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.

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.

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.

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.

Eyes have it.

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

5 Macro gear for less than £10

1. Extension tubes. These cost effective little gems allow you to use an already existing lens to shoot macro. Extension tubes by allowing you to focus closer on your subject. Cheap extension tubes don’t have any mechanical or electronic parts; they are basically just plastic tubes. You won’t be able to use any auto features of your camera.
2. Tripod. Getting a tripod helps you to remove any unwanted camera shake. You can also use a monopod.
3. Remote control. As we want to eliminate any camera shake from our shot, a way of remote shooting increase these chances. A simple wireless or cable remote is all that is needed. Of course we could just use the camera timer function as well.
4. Reversing Ring. A reversing ring fits between the camera and lens allowing you to mount the lens backwards.  Again you won’t be able to use any of the auto functions of your camera. One advantage of this is you can reverse mount any brand lens that fits the reversing ring.
5. Bean bag. OK so you don’t want a tripod then get a bean bag, use this to steady your camera. Simple.

Photo Practice Test 1.

Macro/Close-up practice.

Pencil

Pencil 2

Pencil 3

Skittle

Skittles

Straws 1

Straws 2

Match

Ooh Fire.

Dead