Sunday 30 December 2012

Eastern or Grey Squirrels


Scientific Name: Sciurus caroliniensis


A prolific and adaptable species, the eastern Gray squirrel was introduced to the UK by 19th century landowners. Where it has spread across the country and has largely displaced the native red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris. 


Appearance
  • length - about 25cm plus a tail about 20cm
  • weight - 300-700g
  • colour - predominantly Gray fur, but it can have a reddish-brown colour. It has a white underside and a large bushy tail.

 
Diet:
  • Gray squirrels eat a range of foods, such as tree bark, berries, many types of seeds and acorns, walnuts, and other nuts


 
Reproduction:
  • 2 to 6 young per litter
  • generally 2 litters per year, December to February and May to June, though this is slightly delayed in more northern latitudes

 
Behaviour:
  • active during day
  • natural shyness, although very tolerant when fed.

Monday 10 December 2012

Parus major (Great Tit)


Overview

Latin name

Parus major

Family

Tits (Paridae)

Where to see them

Woodlands, parks and gardens across the UK. Absent only from the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, seeds and nuts.

Thursday 6 December 2012

Wigg Island trip.

Wigg Island is a local nature reserve in Runcorn, Cheshire. The reserve was opened on 19 April 2002 by popular bird watching celebrity Bill Oddie.

'A triumph in industrial land reclamation and rejuvenation, it covers 23 hectares, which today, as well as being a popular bird watching environment, supports a rich variety of native wild flowers  including the delicate bee orchid.' (Wigg island).

On a recent trip I spent the day practising my photography.

Tip: ALWAYS CHECK YOU EQUIPMENT.



Of course learning photography is hard enough, but trying to identify the wildlife, now that's a different subject all together.



Some nice close up shots.



Of course the robin, this is one of my favourite photos, I have never managed to take a photo of these birds before. 

Tip: ALWAYS CHECK YOU EQUIPMENT. The reason I recommend this is because I didn't and although Wigg island is within  walking distance, when I arrived, I unpacked my camera only to find I had forgotten the battery. (Doh).

Another Tip: never put your camera away, you never know when something will come along and leave you searching in your bag for it. 

Just when I thought I was finished, on the walk home. 


 Job done.

All sensible comments welcome.


Wednesday 5 December 2012

Well its nearly Christmas.


This is my first ever photo of a robin. Not the best of photos I know but I thought I had to put the little guy on the net.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Eyes have it.


Another macro practice, as I continue my learning i would welcome any constructive comments.