairs. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly sandy brown plumage with pinkish flush to head and underparts, and dark half-collar on nape. Black wingtips and white outer tail feathers are striking in flight. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Juvenile is similar duller colours and lacks black half-collar. Voice Utters repetitive song comprising repeated oo-oo-oo phrase. Status Spread NW through Europe in 20th Century and first seen here in 1950s.
    158035.jpg
  • Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto L 32cm. Relatively recent arrival to Britain and Ireland but now a familiar sight and sound in urban areas. Often seen in pairs. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly sandy brown plumage with pinkish flush to head and underparts, and dark half-collar on nape. Black wingtips and white outer tail feathers are striking in flight. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Juvenile is similar duller colours and lacks black half-collar. Voice Utters repetitive song comprising repeated oo-oo-oo phrase. Status Spread NW through Europe in 20th Century and first seen here in 1950s.
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  • Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea. Length 18cm. Elegant waterside bird. Strikingly long tail is continually pumped up and down. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has blue-grey upperparts and lemon-yellow underparts. Note black bib, white sub-moustachial stripe and white supercilium. Bill is dark, legs are reddish and outer tail feathers are white. Adult female in summer is similar but bib is whitish and variably marked with grey while underparts are paler with yellow colour confined mainly to vent. Winter adults and juveniles are similar to respective summer plumages but with white throats. Voice Utters a sharp chsee-tsit call in flight. Status Favours fast-flowing stony streams and rivers; commonest in N and W.
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  • Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba yarrellii Length 18cm. Familiar black, grey and white bird that pumps its tail up and down and has a distinctive call. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white underparts and black breast and upperparts; note white face, white wingbars, dark legs and bill, and white outer tail feathers. In winter, similar but throat is white and black on breast is less extensive. Adult female recalls an adult male in various seasons but back is dark grey. Juvenile and 1st winter birds have greyish upperparts, black rump, and whitish underparts; note whitish wingbars and yellowish wash to face. Voice Utters a loud chissick call. Status Favours bare ground and short grassland, often near farms, on playing fields or in car parks.
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  • Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Length 18cm. Elegant waterside bird. Strikingly long tail is continually pumped up and down. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has blue-grey upperparts and lemon-yellow underparts. Note black bib, white sub-moustachial stripe and white supercilium. Bill is dark, legs are reddish and outer tail feathers are white. Adult female in summer is similar but bib is whitish and variably marked with grey while underparts are paler with yellow colour confined mainly to vent. Winter adults and juveniles are similar to respective summer plumages but with white throats. Voice Utters a sharp chsee-tsit call in flight. Status Favours fast-flowing stony streams and rivers; commonest in N and W.
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  • Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs - female. L 15cm. One of our most familiar birds. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has reddish pink on face and underparts, blue crown and nape, and chestnut back. Note dark wings and whitish wingbars, and white undertail and vent. White outer tail feathers seen in flight. Adult female and juvenile are mainly buffish brown, palest on face and underparts; note pale wingbars (pattern similar to male) on otherwise dark wings. Voice Utters a pink pink call. Song comprises a descending trill with a final flourish. Status Common breeding species in a wide range of habitats. Numbers boosted in winter by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Magpie Pica pica L 45-50cm. Unmistakable black and white, long-tailed bird. Seen in small groups outside breeding season. Varied diet includes fruit, insects, animal road kills and eggs and young of birds. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile are mainly black with white belly and white patch on closed wing. Bluish green sheen on wings and tail seen in good light. In flight, outer half of rounded wings is white. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Status Widespread resident of lightly wooded habitats and urban areas.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
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  • December Moth - Poecilocampa populi - larva. Length 17-19mm. A sombre-looking moth with a hairy body. Adult has dusky-brown wings, with buff and reddish outer margins and pale cross lines. The body is hairy; front of head is whitish. Male is smaller than female. Flies mainly November-December. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees. Widespread and common across much of Britain.
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  • December Moth - Poecilocampa populi Length 17-19mm. A sombre-looking moth with a hairy body. Adult has dusky-brown wings, with buff and reddish outer margins and pale cross lines. The body is hairy; front of head is whitish. Male is smaller than female. Flies mainly November-December. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees. Widespread and common across much of Britain.
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  • Magpie - Pica pica. L 45-50cm. Unmistakable black and white, long-tailed bird. Seen in small groups outside breeding season. Varied diet includes fruit, insects, animal road kills and eggs and young of birds. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile are mainly black with white belly and white patch on closed wing. Bluish green sheen on wings and tail seen in good light. In flight, outer half of rounded wings is white. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Status Widespread resident of lightly wooded habitats and urban areas.
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  • Whitethroat - Sylvia communis - juvenile. L 13-15cm. Familiar warbler of open country. Males often perch openly. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey cap and face, grey-brown back and rufous edges to wing feathers. Throat is white while; underparts otherwise pale, suffused pinkish buff on breast. Legs are yellowish brown and yellowish bill is dark-tipped. Dark tail has white outer feathers. Adult female and juveniles are similar but cap and face are brownish and pale underparts (apart from white throat) are suffused pale buff. Voice Utters a harsh check alarm call. Song is a rapid and scratchy warble. Status Common summer visitor to scrub patches, hedgerows and heaths.
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  • Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus L 27cm. Appreciably larger than Song Thrush. Unobtrusive but has distinctive call and song. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts with hint of white wingbar. Underparts are pale with large dark spots and flanks are washed orange-buff. In flight, note white underwings and white tips to outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but back has white, teardrop-shaped spots. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Song contains brief phrases and long pauses; often sung in dull weather. Status Fairly common resident of open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Observation tips Listen for distinctive song in breeding season; often sings on rainy days. Individuals defend berry-laden Holly bushes in winter.
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  • Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus L 27cm. Appreciably larger than Song Thrush. Unobtrusive but has distinctive call and song. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts with hint of white wingbar. Underparts are pale with large dark spots and flanks are washed orange-buff. In flight, note white underwings and white tips to outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but back has white, teardrop-shaped spots. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Song contains brief phrases and long pauses; often sung in dull weather. Status Fairly common resident of open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Observation tips Listen for distinctive song in breeding season; often sings on rainy days. Individuals defend berry-laden Holly bushes in winter.
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  • Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus L 27cm. Appreciably larger than Song Thrush. Unobtrusive but has distinctive call and song. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts with hint of white wingbar. Underparts are pale with large dark spots and flanks are washed orange-buff. In flight, note white underwings and white tips to outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but back has white, teardrop-shaped spots. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Song contains brief phrases and long pauses; often sung in dull weather. Status Fairly common resident of open woodland, parks and mature gardens. Observation tips Listen for distinctive song in breeding season; often sings on rainy days. Individuals defend berry-laden Holly bushes in winter.
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  • Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus L 16-17cm. Bulky, dark pipit invariably found within sight of sea. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked dark grey-brown upperparts and rather grubby yellowish underparts, heavily streaked on breast and flanks. Throat is pale and note indistinct pale supercilium and eyering, and dark sub-moustachial stripe. Legs and bill are dark and outer tail feathers are grey. Voice Utters a single pseet call. Meadow Pipit-like song is delivered in flight; starts and ends on a cliff-side rocky outcrop. Status Locally common resident, found on rocky coasts and cliffs in summer; commonest in N and W. More widespread, but still coastal outside breeding season.
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  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
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  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
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  • Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
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  • Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto L 32cm. Relatively recent arrival to Britain and Ireland but now a familiar sight and sound in urban areas. Often seen in pairs. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly sandy brown plumage with pinkish flush to head and underparts, and dark half-collar on nape. Black wingtips and white outer tail feathers are striking in flight. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Juvenile is similar duller colours and lacks black half-collar. Voice Utters repetitive song comprising repeated oo-oo-oo phrase. Status Spread NW through Europe in 20th Century and first seen here in 1950s.
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  • Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii L 14-15cm. Tiny, slim-bodied wader with deliberate, almost creeping, feeding action. Compared to Little Stint, has short, yellow legs, longer tail and wings, and slightly downcurved bill. Note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts and white outer tail feathers. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey-brown upperparts and streaked grey head, neck and breast; many back feathers having dark centres. Underparts are white. In winter (unlikely to be seen here), has uniform grey-brown upperparts and white underparts. Juvenile has white underparts and brownish upperparts with scaly-looking back. Voice Utters a trilling call. Status Scarce passage migrant; favours margins of shallow freshwater pools. A few pairs breed in Scotland.<br />
nature photographers #
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  • Pied wagtail - Motacilla alba yarrellii - juvenile.  Length 18cm. Familiar black, grey and white bird that pumps its tail up and down and has a distinctive call. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has mainly white underparts and black breast and upperparts; note white face, white wingbars, dark legs and bill, and white outer tail feathers. In winter, similar but throat is white and black on breast is less extensive. Adult female recalls an adult male in various seasons but back is dark grey. Juvenile and 1st winter birds have greyish upperparts, black rump, and whitish underparts; note whitish wingbars and yellowish wash to face. Voice Utters a loud chissick call. Status Favours bare ground and short grassland, often near farms, on playing fields or in car parks.
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  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata -Lundy, Pondsbury. Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto L 32cm. Relatively recent arrival to Britain and Ireland but now a familiar sight and sound in urban areas. Often seen in pairs. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly sandy brown plumage with pinkish flush to head and underparts, and dark half-collar on nape. Black wingtips and white outer tail feathers are striking in flight. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Juvenile is similar duller colours and lacks black half-collar. Voice Utters repetitive song comprising repeated oo-oo-oo phrase. Status Spread NW through Europe in 20th Century and first seen here in 1950s.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans - Adult. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus - at nest. L 27cm. Appreciably larger than Song Thrush. Unobtrusive but has distinctive call and song. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts with hint of white wingbar. Underparts are pale with large dark spots and flanks are washed orange-buff. In flight, note white underwings and white tips to outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but back has white, teardrop-shaped spots. Voice Utters a loud, rattling alarm call. Song contains brief phrases and long pauses; often sung in dull weather. Status Fairly common resident of open woodland, parks and mature gardens.
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  • Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs - male summer. L 15cm. One of our most familiar birds. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has reddish pink on face and underparts, blue crown and nape, and chestnut back. Note dark wings and whitish wingbars, and white undertail and vent. White outer tail feathers seen in flight. Adult female and juvenile are mainly buffish brown, palest on face and underparts; note pale wingbars (pattern similar to male) on otherwise dark wings. Voice Utters a pink pink call. Song comprises a descending trill with a final flourish. Status Common breeding species in a wide range of habitats. Numbers boosted in winter by migrants from N Europe
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  • Long-tailed Skua - Stercorarius longicaudus - Juvenile. (L 36-42cm) recalls an Arctic Skua but is slimmer with much longer tail streamers in adult; long, pointed wings lack Arctic’s white patch. Adult has mainly grey-brown upperparts, dark cap and whitish neck and underparts; note faint yellow flush on cheeks. Juvenile is variably barred grey-brown, palest on nape and chest. Look for it during storms on Outer Hebrides in spring, Cornish coasts in autumn.
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  • Common Pochard Athya ferina - male in flight. L 42-49cm. Distinctive diving duck with long bill, curving forehead and peaked crown. Gregarious in winter, often with Tufted Ducks. Both sexes have dark bill with pale grey band. In flight, all birds have uniform grey wings with dark trailing edge to outer flight feathers. Sexes are dissimilar in other regards. Adult male has reddish orange head, black breast, finely marked grey flanks and back, and black stern. In eclipse, black elements of plumage are sooty brown. Adult female has brown head and breast, grey-brown back and flanks, and pale ‘spectacle’. Juvenile resembles adult female but plumage is more uniformly brown. Voice Mostly silent. Status Scarce breeder but locally common in winter: migrants arrive from mainland Europe. Favours flooded gravel pits, reservoirs and lakes.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Whitethroat Sylvia communis L 13-15cm. Familiar warbler of open country. Males often perch openly. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey cap and face, grey-brown back and rufous edges to wing feathers. Throat is white while; underparts otherwise pale, suffused pinkish buff on breast. Legs are yellowish brown and yellowish bill is dark-tipped. Dark tail has white outer feathers. Adult female and juveniles are similar but cap and face are brownish and pale underparts (apart from white throat) are suffused pale buff. Voice Utters a harsh check alarm call. Song is a rapid and scratchy warble. Status Common summer visitor to scrub patches, hedgerows and heaths.
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  • Whitethroat Sylvia communis L 13-15cm. Familiar warbler of open country. Males often perch openly. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey cap and face, grey-brown back and rufous edges to wing feathers. Throat is white while; underparts otherwise pale, suffused pinkish buff on breast. Legs are yellowish brown and yellowish bill is dark-tipped. Dark tail has white outer feathers. Adult female and juveniles are similar but cap and face are brownish and pale underparts (apart from white throat) are suffused pale buff. Voice Utters a harsh check alarm call. Song is a rapid and scratchy warble. Status Common summer visitor to scrub patches, hedgerows and heaths.
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  • Whitethroat Sylvia communis L 13-15cm. Familiar warbler of open country. Males often perch openly. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey cap and face, grey-brown back and rufous edges to wing feathers. Throat is white while; underparts otherwise pale, suffused pinkish buff on breast. Legs are yellowish brown and yellowish bill is dark-tipped. Dark tail has white outer feathers. Adult female and juveniles are similar but cap and face are brownish and pale underparts (apart from white throat) are suffused pale buff. Voice Utters a harsh check alarm call. Song is a rapid and scratchy warble. Status Common summer visitor to scrub patches, hedgerows and heaths.
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  • Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Length 18cm. Elegant waterside bird. Strikingly long tail is continually pumped up and down. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has blue-grey upperparts and lemon-yellow underparts. Note black bib, white sub-moustachial stripe and white supercilium. Bill is dark, legs are reddish and outer tail feathers are white. Adult female in summer is similar but bib is whitish and variably marked with grey while underparts are paler with yellow colour confined mainly to vent. Winter adults and juveniles are similar to respective summer plumages but with white throats. Voice Utters a sharp chsee-tsit call in flight. Status Favours fast-flowing stony streams and rivers; commonest in N and W.
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  • Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Length 18cm. Elegant waterside bird. Strikingly long tail is continually pumped up and down. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has blue-grey upperparts and lemon-yellow underparts. Note black bib, white sub-moustachial stripe and white supercilium. Bill is dark, legs are reddish and outer tail feathers are white. Adult female in summer is similar but bib is whitish and variably marked with grey while underparts are paler with yellow colour confined mainly to vent. Winter adults and juveniles are similar to respective summer plumages but with white throats. Voice Utters a sharp chsee-tsit call in flight. Status Favours fast-flowing stony streams and rivers; commonest in N and W.
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  • Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea Length 18cm. Elegant waterside bird. Strikingly long tail is continually pumped up and down. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male in summer has blue-grey upperparts and lemon-yellow underparts. Note black bib, white sub-moustachial stripe and white supercilium. Bill is dark, legs are reddish and outer tail feathers are white. Adult female in summer is similar but bib is whitish and variably marked with grey while underparts are paler with yellow colour confined mainly to vent. Winter adults and juveniles are similar to respective summer plumages but with white throats. Voice Utters a sharp chsee-tsit call in flight. Status Favours fast-flowing stony streams and rivers; commonest in N and W.
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