My blog is mostly about wildlife, particularly birds, walking, days out, all growing things and anything else that comes to mind.
To view pictures in larger format, just click on any picture for the picture gallery....

Saturday 3 July 2010

Birding? at Barnes.. or Insecting....

There was a cooler breeze today which was very welcome. I headed off for Barnes (London Wetland Centre) this morning and stayed most of the day.

The Common Terns were coming over to fish but only occasionally coming close enough for a picture. Lovely birds and I think one of my favourites!



It't that time of the year when it goes rather quiet in terms of birds and there weren't many about today. Didn't even see a Blue Tit!!

But the Insect world made up for the lack of birds. It was cloudy earlier on but as the sun came out so did the Dragonflies.

Now, I think this is a Black-Tailed Skimmer and possibly a young one. It stayed still for some time just moving occasionally from one perch to another.

If anyone can confirm (or otherwise) my IDs for these and the flutters below, I would be grateful :D




Along the same stretch which is abundant with wildflowers, flutters were.... fluttering.

A large Skipper?

and a Meadow Brown?


and something had been busy spinning this protective web.
Six-Spot Burnets were everywhere and emerging in great numbers. In the main they were on very thin grass (and this is where the breeze became a nuisance ;) )




this one made for a pretty picture.

Out on the scrape were two Little Ringed Plovers on nests and one male - who was rather busy ;) There were reports of two Tawny Owls out by the main gates, but when I looked later on I didn't see them.


A fairly lazy day spent with like minded individuals who's company I enjoyed greatly. Thanks guys!

8 comments:

FAB said...

Hi Tricia. A lovely colourful mix of life at Barnes. As far as I can see all your ID's are ok except the darker eye colour on the B-T Skimmer suggest female rather than immature male.
Cracking new header....FAB.

Glo said...

Terrific close-ups of the distinctive insects. That last one is a particular beauty, and I really liked the one on the very thin grass. It looks quite ethereal.

Your new header is very effective, although I do miss the happy duck face :)

holdingmoments said...

Agree with Frank, spot on with the ID's Tricia. Cracking set of pictures; especially the Black-Tailed Skimmer.

oldcrow61 said...

I just love the bug pictures. What a wonderful web something spun. Great shots as always.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tricia, yes female BT Skimmer and the new header is just great.

karen said...

Just wonderful pics yet again Tricia xxx The insect ones are incredible!!! Your photography is amazing, thankyou xxx

Anonymous said...

Love that first dragonfly image. And the new header is great - almost the same pose as mine!!

Wilma said...

The wind here has been ferocious, making the insect photos difficult. You did quite well in spite of the breeze! Glad you kept the happy duck near the top even if it has been superceded by the handsome tern!

cheers,
Wilma

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