Yesterday lunchtime the earlier blue skies and sunshine had become slightly overcast so I opted for a nearby woodland walk. Almost immediately I heard the calls of a Nuthatch, as it scoured the nooks and crannies of a tree stump. Blue Tits and Long Tailed Tit zipped around the treetops above and a Robin perched nearby.
With fleeting glimpses of sunshine I headed towards a clearing, hoping for better light and the vague possibility of some butterfly action. Listening to what might have been a Bullfinch I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. It winded its way in my direction and landed nearby, a familiar woodland friend the Speckled Wood, this one identifiable due to two diagonal scars on its upper left forewing. 
A second Speckled Wood strayed into its territory and the two set off on a duel, disappearing into the woodland. Moments afterwards the original butterfly returned to settle in almost the same spot presumably content with its victory.
As it flew away again I looked up to see a Blue Tit watching me from above.
On my return another Speckled Wood flew past me shoulder to settle on the right of the path, a notably different Speckled Wood with a more saturated ground colour and much bolder markings.
As I turned and stood I heard a call to my and caught a glimpse of a Treecreeper in the process of working its way up a trunk, another satisfying lunchtime wander.
Hi thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments,
ReplyDeleteI came to visit you and so glad I did, I love your blog and all the beautiful photos, added myself as a contact hope that's ok.
Hello Gypsyrose, thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments. I like your recent mosaic featuring your local lakes, its nice to see areas that fellow bloggers visit and the different ways of presenting those views. Best wishes, Linda
ReplyDeleteLovely compositions of the photos Linda. Especially the birds.
ReplyDeleteJust to let you know I'm following your blog with interest Linda and like all the things you say and do with a mutual passion for wildlife in general.
ReplyDeleteNice pair of birds to find Linda, Nuthatch and Treecreeper - plus photo's! Well done.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad lunchtime sortie. I particularly like the bottom pic of the Speckled Wood against the Beech leaves
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to take your lunch break, i'm very jealous!
ReplyDeletePam
Well captured with the Speckled Woods. There are some round here but they never seem to achieve touch down.
ReplyDeleteHello Dean, thanks for that, I had to do a little bit of cropping and was pleased with the results.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pete that's very nice of you. You can't beat a bit of nature can you.
Hello Warren, yes they're super woodland birds and luckily for me relatively easy to spot on this patch, although as the foliage becomes more dense I imagine they may become harder to spot.
Thankyou Citybirdng the Speckled Wood stands out against the vivid green of the Beech leaf doesn't it.
Hello Pam, its a gem of a spot, the arrival of new foliage has transformed the place into a lush emerald green wonderland and provided the birds with a new source of food.
Best wishes to you all, not long now til the weekend, Linda
Wonderful speckled wood and treecreeper, Linda. Thanks for your comments on my lichens - I'll look up your contact.
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