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| Image updates only refers to wildlife images. The most recent addition(s) will be posted on this page. Oldest images will ultimately drop off the page. Images presented here will not necessarily make it into the permanent pages so if you want to keep any, do so now. |
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| Surprise, surprise. Another male Broad-bodied Chaser resident at a rapidly drying vernal pool, East of the Errwood on Route 6 and typically where I may take a break on the circuit. As this is a (sort of) 'pond' where there is no vegetation like reeds or reedmace, the Dragonfly is landing on the firmer horizontal boggy bits. Ordinarily unheard of behaviour. It is adapting to that particular circumstance. I spooked it and it moved to a nearby bush where I got in another shot below: May 18th. 2025. |
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| It is still typically early for the species at this elevation. This particular spot is invariably wet all year round and probably the section most challenging on the whole route, for people not used to the terrain and not having the most appropriate footwear. I would not usually expect to see them at vernal pools anyway. Common and Black Darters yes but not larger Dragonflies: May 18th. 2025. |
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| The male Broad-bodied Chaser Dragonfly at Lightwood: May 14th. 2025 |
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| The first of two Ring Ouzel images offered. Very noisy bird: May 13th. 2025 |
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| The same Ring Ouzel: May 13th. 2025 |
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| A Great Tit nesting in the high wall close to the Erwood Hall car park. There is also a nearby Coal Tit in the same wall but I have not snapped that yet: May 13th. 2025 |
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| These two 'Thereabouts' images below at a lower elevation nature reserve today. Having seen the female Broad-bodied Chaser East of the Errwood yesterday, I guessed they would be out in force at the lower elevation. Indeed they were. Both the Broad-bodied Chaser and (below) the Four-spotted Chaser which is usually the first to emerge in this part of the world. Also seeing the Large Red damselfly and some blues as well: May 10th. 2025 |
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| This is a terrible grainy image but it is still a sighting. Could be a Chiff-Chaff or Willow Warbler. Dark legs suggest the former but I am not expert enough. Location for shot perfect but simply too overcast for the F6.3 lens used. These are usually buried in deep foliage, so even on a perfect sunny day they are hard to access: May 7th. 2025 |
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| And the good news is. I installed bird boxes in the Goyt (with permission) and the first of those on March 19th. 2025 is now tenanted by a pair of Pied Flycatchers, much to my surprise and delight. I had assumed I was too late for this year. First the female below followed by the male: April 28th. 2025 |
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| Good news. The Pied Flycatchers are back much to my surprise. I saw two pairs bouncing round the trees and I have snapped one from each of the two pairs (above and below). I will be back with alacrity in the week chasing better shots once they settle down a wee bit. I can then optimise settings: April 27th. 2025. |
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| This one the female who seemed less active but is probably supervising housekeeping arrangements. Females of this species always seem to me to occupy a semi-obscure setting where it is difficult to focus. The males are far more obvious and like to pose. These use bird boxes. Not all species do: April 27th. 2025. |
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| Also delighted to snap my first Green Hairstreak Butterfly of the season and was very lucky to get this without a macro lens. I was obliged to use the long lens which has a minimum focusing distance of 2.7 metres. Will now have to start carrying the macro lens (heavy) as well as all else. Hence I walk less in season to compensate for extra kit and hot weather: April 27th. 2025. |
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| A poor image I acknowledge but it is challenging shooting into the darker environment of a tree, especially when it is sunny. A not often seen by me, Coal Tit: April 24th. 2025 |
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| Pied Wagtail and looks like a young bird: 08.04.2025 |
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| Don't really see that many Goldfinches in the Goyt. Probably not looking in the right places: April 5th. 2025 |
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| Looks like the male Great Tit. Birds not my subject but a pair has been visiting one of my own bird boxes at home. Only seeing one at the moment and she seems to be adding bits to the box frequently. Probably keeping it warm for when breeding starts. They over-winter at this box but have not nested here before. NB: With permission I have been installing some bird boxes in the Goyt. Slightly higher than others already there and should last longer: March 27th. 2025 |
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| Siskin: March 8th. 2025 - They will all soon be back |
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| First Lizard of the year: 08.03.2025 |
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