May 2016 Non-native Terrapin in local park.

I had heard about these for quite a few years in the local park.  Was quite surprised to see this one hauling out.  They can be destructive to native species, but they do seem to be surviving.

Terrapin

May 2016 Great Crested Grebe Still afirming their love even after the kids come along

I missed the courtship display of these grebes in the spring so was really pleased they put in a little show even though their chick is quite grown.

Great Crested Grebe displaying

May 2016 Great Crested Grebe family

The local grebes only have one chick this year.  I guess will all the attention he should do well.

Great Crested Grebe family

May 2016 The breeding season is well under way.

This Black Headed Gull chick is keeping well hidden in the security of its parents down.  It needs to. Herring Gulls are patrolling constantly and they seem to favour taking the chicks from this species.

Black Headed Gull

May 2016 Swallow all the way from South Africa to spend the summer with us in the UK.

What a migration every year but I am so glad that they spend their summers with us.  They are so welcome.

Swallow

May 2016 Male Bullfinch what a beautiful bird!

I think this is one of the most beautiful and striking birds in the UK.  Feeling lucky to spend some time with a pair of these at the weekend.

Male Bullfinch

May 2016 Beautiful Little Grebe

Love the Little Grebe they are such beautiful compact birds.

Little Grebe

May 2016 Reed Warblers very active

These are great little warblers that I always enjoy getting a sighting of.  I think this is especially so as when I was growing up we never really got to where there were reed beds.

May 2016 Little Grebe

The lovely Little Grebe is always great to spend some time with.

Little Grebe

May 2016 Spring, time to sing your heart out!

Just could not ignore this Robin's performance tonight.

Spring time Robin

May 2016 Short Eared Owl looking determined.

On a mission.  This Short Eared Owl looks almost scary!

Short Eared Owl on the hunt.

May 2016 Great to see Avocets colonising reserve in Gloucestershire UK

It is saving me a lot of travelling. In the past I have travelled to the east coast to see these elegant waders. It is only in the last few years that they have colonised my local reserve Slimbridge WWT.  It is amazing how quickly things can change in nature.  It is also a tribute to the great work done by the reserve staff.

The Elegant Avocet

In close for a portrait

May 2016 Great Crane Project breeding activity!

It's great to see the breeding activity as the result of the Great Crane Project.  How soon will it be before these birds have their own self sustaining colony?

Looking after the precious egg

Common Crane

May 2016 Willow Warblers now easily seen working their way through bushes.

These are great little visitors that fly in from sub-Sahara Africa all the way to the uk.  It is great just to watch them foraging as they work their way through bushes and scrub.

Willow Warbler

Willow Warbler