October 2022

insectsandflight.com

all pictures © robin williams

October 2022: wildlife, from the Somerset Levels

October 28th 2022. We have not seen deer in the garden for many months, such a change from recent years during the lockdown. But, they have been around during the night as my picture reveals - taken at around 3am. While they have been few in number, the trail-cam shows they are regular. We do so hope that one of the generations may re-start more frequent, and daytime, visits. These same cameras reveal that Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are far fewer than they were, while Badger (Meles meles) numbers have increased, even as they are more persecuted by the law.

Roebuck, Capreolus capreolus

October 26th 2022. An astonishing visit to Catcott Lows.

Marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus

Marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus

Marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus

October 20th 2022. A late spell of sunshine at Catcott Lows. One of those unexpected spells of deep blue sky. A lone Kestrel appeared in a rather distant quarter and just hovered. Why so worth comment and such numbers of pictures? Kestrels, previously common enough to not mention, have become local rarities over a number of years. I remember four or more looking as if they were holding up the sky like the corners of a tablecloth. Now, you are lucky to see a single one over a period of days.

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus f

Finally, I could not resist showing this picture of one of our helpers out on the reserve. These black cattle enjoy helping to keep the area down a bit, and splashing in the shallows, often followed by Cattle egrets (Egretta garzetta) picking the flies directly off their hides.

helper, hard at work on Catcott Lows

October 17th 2022. A late afternoon visit to Catcott Lows found various friends firmly in place, but I was quickly slotted into a seat beside Ron W., with a fine view across the water. Curiously, the first creature I saw was one of a number of Clouded yellow butterflies feeding on the waterside plants. There has been quite an invasion which has delighted many people. You may find the colouring of my picture as strange as I have. I have spent ages on the computer trying to manipulate it to a more normal colouring but keep on coming back to this comparatively gentle version.

Clouded yellow, Colias croceus

A Marsh harrier and a crow appeared next, and had a long ding-dong with each other, neither appearing to have inflicted any actual blows.

Marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus & Carrion crow, Corvus C. corone

Periodically, Little egrets followed cattle down to the water edge and lifted off, not many were present, though more than fifty have been reported.

Little egret, Egretta garzetta

A fine swan completed the action there. On my way home I came across a very accommodating heron, though the light was fading by then. Most enjoyable, as always.

Mute swan, Cygnus olor

October 16th 2022. It was a beautiful day, sunny, near still, perfect for a walk up Westhay Moor to the central island hide. For the hour or more I spent there I was on my own, leaning against the hard wooden corner, looking out over water and many acres of reeds. For a long while it was empty of all visible life; yet compelling, the colours bright, visible into the furthest distance, the ridge of Mendip sharp, clear. In time, a tiny little waterbird took up station by a patch of weed and dived and dived. The Little grebe, a far less attractive name than the old Dabchick which describes its actions so perfectly, was a juvenile in winter garb, lacking its rich plumage but still beautiful in an understated manner.

Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis

An indeterminate harrier appeared in the far distance but vanished almost immediately, nothing else. I left, stiffer from the long stand but at peace. On the way back I started to see darters in reasonable numbers; this is their time of year, some other years present in their thousands. My picture shows the dull, camouflaged female colouring so typical.

Common darter, Sympetrum striolatum

October 13th 2022. Back on the bird calendar again after such a long period since the Spring, off to Catcott Lows to see how the season was progressing. The very first thing I saw was through the hedge in the lane entering the reserve, a crow and a buzzard were squaring up to each other on the ground. I did not see blows exchanged, indeed at first glance they behaved more like old friends. But, eventually, the crow flew off leaving the buzzard to display his good looks on the grass.

Common buzzard, Buteo buteo & Carrion crow, Corvus corone corone

Common buzzard, Buteo buteo

At the hide, a bunch of friends were enjoying the day and pointed out the Kingfisher which had been visiting during the day. We hoped it would come onto one of the closer perches that had been put in, but it was good to see her colouring even at that distance.

Kingfisher, Alcedo athis

There were numbers of Cattle egrets in the reserve and soon they ventured closer, to give some good pictures. They were firmly attached to some hefty largely black cows busily chewing everywhere in sight. Always a wonderful sight even though now without the summer colouring. The bright bills make up for that though. Finally, A Great white egret flew in and began stalking the edge of the water, not having many results from its fishing but seemingly happy enough on its way round.

Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis

Finally, A Great white egret flew in and began stalking the edge of the water, not having many results from its fishing but seemingly happy enough on its way round.

Great white egret, Egretta alba

arter, not surprising given the time of year. But this year has been unusual as we know. Particularly so with darters, which are normally present in their thousands wherever you looked. This lone insect is the only one I have seen in the garden for some period.

Common darter, Sympetrum striolatum m

October 2nd 2022. Two days of family celebration ended this evening. It seems incredible, but I have just celebrated my 90th birthday, yet inside feel little different from more active earlier years. Walking is more of a problem, while getting down onto my knees is now impossible. But photography continues, though with more carefully selected targets.

We celebrated yesterday with lunch at the Crown at Catcott, which we have visited for many years on similar occasions. This morning's visit was to Middlewick Farm near Glastonbury, overlooking miles of moors to distant Mendip. We had an excellent brunch in mid-morning, then looked in at an Art-Week venue before making our way home, ending with tea and cream scones to finish a memorable day - with perfect sunshine throughout. With special thanks to my daughters.