Dartford Warbler

Dartford Warblers are still about but are now flying around in pairs and I can only see 2 pairs. I am very conscious that the breeding season is about to start so I am observing from a distance and rarely stopping. They seem to have little interest in humans or dogs and this individual appeared very close to me as I walked by. Its now half term and a number of schools are close by. The heath will be busier than usual and I am hoping for no fires and minimal disturbance.

This week I saw a group of local school children on a field trip with 4 teachers. As the teacher was talking about the heath, a Dartford Warbler and a Stonechat were singing on the gorse just a few feet away from the them.

None of them noticed!!! 

Taken 26/3/2012 at Midday

Whos watching who?

Every time you take a walk along the Greenway path towards Bloxworth Road you may get that feeling you are being watched. Nearly every time I walk this way I see the fox up on the hill, peering over the bank of sand. It can be any time of day, even at noon in the hot sunshine.

I'm sure many people walk by him and never notice.

Long Tailed Tit

I often see long tailed tits all over the reserve. In the trees with great tits and blue tits and on the heath where ever there are small perching trees. I have often stood very still and these little gems will perch within a few feet of me totally ignoring me as they roam about looking for food. This shot was such an occasion where the bird was over my head in a tree. After I had taken a few pictures it just looked down to see what was making the clicking sound then carried on.

Common Lizard

At last my first reptile at Bourne Valley.

Actually this was the second of two common lizards today. Both sunbathing on the path, I didn't notice them until they scurried away into the undergrowth. This female thought it was safe sitting very still, just long enough for me to grab this picture for ID purposes.

Common Lizards hibernate between October and March and range from northern Asia across central and northern Europe and are the only reptiles found in Ireland.

The common lizard gives birth to live young in these northern climates and is a good swimmer.

February 2012 Summary