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  • Pink Siris Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 13m <br />
Small tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Pinnate, to 40cm long; each leaf has up to 25 pinnae, each pinna with about 35–50 curved, ovate leaflets, to 1.5cm long, green above, white below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pinkish-orange plume-like flowers borne on branched hairy stalks; pods brown, to 15cm long, constricted between seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Asia, planted here occasionally.
    134804.jpg
  • Pink Siris Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 13m <br />
Small tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Pinnate, to 40cm long; each leaf has up to 25 pinnae, each pinna with about 35–50 curved, ovate leaflets, to 1.5cm long, green above, white below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pinkish-orange plume-like flowers borne on branched hairy stalks; pods brown, to 15cm long, constricted between seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Asia, planted here occasionally.
    108892.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln being lit in a deciduous woodland in southern England
    157386.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln being lit in deciduous woodland in southern England
    157383.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln being lit in a deciduous woodland in southern England
    157385.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln being lit in an anchient deciduous woodland in southern England
    157384.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln in action in an anchient deciduous woodland in southern England
    157372.jpg
  • A charcoal kiln loaded and ready for lighting in a deciduous woodland in southern England
    157387.jpg
  • Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus Length 25-30m World’s largest living animal. Feeds on tiny, swarming planktonic crustaceans (krill). Adult has huge, streamlined body; bluish grey overall but mottled with greyish white. Seen just below water surface, body looks very blue. Flippers are relatively small. Single ridge extends from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Throat has 70-90 pleats that allow a huge expansion when feeding. Tail stock is thick and dorsal fin is small and set far back. Decimated by 20th Century whaling and possibly recovering.
    109126.jpg
  • Buncefield Oil Storage Depot Hemel Hempstead 11th December 2005 Fire From 3 Miles Away
    133154.jpg
  • Smog & Air Pollution 10 hours after Initial Explosion 12 Miles Away Buncefield Oil Storage Depot Hemel Hempstead 11th December 2005
    133161.jpg
  • Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus Length 25-30m World’s largest living animal. Feeds on tiny, swarming planktonic crustaceans (krill). Adult has huge, streamlined body; bluish grey overall but mottled with greyish white. Seen just below water surface, body looks very blue. Flippers are relatively small. Single ridge extends from nostrils to tip of rostrum. Throat has 70-90 pleats that allow a huge expansion when feeding. Tail stock is thick and dorsal fin is small and set far back. Decimated by 20th Century whaling and possibly recovering.
    103525.jpg
  • 45.044 (1524)<br />
Common Plume - Emmelina monodactyla
    159234.jpg
  • 45.030 (1513)<br />
White Plume Moth - Pterophorus pentadactyla
    159233.jpg
  • Common Plume - Emmelina monodactyla
    156625.jpg
  • White Plume Moth - Pterophorus pentadactyla
    104253.jpg
  • Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla
    140755.jpg
  • Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla
    140754.jpg
  • Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla
    140756.jpg
  • 44.001 (1288)<br />
Twenty-plume Moth - Alucita hexadactyla
    159231.jpg
  • Pink Siris Albizia julibrissin (Fabaceae) HEIGHT to 13m <br />
Small tree. BARK Smooth and grey. BRANCHES Spreading. LEAVES Pinnate, to 40cm long; each leaf has up to 25 pinnae, each pinna with about 35–50 curved, ovate leaflets, to 1.5cm long, green above, white below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Pinkish-orange plume-like flowers borne on branched hairy stalks; pods brown, to 15cm long, constricted between seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Asia, planted here occasionally.
    134836.jpg
  • 71.024 (2013)<br />
Plumed Prominent - Ptilophora plumigera
    158628.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    158041.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157146.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157144.jpg
  • Little Egret - Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    156887.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    155953.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    155954.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    154641.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus - Winter. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154649.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus - Winter. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154651.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe - Podiceps auritus - winter plumage. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154225.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    113454.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    135414.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    102364.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    102363.jpg
  • MOUNTAIN AVENS Dryas octopetala (Rosaceae) Height to 6cm. Creeping, perennial undershrub. Found on basic rocks, in mountains and, locally, at to sea level. FLOWERS are 3-4cm across with 8 or more white petals and a mass of yellow stamens (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are dry and 1-seeded, with feathery plumes. LEAVES are dark green, oblong and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland and W Ireland.
    131634.jpg
  • TRAVELLER’S-JOY Clematis vitalba (Ranunculaceae) * Length to 20m. Scrambling hedgerow perennial of chalky soils. FLOWERS are creamy, with prominent stamens; borne in clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS comprise clusters of seeds with woolly, whitish plumes, hence plant’s alternative name of Old Man’s Beard. LEAVES are divided into 3-5 leaflets. STATUS-Locally common in C and S England, and Wales.
    131501.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    129524.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    133056.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    135740.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    135741.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    136933.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    139514.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    139723.jpg
  • Little Egret - Egretta garzetta. L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    157653.jpg
  • Grey Willow - Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    157535.jpg
  • Grey Willow - Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    157534.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157147.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - male. L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157145.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157142.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    157140.jpg
  • Mandarin Duck - Aix galericulata - Male in flight.  L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
    155891.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    154992.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    154986.jpg
  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
    154643.jpg
  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus - Winter. Feeding on Three-spined Stickleback. L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
    154648.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
    135119.jpg
  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • Grey Willow Salix cinerea (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 6m <br />
Variable, usually a large shrub or sometimes a small tree with characteristic thick, downy, grey twigs. Represented by ssp. cinerea and ssp. oleifolia (pka S. c. atrocinerea or S. atrocinerea). SHOOTS If bark is peeled off 2-year-old twigs, wood shows a series of fine longitudinal ridges. LEAVES Oblong and pointed, usually about 4 times as long as broad, on short petioles with irregular stipules. Leaves often have inrolled margins and are grey and downy below. Upper surface is matt and downy in ssp. cinerea but glossy and hairless in ssp. oleifolia. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in early spring on separate trees, before leaves: male catkins ovoid and yellow, female catkins similar but greener, eventually releasing finely plumed seeds. This species and Goat Willow S. caprea, are often called ‘Pussy Willow’ when their silky-grey buds, resembling cats’ paws, followed by bright-yellow catkins, appear in spring. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Common across much of our region usually growing in wet habitats such as fenlands, streamsides and damp woodlands
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  • MOUNTAIN AVENS Dryas octopetala (Rosaceae) Height to 6cm. Creeping, perennial undershrub. Found on basic rocks, in mountains and, locally, at to sea level. FLOWERS are 3-4cm across with 8 or more white petals and a mass of yellow stamens (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are dry and 1-seeded, with feathery plumes. LEAVES are dark green, oblong and toothed. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland and W Ireland.
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  • TRAVELLER’S-JOY Clematis vitalba (Ranunculaceae) Scrambling hedgerow perennial of chalky soils. FLOWERS are creamy, with prominent stamens; borne in clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS comprise clusters of seeds with woolly, whitish plumes, hence plant’s alternative name of Old Man’s Beard. LEAVES are divided into 3-5 leaflets.
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  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
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  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
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  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
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  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
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  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
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  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
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  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata L 41-49cm. Male is stunningly colourful, with elaborate tufts and plumes. Sexes are strikingly dissimilar. Adult male has mane of orange, white, greenish and brown feathers, with white above eye and elongated orange plumes arising from cheek. Note orange sail-like feathers on back, dark breast with vertical white stripes, brown flanks and white stern. Bill is bright red with pale tip. Adult female is grey-brown overall, darkest on back, with pale buffish spots on flanks. Has white belly, white ‘spectacle’, and white at base of bill and on throat. Bill is dull pink with pale tip. Juvenile resembles an adult female. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from China and now local on wooded lakes in S.
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  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
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  • Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus L 31-38cm. Buoyant little waterbird with beady red eye. Flattish crown and white-tipped, even-shaped bill (both mandibles are curved) allow separation from Black-necked. White patches on both leading and trailing edges of wings are seen in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has reddish orange neck and flanks. Back is black and black head has golden-yellow plumes. In winter, has black upperparts and white underparts with clear demarcation between black cap and white cheeks. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters trills and squeals at nest. Status Scarce winter visitor to sheltered coastal waters. Rare breeding bird in Scotland, on shallow lochs with abundant sedges.
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  • Little Egret Egretta garzetta L 55-65cm. Unmistakable pure white, heron-like bird. Long, black legs have bright yellow toes. Feeds actively in water, often chasing small fish. Has a hunched posture when resting. In flight, neck is held ‘S-shaped’ and legs are trailing. Sexes are similar. Adult has pure white plumage. Note yellow eye. Nape plumes seen in breeding plumage. Juvenile is similar to adult. Voice Mostly silent. Status Recent arrival to Britain, now locally common on coasts and increasingly on inland wetlands.
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