Soudley ponds and cannop ponds (again)

Soudley ponds

Nice shaped piece of wood

Robin -favourite picture of the day

Ladybird

Mallard Duckling

Cyril Hart arboretum and Cannop Ponds.

We went to Cyril Hart arboretum nr Speech House on thursday. There is over 200 species of tree there some of which were pretty cool. We also took a walk along to Speech house lake, which unlike the last time we visited was eerily quiet, hopefully awaiting its winter migrants. 

Coal tit and sparrow 

Blue tit

Chaffinch

Coal tit

Nuthatch

After the arboretum we decided to go check on the Mute swan family at Cannop ponds. We were greeted again by the Little Grebes and this time I managed to get a semi decent shot.

Adult Little Grebe

The Mute swan cob was still chasing ducklings and at one point separated a family of Mallards, with a couple of babies being trapped in the reeds near us.

Mute swan pen after ducking down and stirring the sludge on the bottom up in the hopes of finding a meal.

The cygnets were all flapping and simulating take off's on the water so I don't think it will be long before they leave. 

Insects!

Gatekeeper 

Speckled wood

Small white with damaged wings

Female Emerald Damselfly?

Birds of the day!

Went to Cannop Ponds and Woorgreen lake today with Katie from life in the forest. We were both pleased to see the Mute swan family doing so well this year. They have managed to raise all 7 of their cygnets which originally hatched without losing any. 

Sleepy Cygnet

Trio 

"I have my eye on you"

Focusing on the one in front and the one in back does something interesting, typical.

Dad. Cob Mute swan. He was still being very vigilant and was always aware of what was going on around him. At one point a mother and two toddlers came up to them and she told the kids not to look at him or he would attack them. Not sure what she on about to be honest but made us both laugh.

Dad having a preen

Mum. Pen having a doze

A first for both of us Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

Little grebe juvenile