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  • Large hay bales in summer meadow
    154769.jpg
  • Summer hay meadow
    154792.jpg
  • Wrapping big hay bales with tractor and trailer
    154770.jpg
  • Large hay bales in summer meadow
    154779.jpg
  • Tedder in hay meadow with large wrapped bales
    154787.jpg
  • Tedder in hay meadow with large wrapped bales
    154788.jpg
  • Tedder in hay meadow with large wrapped bales
    154789.jpg
  • Tedder in hay meadow with large wrapped bales
    154790.jpg
  • Summer hay meadow
    154791.jpg
  • Summer wheat field
    154794.jpg
  • Summer wheat field
    154795.jpg
  • Summer wheat field
    154796.jpg
  • Panoramic view from the path to Cat Bells looking west towards Causey Pike and Knott Rigg, Lake District, UK
    154437.jpg
  • Large hay bales in summer meadow
    154771.jpg
  • Large hay bales in summer meadow
    154772.jpg
  • Large hay bales in summer meadow
    154780.jpg
  • Summer hay meadow
    154793.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    134654.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    132348.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    134618.jpg
  • Japanese Red-cedar Cryptomeria japonica (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 35m. Tall, narrowly conical evergreen on a rapidly tapering bole. BARK Thin, hard bark, peeling in thin shreds. BRANCHES Mainly level. LEAVES Narrow, claw-like and yellowish-green, pointing towards the shoot-tip. Foliage character distinguishes this species from Coastal Redwood, as does thin bark. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female cones produced on same tree but on different shoots. small yellow male cones are borne in clusters at tips of shoots and release pollen in early spring. Mature female cones are covered with feathery scales, unique to this tree, giving the appearance of brownish globular flowers. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China and Japan. Present here since 1842, and commonest in the west.
    132862.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    156287.jpg
  • White Mulberry Morus alba (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
 Deciduous tree with a narrow rounded crown on a broad bole, to 2m across. BARK Heavily ridged and grey, sometimes tinged pinkish. BRANCHES Shoots are thin, with fine hairs at first; buds are minute, brown and pointed. LEAVES To 18cm long, oval to rounded with a heart-shaped base and a hairy, grooved petiole up to 2.5cm long. Feel thin and smooth, and have a toothed margin, with downy hairs on veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers stalked, spike-like and yellowish. Male flowers on slightly longer spikes; whitish with prominent anthers. Fruit comprises a cluster of drupes; white or pink at first, ripening purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, grown here occasionally. COMMENT The leaves are the foodplant for silkworms.
    117571.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata - at nest with young. L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154639.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154167.jpg
  • White Mulberry Morus alba (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Deciduous tree with a narrow rounded crown on a broad bole, to 2m across. BARK Heavily ridged and grey, sometimes tinged pinkish. BRANCHES Shoots are thin, with fine hairs at first; buds are minute, brown and pointed. LEAVES To 18cm long, oval to rounded with a heart-shaped base and a hairy, grooved petiole up to 2.5cm long. Feel thin and smooth, and have a toothed margin, with downy hairs on veins on underside.  REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers stalked, spike-like and yellowish. Male flowers on slightly longer spikes; whitish with prominent anthers. Fruit comprises a cluster of drupes; white or pink at first, ripening purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, grown here occasionally. COMMENT The leaves are the foodplant for silkworms.
    134473.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136128.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    144786.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    156208.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    156210.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata - First winter. L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    129331.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata - Adult leaving nest. L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    155042.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    155062.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    155063.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154163.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154165.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154169.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    120970.jpg
  • White Mulberry Morus alba (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Deciduous tree with a narrow rounded crown on a broad bole, to 2m across. BARK Heavily ridged and grey, sometimes tinged pinkish. BRANCHES Shoots are thin, with fine hairs at first; buds are minute, brown and pointed. LEAVES To 18cm long, oval to rounded with a heart-shaped base and a hairy, grooved petiole up to 2.5cm long. Feel thin and smooth, and have a toothed margin, with downy hairs on veins on underside.  REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers stalked, spike-like and yellowish. Male flowers on slightly longer spikes; whitish with prominent anthers. Fruit comprises a cluster of drupes; white or pink at first, ripening purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, grown here occasionally. COMMENT The leaves are the foodplant for silkworms.
    117571.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    125276.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127804.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127805.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128148.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136129.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144192.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144193.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144195.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    112767.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    129517.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    136062.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    136063.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    136561.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    137567.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    141356.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    143815.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    143872.jpg
  • Firecrest - Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    157980.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    157599.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    157598.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    156209.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    156211.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata - Adult leaving nest. L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    115441.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    155003.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154166.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    154168.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    135435.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    134874.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132925.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132907.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132907.jpg
  • White Mulberry Morus alba (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 15m<br />
Deciduous tree with a narrow rounded crown on a broad bole, to 2m across. BARK Heavily ridged and grey, sometimes tinged pinkish. BRANCHES Shoots are thin, with fine hairs at first; buds are minute, brown and pointed. LEAVES To 18cm long, oval to rounded with a heart-shaped base and a hairy, grooved petiole up to 2.5cm long. Feel thin and smooth, and have a toothed margin, with downy hairs on veins on underside.  REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers stalked, spike-like and yellowish. Male flowers on slightly longer spikes; whitish with prominent anthers. Fruit comprises a cluster of drupes; white or pink at first, ripening purple. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of E Asia, grown here occasionally. COMMENT The leaves are the foodplant for silkworms.
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  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127803.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127806.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128145.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128147.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128149.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
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  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    122754.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    129234.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    129278.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    137009.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    141326.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    143277.jpg
  • Dunnock Prunella modularis L 13-14cm. House Sparrow-like bird with a thin, warbler-like bill. Mostly rather skulking. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked chestnut-brown back. Underparts are mostly bluish grey but flanks are streaked with brown and chestnut. Face is bluish grey with brown streaking on ear coverts and crown. Bill is dark and legs are reddish pink. Juvenile is similar but has bolder streaking. Voice Song is warbler-like; usually delivered from prominent perch. Alarm call is a thin tseer. Status Common resident of woodlands, hedgerows and gardens with plenty of cover.
    143282.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    143846.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    145444.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    145445.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    145844.jpg
  • Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.
    156212.jpg
  • Smooth Japanese Maple Acer palmatum (Aceraceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Small deciduous tree with a short, usually twisted bole, and domed crown. BARK Smooth brown bark with paler patches in young trees. BRANCHES Numerous and spreading, ending in thin reddish twigs with green undersides. LEAVES To 9cm long, with 5–7, sometimes 11, toothed lobes divided at least half-way to the base of leaf. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Dark purple-red flowers, in upright clusters of 12–15 on thin green or red 4cm-long pedicels, usually opening in April–May. Reddish fruits usually hang in clusters, each fruit about 2cm across, the wings diverging widely. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, planted here for its compact shape, interesting foliage and fine autumn colours.
    132924.jpg
  • Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata L 14cm. Charming, perky bird with unremarkable plumage. Recognised by upright posture and habit of making insect-catching aerial sorties from regular perches. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts, streaked on crown, and pale greyish white underparts heavily streaked on breast. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on back and dark spots on throat and breast. Voice Utters a thin tsee call. Song is simple and includes thin, call-like notes. Status Widespread summer visitor to open, sunny woodland, parks and gardens; often nests around habitation.
    135514.jpg
  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus - male. L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
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  • Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. Spring and early summer are the times when rare waders that breed in Asia turn up here. A number of possible contenders exist but the Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (L 22-25cm) is one of most elegant and keenly-sought; it resembles a miniature Greenshank but with a thin, needle-like bill.
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  • Engelmann’s Spruce Picea engelmannii (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Slender, conical evergreen. Trunk thin and narrowly tapering. BARK Greyish pink and scaly. BRANCHES Ascending and turning upwards at tips, with pendulous young shoots. LEAVES Pointed, 4-angled, bluish-green needles, to 2.5cm long, spread to reveal twig’s lower surface but hide upper surface; smell is unpleasant when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Narrowly oval cones, tapering to a point, to 7cm long, ripening brownish, with squarish toothed scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Rocky Mountains in N America. Planted here, but scarce.
    135090.jpg
  • Sheep Ovis aries Shoulder height 50-70cm Coat comprises thick, rigid hair and thin, curly wool. Male (ram) has horns in most breeds. Female (ewe) usually has shorter horns. Juvenile (lamb) resembles female, but with shorter, cleaner coat. In lambing season, mothers and lambs utter the familiar ‘baaing’ and bleating calls respectively. Domesticated for millennia, kept for milk, wool, meat and hide.
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  • Treecreeper Certhia familiaris L 12-13cm. Easily overlooked as it creeps up tree trunks, using spiky tail for support. Probes bark for insects using needle-like bill Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have streaked brown upperparts and silvery white underparts, subtly suffused buff towards rear of flanks. Note grubby whitish supercilium and broad, zigzag buffish barring on wings. Voice Utters a thin, high-pitched tseert call. Song comprises short series of high-pitched notes and ends in a trill. Status Fairly common resident of deciduous and mixed woodlands.
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  • Redwing Turdus iliacus Length 20-22cm. Small, well-marked thrush. Forms flocks in winter and mixes with Fieldfare. Sexes are similar. Adult has grey-brown upperparts; pale underparts are dark-spotted and flushed with orange-red on flanks and underwings. Has white stripes above eye and below cheeks. Juvenile is similar but has pale spots on upperparts and subdued colours on flanks. Voice Utters a thin, high-pitched tseerp in flight; often heard on autumn nights from migrating flocks. Song (seldom heard here) comprises short bursts of whistling and fluty phrases. Status Common winter visitor to farmland and open, lightly wooded countryside. A few pairs breed here each year, mainly in NW.
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  • Coal Tit Parus ater L 10-11cm. Tiny, well-marked and warbler-like bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has white cheeks and white nape patch on otherwise black head. Back and wings are bluish grey and underparts are pale pinkish buff. Note two white wingbars and dark, needle-like bill. Juvenile is similar but colours and markings are less striking. Voice Utters a thin call. Song is repeated teechu-teechu-teechu…, higher pitched and more rapid than Great Tit.<br />
Status Fairly common resident of conifer forests and mixed and deciduous woodland.
    144794.jpg
  • Coal Tit Parus ater L 10-11cm. Tiny, well-marked and warbler-like bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has white cheeks and white nape patch on otherwise black head. Back and wings are bluish grey and underparts are pale pinkish buff. Note two white wingbars and dark, needle-like bill. Juvenile is similar but colours and markings are less striking. Voice Utters a thin call. Song is repeated teechu-teechu-teechu…, higher pitched and more rapid than Great Tit.<br />
Status Fairly common resident of conifer forests and mixed and deciduous woodland.
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  • Goldcrest - Regulus regulus. L 9cm. Our smallest bird. Recalls a Phylloscopus warbler but note large head and white-ringed dark eye and colourful crown stripe. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has greenish upperparts with 2 pale wingbars, and yellow-buff underparts. Note black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin, high-pitched tsee-tsee-tsee. Song is a series of high-pitched phrases that ends in a flourish. Status Common woodland resident; favours conifers but also found in deciduous woods, especially in winter. Migrants from N Europe boost numbers outside breeding season.
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