24 September 2022

 

Went out in shorts this morning and quickly regretted my decision - the weather has become a lot more Autumnal over the last couple of weeks. The main thing of note was a flock of about a dozen or so Meadow Pipits, centred around the reservoir.  I see them occasionally on the estate, but this is the first time that I have seen more than a couple.  They are well camouflaged when feeding on the short grass or waste ground.  They also have a remarkably long hind claw..

Meadow Pipits [Reservoir]

Nearby was a female Reed Bunting and at the other end of the reservoir, on the feeder pool, was one of the family of Grey Wagtails that is usually in that area.

Reed Bunting [Reservoir]

Grey Wagtail [Reservoir]

I also spotted a Snipe flying high overhead the same area.

11 September 2022

 

It has become noticeably crisper in the mornings as autumn approaches, but fairly quiet on the golf courses nature-wise.  The Spotted Flycatchers seem to have headed south along with the Swallows, House-Martins and the warblers.  There are still a few dragonflies and butterflies around.  There are also a few flowers still out, such as this Common Mallow and White Campion.

Common Mallow Malva sylvestris [7th Blue]

White Campion Silene latifolia [15th Blue]

The Badgers continue to torment the greenkeepers and their handiwork is in evidence on all three of the courses.  They dig for grubs such as Leatherjackets and Chafer grubs at night.  The ground that they disturb is often worked further by the Rooks and Crows during the day.

Rook [8th Blue]

You would think that the large quantity of fruit around the course at the moment would make a more appetising meal.  This Apple tree on the 15th Blue is particularly laden.

Apple Malus x dometica [15th Blue]