Images from Hampshire (2007)

[British Red]

Had a few nice outings lately and, chatting to a friend today who is at home looking after his lady, I took some piccs for a "virtual walk"

So today we went to the pub! No great adventure - but its a nine mile or so round trip through the woods (great pub too - we could smell the smoke from the fires as we got near - its just extended beyond the original four tables - all beer from micro breweries from "the wood"...oh yeah - and a full size archery course in the garden with four "butts" - for the patrons use)


It felt like the first day of spring today.... bright sun and sudden heavy showers. Certainly weather for gaiters! The sun coming on the raindrops caused rainbows and "jewels" on the trees and flowers though - birds, bees and spring blooms were everywhere. The world smells fresh, clean, and very, very young

The bees were hugely noisy - great "Zeppelin" bumble bees on the cherry blossom

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/409036718_32a9472e85.jpg

And also loving the goat willow that is just opening up

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/409047299_51fd3577f5.jpg

The rain made beautiful patterns - on each individual Birch tree

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/409047295_8e1e4e456a.jpg

and on whole stands of them

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/409047298_1e56197674.jpg


Flowers were really starting to show in small, brave patches....

Primrose...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/409036726_70b932dae6.jpg


Blackthorn

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/409036723_6a31c4f63b.jpg

and Wood Violets

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/409047293_07aa4a6784.jpg

Some fascinating galls on oak leaves

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/409036720_5508745741.jpg


Birds were everywhere - woodpeckers tapping, chaffinch "pinking", the chip of bullfinches. This fellow wanted to see us off...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/166/409036734_7238f6ec5f.jpg


And this one was waiting for a bed time snack (Sparrowhawk)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/409036744_8a5716d122.jpg


A truly lovely day to be out and about!



I got this shot the other day, but I do like it so its shamelessly included

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/134/386555858_bbf0ab6774_b.jpg

Red

[oldsoldier]

Those are some absolutely stunning pictures. We're still blanketed in snow...anxiously awaiting spring!

[chrisanson]

good stuff Red, nice one m8

[JonnyP]

When you go walking Red, you obviously do not just watch the path in front of you, as so many people do, some great images there. Esp like the water on the trees shot, looks like a big cob web......

[British Red]

Thats exactly how it did look Jon! No its why I generally only walk alone or with BB - she's patient enough to not mind me seeing an interesting leaf and spend 5 minutes tring to photograph it :o. Its always more a journey of exploration than a stroll for me - there are so many things to see. Tracks are my latest interest ...found two new badger setts this walk. Lovely

Red

[JonnyP]

Thats exactly how it did look Jon! No its why I generally only walk alone or with BB - she's patient enough to not mind me seeing an interesting leaf and spend 5 minutes tring to photograph it :o. Its always more a journey of exploration than a stroll for me - there are so many things to see. Tracks are my latest interest ...found two new badger setts this walk. Lovely

Red
Fantastic....Its often about the journey, rather than just getting to where you are going....Sadly, we are often in such a rush that we miss out on so much along the way....

[AndyW]

Great pics Red. I'm the same. My little boy (nearly six) doesn't mind me stopping around to get pics as he's really interested to know what I'm finding so interesting :D

Otherwise I prefer to be out on my own too and can just bimble around taking it all in.

[fred gordon]

Fantastic pictures Red. One of my sons lives in Fleet and I think Hampshire is a lovely part of the country. So different from where I live. :)

[Aragorn]

nice pictures red, what camera do you use ?

[Snufkin]

Nice pics mate, but most importantly where's this pub! Real ale and archery butts. Sounds great :) .

[British Red]

Hi Guys - just uploading a few more since today was so glorious.

The camera is a humble Kodak z740 Aragorn - nothing fancy but a good zoom at 10x optical!

Snufkin

The pub is the "Hampshire Bowman" - fantastic pub - all beer from the wood and archery on site. A few of us are getting together in a couple of weeks for a "pie and a pint" there if you would care to join us?

Red

[British Red]

Had another lovely day today. We set out the other way from the cottage to last week. As we entered the woods at the end of the closed field, the Norwegian Spruce we beautifully lit

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/417729040_56e2e4a0c8.jpg

Inside the wood the world was really waking up in the warm weather. There was real evidence of predation in the Scots Pine. Note the chewed off tips on the needles on this removed branch (one of many)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/417739679_beacddd3ff.jpg

Now, I’m poor at woodpecker sign. There are greater and lesser spotted and green in these woods – not sure which made these holes ?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/417739685_6579ad8d90.jpg

A few trees further on – a till living Silver Birch – not sure how well he’ll do with the rather lovely polypore living on him though

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/417714594_9991fb4a78.jpg

As we left the woods and cut across to the next farm, we saw five common buzzards on the same spiral. There’s a patch of woods that must have three of four nesting pairs within feet of each other. They clearly feed along one particular fence line – the evidence is everywhere!

I’m rubbish at birds on the wing – this is the best I could get

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/417714599_df58a05d9d.jpg

The fields themselves were full of wild flowers – loads of dead nettle and many others

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417714602_9363e873e8.jpg

As we came into the farm, it was clear that calving was well underway. The calving pens were packed. This young man was a couple of days old, but had we waited an hour, he would have had a playmate!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/122/417714600_58d9755f21.jpg

Walked on over the high downs and saw a perfect “oak apple”. There are going to be plenty of gall wasps round here!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417729042_ba22db1955.jpg

Time for tea and a picture since BB has sewn the badge on!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/417739681_7728e26ba7.jpg

Saw loads of “Ramsoms” as we walked back down the path – omelette for tea!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/417739677_9021dd9aaf.jpg

As we cut back over the home field we saw the March Hare at play – lovely!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/417714605_96d06fc5ee.jpg

Home to BBs mate (the blackbird we know from his odd white feathers) singing us in on evening chorus!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/417714597_0a2656ba40.jpg

Red

[JonnyP]

fantastic....Nice set of images and nicely narrated......
It could of been a nuthatch making them holes, and I have even seen great tits tapping away at trees...

[British Red]

Interesting...could well be ..we certainly get plenty of nuthatches and tree creepers round here. Fenlander mentioned that, if that really is hawthorn I saw earlier, its hellish early! Theres cloud of the stuff along the lanes and I must say I'm 90% sure hawthorn over blackthorn...has anyone with better skill than mine got an opinion? Anyone else seen Hawthorn in flower?

Red

[Floyd Soul]

I haven't seen hawthorn in flower yet. Are the leaves on it out? With hawthorn the leaves come out first and then the flowers after. Blackthorn (sloe) has the flowers coming out first before any leaves and then leaves after.

Could you identify the purple flower in this picture for me? Its all around my area and I've been wondering what it is. Ta!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417714602_9363e873e8.jpg

[British Red]

Thats a red dead nettle Floyd ( Lamium purpureum).

I'll have to nip back and have a look but the leaves then flowers or flowers then leaves is the sort of identitfication tip I like on the hawthorn / blackthorn - foolproof. Thanks mate

Sadly, I trust Fenlanders skills over my own so I suspect he's right. The seasons are so screwy though - its hard to tell! Although, on investigation - Its Blackthorn!

Red

[bushwacker bob]

We walk the same paths :D
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=19688

[British Red]

Why am I not surprised mate ?

Saw this big old bumble bear tonight

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/419160433_6f83542795_o.jpg

Verry old...verrry slow - sweet!

Red

[Gailainne]

The weather your having is amazing, lucky you, looking at your photos (very nice compositions BTW ) I would relate them more to late May than March !, I drove through a minor hail storm on the way to work on friday, and the Ochills had a fresh covering of snow, did'nt last long thou.

However on a happier note the snowdrops have been out for weeks, daffs are following, and quite a few trees are in blossom, early cherry I'm told.

I've been out on a few "bimbles" (what a brilliant word, had'nt heard it before I came on these forums :D ), still havent found any Crampball fungus, but plenty others to keep me guessing, and is'nt looking, observing really what its all about
?

BR keep up the good work mate, your an inspiration, among others on this site, who have inspired me (at least) to get out there again and enjoy the simple and the complex that is nature.

Regards

Stephen

PS BIIIIG rep for adding your Cegga to Karens fund.

[British Red]

Come for a "bimble" when you are passing Stephen - loads of fallen Ash round here covered in cramp ball - plenty of horses hoof (false tinder) and more borch polypore (razorstrop) than you can shake a stick at :)

The only one I risk running into is Bushwacker Bob (although oddly that's mostly at the local viallge supermarket rather than in the woods - I think he spots me coming and hides :D)

Red

[longshot]

looks like a lovely stroll there Red, i still have 3 feet of snow in the front yard so walks like that will have to wait for a bit.

dean

[British Red]

I kind of envy you that Dan - other peoples climates are always interesting! That said do love the Downs - they are truly Gods own country!

Red

Sunrise this morning - hard to capture but always beautiful as the red fades to pale blue. Must get up on the hill one morning and do it justice


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/419747499_94f91f3361.jpg

[wanderinstar]

Wot no Red Squirrels?

Fantastic pictures. I have the Z650. Will have to get out more with it.

[Singeblister]

some nice photography there red very cool

[British Red]

Sadly Ian no Reds left round here - I'll see what I can do next time I get up around Formby - Altcar range was the last place I saw my namesake :D

I hope you managed to get out for a bit today - a truly lovely spring day!

Red

[British Red]

Well – a day of birds, beasts and body parts!

What a glorious day! We cut up to Beacon Hill today and then back over the Downs to home just as the light was failing. It was one of those glorious spring days where every tree is perfectly outlined against a sky so blue it seems a miracle after the winter.

I love this dead tree – what a haven for invertebrates – and what a texture

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/424302637_a358d9aac7.jpg

The hedgerows are really bursting open now – blossom is everywhere, the hawthorn leaves are bursting open, gorse is in flower. The raptors are just breeding amazingly in these last two years – if we saw one buzzard today we saw thirty. Two at least took off from trees above us!

Buzzard taking off

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/152/424284572_cc6521df5b.jpg
Elder Opening

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/148/424284584_83a6ff99b2.jpg
Snowstorm Blossom

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/424284564_689b0a6016.jpg

I love this avenue of beech trees – majestic somehow

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/424284552_7eb8f17e21.jpg

I’m not sure what raptor had been feeding on this fence post – but clear sign they are eating well

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/424295001_0d94224c81.jpg

As we looped over the top of the rise towards Beacon Hill, we saw this hen pheasant – I think she was a little over confident over her camouflage – which was “good – but not that good” – she needed to move down amongst the beech and hazel more – they regularly give me a heart stopping moment when I’m looking one way and an old cock pheasant whirrs off from a few feet away.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/424294975_81b5008b39.jpg

If you haven’t been to Beacon Hill, pay it a call if you are up on the Downs. Its not perhaps quite as beautiful as Old Winchester Hill with its protected chalk, but the views down the Meon Valley are quite superb – and you can swing down the valley and over Old Winchester if you allow enough time (which sadly I didn’t have today)

Old Winchester Hill is the horseshoe loop you can see to the right of the thorn bush – a fantastic spot which I promise to publish (more) photos of another time

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/424294992_08d5afd60d.jpg

Looking down the Meon valley to Meonstoke

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/424294988_6896bb7432.jpg


A proper English spring farming scene!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/424295005_498586eadf.jpg


View over a tumulus

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/424302683_5d39b423a7.jpg

There was even a field where I spotted that the farmer had moved his Highland cattle to. I have a real soft spot for “hairy cows” I just adore these gentle giants. Now I know where they are again, I’ll find many excuses to check in on them

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/424294978_a28d4ae9b6.jpg

There are plenty of great trees too – standing ash covered in cramp ball

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/159/424284581_58f66aa686.jpg

And Yews springing into life

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/424302726_a7091db913.jpg

As we wandered back, we saw a lovely sight – our first Lapwing looping and doing aerobatics over the fields – stunning – we stood and watched for a good 5 minutes. No photos sadly as the loops and dives were too quick – but you’ll know what I mean if you’ve ever seen it.

Did see this cute fellow though. I’m tempted to say Yellowhammer but I’m rubbish at birds

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/424302709_fa5a86d7b9.jpg

On the turn back into the farm, I hissed through my teeth to BB. Fortunately we know each other well enough not to do the “why are you hissing at me” thing. She froze, turned slowly and then moved softly to one side as this wary lady was staring at us from about 10 feet away

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/424284519_4d1c5c1ffb.jpg

We are so very lucky to live here

Red

[rik_uk3]

Nice pictures Red, very nice mate

[Ed]

Lovely photos mate.... make me want to go and buy a camera

:D
Ed

[wanderinstar]

Ahh. You know about Formby then. Thats another secret out.

[British Red]

Never been to the nature reserve - they are all over the Altcar rifle range though. I remember trudging down for my turn on Butt duty and seing the most perfect fellah sat with an acorn in his front paws nibbling away. The things you see when you don't have a camera :D

Red

[wanderinstar]

Depending if and when you come up in April, could possibly go for a look.

[British Red]

A short post this week - the "clematis hunting by torchlight" last night took its toll on me today!


Went for a nice walk along the ridgeline with BB to blow out the cobwebs. Saw this fallen ash that had clearly remained viable despite falling and was doing a fair impression of a Banyan!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/433921255_cb1486d0d6.jpg

For anyone who reads Pratchett and enjoyed the "Hat Full of Sky" series, they will be pleased to see that there are still shepherds huts on the high chalk - I'll look out for "Jolly Sailor" packets :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/433921269_91548d0c2f.jpg

I was very surprised to stumble over this many berries at this time of year. I’m a bit stumped on the tree – Siberian Crab Apple maybe?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/433921279_60dca9b5e2.jpg


Lastly some ground ivy – no reason – I just think its pretty!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/93/433921263_4c5aaea068.jpg

[Mat]

Hey Red,

Did a quick tour of Old Winchester Hill and Beacon Hill myself yesterday. Fantastic weather and great to have a bit of time to myself.

Got up early and cooked my porridge on top of Old Winchester Hill, before bimbling over to Beacon Hill and back into Exton for a beer with my Dad in The Shoe!

I'm so lucky to be a short drive away from somewhere so beautiful!

Mat

[British Red]

Fantastic isn't it Mat?

I'm luckier still - the car stays in the drive (I live right on the Wayfarers Walk)

Red

[hanzo]

Great pictures Red! What kind of camera do you use?

I may not be able to have your photography skills, but maybe I can get a camera like yours, if I can afford it.

[Woods Wanderer]

you people are very lucky lincolnshire good but the farmers wont take to well going off any 'normal' footpath and your countryside is beautiful just one question how much does a good pint of ale cost over there?

[British Red]

Hanzo mate - mine is a cheap and cheerful Kodak (Z740) - good zoom on it for wildlife but thats it. No skill involved - nature and God provide the artwork - I hit the shutter release!


WW - not too sure as we make our own - one of the top three pubs in the country is on my wanders so I'll have to call in and check!

Red

[jasons]

Had another lovely day today. We set out the other way from the cottage to last week. As we entered the woods at the end of the closed field, the Norwegian Spruce we beautifully lit

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/147/417729040_56e2e4a0c8.jpg

Inside the wood the world was really waking up in the warm weather. There was real evidence of predation in the Scots Pine. Note the chewed off tips on the needles on this removed branch (one of many)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/417739679_beacddd3ff.jpg

Now, I’m poor at woodpecker sign. There are greater and lesser spotted and green in these woods – not sure which made these holes ?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/133/417739685_6579ad8d90.jpg

A few trees further on – a till living Silver Birch – not sure how well he’ll do with the rather lovely polypore living on him though

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/417714594_9991fb4a78.jpg

As we left the woods and cut across to the next farm, we saw five common buzzards on the same spiral. There’s a patch of woods that must have three of four nesting pairs within feet of each other. They clearly feed along one particular fence line – the evidence is everywhere!

I’m rubbish at birds on the wing – this is the best I could get

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/417714599_df58a05d9d.jpg

The fields themselves were full of wild flowers – loads of dead nettle and many others

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417714602_9363e873e8.jpg

As we came into the farm, it was clear that calving was well underway. The calving pens were packed. This young man was a couple of days old, but had we waited an hour, he would have had a playmate!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/122/417714600_58d9755f21.jpg

Walked on over the high downs and saw a perfect “oak apple”. There are going to be plenty of gall wasps round here!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/417729042_ba22db1955.jpg

Time for tea and a picture since BB has sewn the badge on!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/417739681_7728e26ba7.jpg

Saw loads of “Ramsoms” as we walked back down the path – omelette for tea!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/417739677_9021dd9aaf.jpg

As we cut back over the home field we saw the March Hare at play – lovely!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/146/417714605_96d06fc5ee.jpg

Home to BBs mate (the blackbird we know from his odd white feathers) singing us in on evening chorus!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/417714597_0a2656ba40.jpg

Rednice pictures mate

[British Red]

Just one tonight of "blood on the sun" as the old saying goes....

Not the best picture in the world but a lovely sight

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/437783524_d757fcfdeb.jpg

Red

[Woods Wanderer]

'have to go and check' lol the best excuse iv herd for a pint

[British Red]

Well, Spring is here with a vengeance on the Downs. The difference in the woods is incredible! That said heres a photo of hail from earlier in the week – hail and daisys – kind of sums up this spring!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/442446823_5702261c43.jpg

It was bright but very windy day best summed up by this picture of one of the rides

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/442469739_e2f53a2794.jpg

The wind was so bad even amongst the trees we had to improvise a windshield for the stove – BB knocked this up from cypress bark – pretty nifty wot?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/442446801_a816756ce9.jpg

There were lots of wood anemones out – none last week that I saw and stacks now – still plenty of violets and the lesser celandines are out everywhere

Wood anemone

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/442473460_53d8c90123.jpg

Violets

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/442469781_f80e302071.jpg

The other thing I noticed was the amount of leaf buds bursting open. Heres two I found particularly attractive –

A cherry

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/442446811_99ea798b8a.jpg

And a Wayfaring Tree

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/442469783_1d0eedff1e.jpg

Saw a few interesting bits and bobs today

“Thug Robin” who loves to see us off from one patch of woodland

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/199/442446831_3cb0bf9315.jpg

Some lovely Tramates Versicolour fungi

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/442469773_dbbdaa9418.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/442469779_a4dde59bca.jpg

Heres an interesting thing – some sort of growth – there were lots of these on the same Birch – maybe 10-15mm across – all with that dimple. Looked like a gall to me but I have no idea what sort – anyone have an idea what it is?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/442446725_00932af998.jpg

I’ll link to this – don’t look if you are squeamish!

More evidence of our buzzard population doing their job – this rat had clearly had a fairly close encounter

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/442446817_d442ad5834.jpg

To round off on a nice note – found a patch of wild strawberries

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/442469787_79669ad567.jpg

Red

[JonnyP]

Lovely shots...As per usual......
It was windy over your way this weekend, was glad I had the big tarp with me, so I could pull the wind side right down to the ground, to keep the wind off us...
Not sure on that gall....

[British Red]

Weird thing isn't it? Bout the size of a .44 pistol ball (shooting black powder this morning :o)

There must be...a dozen? More? on one tree. Very like oak galls in size but looks like bark over the top (although a different texture). Logic said to me something had burrowed through the bark but thats just guessing

Ahh well - hopefully someone can help - I'll show them to you when come for a stroll. Saw some fascianting Roe droppings too, but not really a subject for photos! Rather like that rat - I don't think he'll recover (although I suspect it cured his headache). We like Buzzards!

Red

[hanzo]

Nice Red. More please!

I just met a cute photographer at a wedding today, so I am going to take her out to lunch to pick her pretty brains. :)

[Tony]

We should have a spring photo thread :D

Good stuff BR, spring's a lovely time of the year.

[British Red]

Actually thats not a bad idea Tony...I may make something "image" based the next comp I put together. I always try to get to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and enjoy all the other "nature" based comps from Countryfile Calendar onwards! Trouble is they make me want to throw my camera away since there are so many fantastic photographers out there...but I still love seeing their work!

For me, a lot of the time, the pictures are a great way of recording things I've seen - often to help with identification or comparison when I get home. This thread is always good for me since I can ask the clever people when I'm stuck!

Red

[British Red]

Well Spring is just all over today. Just a few piccs of a glorious day

Cherry Blossom

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/448581380_b7ab964890_b.jpg

Lesser Celandine

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/448581384_a93796359c_b.jpg

Whit Dead Nettles in flower

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/448581398_dd11aa85cd_o.jpg

Tonight's sunset

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/448613466_8281a0b326.jpg

Peregrine Falcon Falcon Flying

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/448581394_e24e9c3e9a.jpg

Red

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Look like you had a wonderful day mate :D

I was grafting most of the day and would have loved to have been out in a sunny Spring day - hope the weather holds :o

Phil.

[British Red]

Never left the farm Phil :o

The Peregrine was eating me spadgers (not that I mind - she's beautiful - something to behold out of your bedroom window when she swoops in like an Exocet)

Damn I am a lucky, lucky man to live here!

Red

[Too Much Kit To Carry]

Damn I am a lucky, lucky man to live here!

Red

You sure are ;)

Although I'm just as lucky, but in a different way, with where I live. :cool:

Could just use some more freetime to get out there at the moment :rant:

Still, here's to a great weekend :D

Phil.

[Butchd]

Isn't that a white dead nettle? Not that I would expect you to test it of course! Stinging nettles have small green flowers I think from memory without checking.

[British Red]

You know I think you must be right. The leaf structure looks like a stinger for a ll the world and its the size of a stinger too - much larger than a red dead nettle. Unless anyone can tell me otherwise, I'll have to try the test :D

Red

[Butchd]

The leaves really do look like a stinger and without the flower I'd have said it was a stinger for sure! Good luck with the test!

[British Red]

Your right I'm wrong!

White dead nettle for sure - I'd have bet money on it - still - thanks Butch!

Okay, can anyone help me with an identification on this - a lowish growing shrub (3') with tiny white flowers - really tiny - just a couple of mm across. Beautiful to look at. I've put a SAK in for scale since you could almost say "miniature blackthorn" if you din't have the scale!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/449716396_a3fcbc4c25.jpg

Anyone?

Red

[British Red]

What a beautiful day!

Was this really an English bank holiday weekend?

Well, today was a day of pilgrimage for us – to some of the most peaceful and beautiful places we know – a time for memories, beauty, celebration and soft sadness.

We walked to Old Winchester Hill – those following this thread will know we visit this Bronze Age hill fort frequently for lots of reasons – its one of the few completely protected areas of high chalk left. It houses barrow sites from before Julius of Claudius touched these shores.

This is the land that I love

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/451036340_202993b8f4.jpg

If you remember the shots from earlier in this thread from Beacon Hill (named after the Armada beacons) this shot looks back the other way from the fort to Beacon Hill

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/248/451092527_4f6ad1fd50.jpg

There was some fantastic flora and fauna around (as always in this spot)

Perhaps the most stunning was this Bee-Fly – note the amazingly long proboscis. I’m kind of hoping Jon Pickett might like this one!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/451026983_9f80e5afe5_b.jpg

The Gorse was beautiful – that weird smell – I think coconut with a little aniseed

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/451036298_16b1803c47.jpg

Cowslips were just coming into bloom everywhere

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/451027009_1f955d1d9b.jpg

There was this LBJ flying around. A beautiful three-note call. It sat high in the goat willow and birch – flitting from tree to tree and calling repeatedly. I really have no idea what it was – some sort of warbler perhaps?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/451026989_5b69f3e112_o.jpg

The inevitable “Santa’s watcher was of course keeping an eye on my behaviour”

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/236/451036332_9d48b2b4e0.jpg

This Garden (?) spider was spinning from one bud of a Wayfarers tree to the next

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/451036336_802ae9fd20_o.jpg

We went from the hill to Corhampton. I don’t know how old this village is. Saxon for certain. The ducks as always swam in the stream

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/451036320_da627257d3.jpg

The Harebells in the woods were starting to show through

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/451026993_c5f7e532f7.jpg

A thrush was making nests – I love these birds and its always a joy to see them

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/451084304_b7355ad36e_o.jpg

What is it with churchyards and rooks and jackdaws? Either way – more nests are in progress in the Saxon Churchyard

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/248/451036318_682459e141.jpg

Here is the most peaceful, beautiful, calm church in the world. Forgive the sepia but the church demands a feeling of history, it has stood on this spot for over a thousand years

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/451027001_bd6abb267c.jpg

The “brick graves” need to be seen to be believed

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/240/451026997_9df5f5f112.jpg

The church Yew is a magnificent old man

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/451092519_fe927729b7.jpg

Look at this for living wood!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/451092521_ae5193efa6.jpg

A day to be close to God – however you see him and wherever you find him

Red

[stovie]

Wonderfully evocative pictures Red...keep it up

[British Red]

Today was a day of flowers , it was just glorious, the apple and cherries were in full flower at the cottage. The hedges and woods have all the spring flowers out now. Rather than do my normal descriptions, I'll just show you the pictures

The apple tree behind the cottage

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/459918815_5a043b717e.jpg

One of my "bleeding heart" plants - I adore these perennials

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/236/459918823_5ed91f67b8.jpg

One of the cherries in bloom looking down on the cottage

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/459918827_051dadd3e6.jpg

One of the early perennials in flower

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/459918881_8510a6eb1a.jpg

Black Bryony growing already to 6'

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/238/460103105_53cf4da89b.jpg

The woods were full of bluebells

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/460103113_46b2e08d4c.jpg

Greater stitchwort growing on the banks

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/247/460103115_9630e53b10.jpg

Herb Robert

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/239/460103121_a47520735c.jpg

Just for Spike! a Monkeyflower!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/460103127_763f59c093.jpg

Common lungwort

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/460103131_077e89ce79.jpg

Loads of solomons seal coming up

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/460114871_a3fe556cb8.jpg

Amazing willow seed pods

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/460114919_a9139a8a2b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/460114913_5301de3e3f.jpg

I love Wayfaring trees – and the flowers are just coming out

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/460114909_8cd8e3399d.jpg

Still loads of violets around

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/248/460114907_ae7ef1869d.jpg

The wild strawberries are in flower

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/245/460114899_e5e9117fb8.jpg

A great day - I hoped you enjoyed yours

Red

[JonnyP]

Wow, you have some stunning photo's there Red, I missed your last lot somehow.... Love the bee fly, think I have only seen 1 before. Your tree top repetitive bird is a chiff chaff, loads around now. Must pop over for a bimble soon...

[British Red]

You should for sure Jon. I have found a lovely spot for Hares - I see one probably one walk out of two in a certain spot. We stood watching a big old boy today - too far for photos but a fantastic sight. Found a spot for bank voles too - again much too quick for photos but lovely to see.

Thanks for the ident on the bird, I'd love to show you the "haunts" - I'm sure I would learn a lot!

Red

[British Red]

Just liked this guy today - he was right up for a game of "peek a boo"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/466427444_647770776d.jpg

Red

[British Red]

A day today of bucks, bugs, birds and buds!

Was playing with the new camera yesterday as was BB so I suspect some of these shots are hers.

Anyway - walking out across the rear field I say a very interesting set of scat. 3/4" wide - 3" long. Far too big for Roe and no larger deer in these parts - I'm guessing badger?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/468669712_abddbb624e.jpg

Walking up through the bottom woods there were a mass of wild flowers out

Vetch (thanks guys)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/468612823_665f693f13.jpg

Birds Eye Primrose

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/468669728_35f126346a.jpg

Bluebells are just on the turn round here

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/468669744_2a1b9324c6.jpg

The cow parsley is coming out all round now

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/468669756_104479b3c3.jpg

The hawthorn is finally out - still to early for Beltane

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/468690925_ba16529ac1.jpg

The ransom flowers are out and gorgeous as all aliums are - the leaves are going over though. Its now or never for eating!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/468701977_55b9b7326e.jpg

Absolutely stacks of jack by the hedge too!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/468701947_7c14435598.jpg

The arums (Lords and Ladies) have their beautiful flowers out

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/468701949_6529aa31e1.jpg

The monkey flowers are just perfect now

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/468701955_c607da482f.jpg

Not sure on this one...self heal perhaps?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/468702009_3bafc71d4d.jpg

Speedwell

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/468712239_ccda65c48c.jpg

The wayfaring tree flowers were opening

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/468712315_04fb20da52.jpg

The whitebeam leaves are opening with the flower bus inside

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/468712341_d643350275.jpg

Mr Rat was snuffing about

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/468669750_210a935738.jpg

As was any number of cock pheasants - all thrumming and crowing - Sring is certainly here! The green woodies are calling every couple of minutes but no photos sadly

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/468669752_abcdfa2c12.jpg



There was an amazing number of insects flying!

Crane Flies


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/468690883_ea7f5c3017.jpg

A "Green Oak Long Horn Moth" (apparently) - check out those antennae!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/468690919_f28acc3107.jpg

Checkout that for flying insects! I suspect more long horns but can't be sure

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/468690921_2a25a929ca.jpg

As always round here - loads of Roe about - saw these three bucks out decimating the spring crops!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/468701991_407638bee4.jpg

Even the mundane was beautiful today! A perfect dandelion "clock"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/468690905_da9d50d6d1.jpg

Ferns and bracken were unfurling

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/468690913_785be5ed7c.jpg

Hope you all had a nice bimble!

Red

[JonnyP]

Lovely......Wow, that self heal is out early, not seen any out round here yet....
Why do you call yellow archangel monkey flower..? Not heard it called that before...If you pluck out one of the flowers on it, or the dead nettles, for that matter, and suck on the small pipe that comes out the plant, you can often get a sweet taste out of it....
Tis funny, I took a lot of the same photo's as you on my sunday bimble...

[British Red]

Dunno really on the monkey flower - it always has been - like "goose grass" is "sticky bob" where I come from :)

Saw about 20 long eared bats tonight coming home - lovely!

Red

[chas brookes]

Red
I just came back from dropping my son off and realised I have what looks like the same plant growing in what i affectionately call my bit of meadow, basically a piece of lawn which has been allowed to do its own thing. I have had alook in my wildflower books and I think it could be Bugle
Chas :rolleyes:

[British Red]

Could very well be chas. Its certainly a member of the mint family although it had no smell when I bruised the leaves. In my minds eye the flowers were more concentrated at the top of the stem than in your picture. They aren't far - I'll stroll back for a look this lunchtime!
Thanks for the suggestion

Red

[JonnyP]

There is a lot of bugle comming up right now, but I would still plump for self heal on Reds plant, even though its early.....Get any more shots of it Red..?
Chas, you obviously like your plants too, fancy going on a bimble somewhen....?
Red...Your green oak longhorn moth is a male and the photo below it is a group of males dancing (like male midges etc do), you can just see their antennae....The females have shorter antennae...I have been speaking to the moth man today....

[British Red]

No I haven't mate - give me an hour though!

I suspected it must be the same moths in the photo - actually it looks quite cool at a "proper" res!

Red

[British Red]

Here you go Jon and Chas

Now these things are never above 3" tall. All the flowers are clustered at the top, not spread between leaves like in Chas' photo. Looking in my book it doesn't look quite right for Bugle

Any thoughts?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/471414456_55903c81fb_o.jpg


Red

[JonnyP]

Well I am pretty sure that is not self heal now Red, its looking more like bugle, I should imagine it is a stunted one. I found a picture that looks more like your plant with the flowers clustering on the top.... http://www.floralimages.co.uk/pajugarepta1.htm

[British Red]

Theres a whole patch of stunted ones then! Could be though - the chalk is close to the surface there - not much topsoil......

[Stew]

Well I am pretty sure that is not self heal now Red, its looking more like bugle, I should imagine it is a stunted one. I found a picture that looks more like your plant with the flowers clustering on the top.... http://www.floralimages.co.uk/pajugarepta1.htm

Just got to say thanks Jon! That's a great website for a plant-ignoramus like me!

[chas brookes]

the Bugle on my lawn are on a very moist patch of lawn which is in front of the house in a raised bed, which receives all the rain run off from the slope behind that could explain their leggy appearance. Thats a great plant id website Jon good find. I am going for a stroll over Asdown Forest tomorrow, and hope to get some pictures to post, but not having a DSLR they might not be up to the high standard already posted but I will keep my fingers crossed
Chas

[cccc]

Had a few nice outings lately...

I thought I might add a shot I took whilst out early this morning.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/505/IMG_0549a.jpg

[British Red]

Fantastic shot mate - add as many as you like!

Red

[JonnyP]

Thats a superb shot Cx4.........Roll out the blue carpet...

[cccc]

Thats a superb shot Cx4.........Roll out the blue carpet...

Thank yoy Mr Pickett and of course the thread starter Mr Red :-)

It was lovely out there this morning, just went back with No3 son ( who still doesnt mind being dragged out if the possibility of playing with knives is on the agenda ) to some nerby woods and I think this is the best showing in the area. I am heading over to another section of the wood tomorrow evening to take some more photos and last week it was starting to look good, so fingers crossed, it might be as good if not better :-)

Whilst we were out we saw a deer or two, lots of bluebells, a big bumble bee who was intent on getting under the fallen leaves and now No3 knows how to spot a beech tree from its leaves and its litter :-)

Top evening, shame daughters No1 and 2 prefered to stay in and watch TV / MSN / Bebo, oh well theres no telling some people is there...

Cheers again for your kind words :-)

Chris

[British Red]

Another lovely weekend!

We took a lovely walk today down a disused railway track. Different terrain and species to my norm – some lovely plants, unusual trees and the butterflies are out in force. My quest to ID plants continues at a stumbling and useless pace :D

Trees first

The horse chestnut (okay conker trees) are in fantastic flower – I love the “candle flowers”

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/477225252_36ad94047a.jpg

Interesting to see sycamores in flower

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/477225326_27ac6766d8.jpg

Saw a wild laburnum in flower too – always nice to see something unusual

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/477225322_9e3bee6efb.jpg

Also saw some red nail galls on a sycamore. I’m used to seeing these on Limes and other trees – this was a little strange though

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/477166413_62e85dcc4c.jpg

Loads of pretty plants out today too

Forget me nots were out today – beautiful and delicate things

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/477166347_062bbfa177.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/477225332_e7eed5dffe.jpg

And a slightly unusual one – “Annual honesty”

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/477000762_b98d995999.jpg

A harts tongue fern

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/477225376_d1b51ea9c9.jpg


Finally – living proof that snails are immune to stinging nettles

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/477225232_81c6c1811e.jpg

Finally Butterflies – they are really starting to fly now

One of the “blues” – I’d like to say chalkland but I’m not certain to be honest

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/477251178_a66a64aba3.jpg

A Red Admiral – common – but no less lovely

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/477166411_e38fa75f89.jpg

And finally a speckled wood

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/477166403_d4975df202.jpg

Hope you all had a nice weekend

Red

[British Red]

Just a couple from today since most pictures are in aseparate thread on birds!

A Birdsfoot Trefoil

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/485529690_79489fad4f_o.jpg


And some odd looking caterpillars who seemed to hang in great masses in a spiders web sort of arrangement...no idea what they were ....anyone?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/485529692_dcfac78f88_o.jpg

Red

[Fenlander]

It's possible that they are Sawfly larvae, but you might like to look here;

http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/

and I will check a book I have at work tomorrow.

Do you know what the food plant was?

[British Red]

A useful question mate!

A spindle tree - which apparently makes them "Spindle Ermines"

I must pop back and see if I can spot them when they have turned into flying things!

Red

[Fenlander]

http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?id=2104 :)

[TheGreenMan]

Gorgeous pics, Red.

My all time favourites being:

Post #1 – Blue Tit
Post # 47 – Cherry blossom
Post # 55 – Bee Fly
Post # 55 – Church Yew
Post # 55 – Living Wood

Best regards,
Paul.

[TheGreenMan]

I thought I might add a shot I took whilst out early this morning.

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/505/IMG_0549a.jpg

Staggering, C!

Best regards,
Paul.

[British Red]

If anyones searching for the updates to this, I've started a blog which seems a little better way of displaying stuff as you don't need to load half a hundred images at once!

I have no idea if I can link to it, but if so.....

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=userblog&Itemid=122

Red