https://nplsecondnature.com/2026/02/11/the-nature-of-cufaude-lane-an-objection-letter-to-basingstoke-planning-application-25-02934-out-for-another-massive-housing-estate-in-open-countryside/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/168750.jpg168750Lapwing - Vanellus vanellushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/qr-nb.jpgqr nb2026-02-11T16:25:19+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/11/06/silence-is-complicity-is-conservation-charity-buy-cotting-an-appropriate-response/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/canine-sedimentary-1.jpgcanine sedimentary 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/image.jpegimage2025-11-06T12:48:14+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/09/25/escape-to-what-was-the-country/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/frog-toad.jpgfrog toadhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/dormice.jpgdormicehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image.pngimagehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-3.jpegimagehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image.jpegimagehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-1.jpegimagehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-2.jpegimage2025-09-25T08:51:53+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/09/22/do-something-please/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/your-wildlife-needs-you-4.jpgcommon dormouse125744https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/your-wildlife-needs-you3.jpgcommon dormouse125744https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/your-wildlife-needs-you-2-1.jpgcommon dormouse125744https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/your-wildlife-needs-you-2.jpgcommon dormouse1257442025-09-23T16:56:42+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/about/2025-08-31T09:17:06+00:00weekly0.6https://nplsecondnature.com/2025/08/30/yet-more-development-on-cufaude-lane/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/v3-map-for-tw-blog.jpgv3 map for TW bloghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/v2-map-for-tw-blog.jpgv2 map for TW bloghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/tw-blog-map.jpgtw blog maphttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/133720.jpg133720YELLOWHAMMERhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/165425a.jpg165425aBarn Owl - Tyto albahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image.pngimage2025-08-30T16:17:01+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/05/11/read-about-an-exciting-new-environmental-project-planned-for-south-hampshire/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/logo4.jpglogo4https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/heading3.jpgheading3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/heading2.jpgheading2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/logo3.jpglogo3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/heading.jpgheadinghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/dog-2.jpgdog 22025-08-30T10:13:21+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/02/12/kier-starmer-nature-harmer-rachel-reeves-hates-green-leaves/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/meadow-view.jpgmeadow viewhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/161211.jpg161211Brown Long-eared Bat - Plecotus auritus winter roosthttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/gcn.jpggcn2025-06-20T04:51:04+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/03/31/the-planning-and-infrastructure-bill-an-environmental-catastrophe-in-the-making/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/your-wildlife-needs-you-v2.jpgcommon dormouse1257442025-03-31T08:42:58+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2025/01/06/help-ensure-the-least-awful-outcome-for-nature-when-upper-cufaude-farm-in-the-borough-of-basingstoke-becomes-a-housing-estate/2025-01-06T07:31:40+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2024/12/12/solar-farms-and-biodiversity-net-gain-a-reality-check/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/solar-3-1.jpgsolar 3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/solar-3.jpgsolar 3Meadow - SHORT-TAILED VOLE HABITAThttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/solar-1.jpgsolar 1Meadow - SHORT-TAILED VOLE HABITAThttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/solar-2.jpgsolar 2Modern Agricultural field2024-12-12T07:14:48+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2024/07/20/just-how-green-are-solar-parks/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/166047-1.jpg166047Over the last decade my garden meadow has become a haven for wildlife - a island of biodiversity in a sea of nature depletion.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-3.jpgimage 3Meadow Brown - Maniola jurtinahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hedgerow.jpghedgerowBlackcap - Sylvia atricapillahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gypsy-lane-2.jpggypsy lane 2Ancient hedge and ditch - north Hampshirehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/166047.jpg166047There has been an interesting development on the local conservation front. Along with an adjacent ancient byway, my garden has been proposed for designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) by Hampshire County Council’s Biodiversity Information Centre; HBIC is the county’s local environmental records centre. Once formalised, this designation will provide a degree of long-term security for the wildlife that now calls my garden home.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/165510.jpg165510Great Crested Newt - Triturus cristatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tithe-map3.jpgtithe map3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/map.jpgmap2024-07-20T09:54:40+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2024/02/29/nature-in-basingstoke-how-to-influence-the-towns-draft-local-plan-and-help-protect-the-local-environment/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/166539-1.jpg166539A century ago, the borough was far more wooded than it is today. The Local Plan needs to ramp up protetction for all forms of wooded habitat and not preside over its death by a thousand cuts.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/166539.jpg166539aerial view of deciduous woodland in springhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/165640.jpg165640Pamber - Forest and field system2024-02-29T15:24:40+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2023/11/01/1563/2023-11-01T13:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2023/08/25/upper-cufaude-farm-another-example-of-housing-driven-death-of-the-countryside-but-does-it-have-to-be-that-way/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/phase-1a.jpgphase-1ahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/field-a.jpgfield-ahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/163066.jpg163066Common Toad - Bufo bufohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/165518.jpg165518Glow-worm - Lampyris noctilucahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/picture-2.jpgpicture-2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/gcn-2.jpggcn-2Great Crested Newt - Triturus cristatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/155585.jpg155585Barn Owl Tyto alba L 34-38cm. Mainly nocturnal but sometimes hunts from late afternoon onwards. Feeds mainly on grassland small mammals. Flight is leisurely and slow on rounded wings. Responds well to nestbox schemes. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have orange-buff upperparts speckled with tiny black and white dots. Facial disc is heart-shaped and white. In flight, underwings pure white. Voice Utters blood-curdling at night. Status Vulnerable and generally scarce resident species.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/114446.jpgHarvest Mouse - Micromys minutusHarvest Mouse Micromys minutus Length 10-15cm Britain’s smallest rodent. In summer, constructs a tennis ball-sized spherical nest, woven among grass stems. Adult has tiny, compact body. Coat is mainly golden brown but throat, chest and belly are white. Ears are rounded and feet possess a good grip, essential for climbing; prehensile tail serves as fifth limb in this regard. Mostly silent. Once widespread and common (in England at least) in arable fields but now much reduced and confined to wildlife-managed meadows, bramble patches and dry reedbeds.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/161211.jpg161211Brown Long-eared Bat - Plecotus auritus winter roosthttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mugshot.jpgmugshot2023-08-31T05:03:26+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2023/07/12/global-birdfair-2023/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/tbg-cover.jpgtbg-cover2023-07-12T12:05:35+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2023/05/15/what-hope-for-wildlife-in-basingstoke/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/143284-1.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopus majorhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/143284.jpgGreat Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopus majorGreat Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major L 23-24cm. Commonest pied woodpecker with undulating flight. Sexes are separable. Adult Male is mainly black on back, wings and tail with white ‘shoulder’ patches and narrow white barring; underparts are grubby white. Face and throat are white while cap and nape are black and connect via black line to black stripe from base of bill. Has red nape patch and vent. Adult female is similar but red nape patch is absent. Juvenile recalls adult male but has red crown and subdued red vent colour. Voice Utters a loud tchick alarm call. Males ‘drum’ loudly in spring. Status Widespread, commonest in S and central England and Wales.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gypsy-lane-1.jpggypsy-lane-1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gypsy-lane.jpggypsy-lane2023-08-15T09:51:23+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2023/05/10/the-biodiversity-gardener/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cover-garden-1.jpgcover gardenSINC designation. My garden, which features in the book THE BIODIVERSITY GARDENER, has been proposed for designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/166047-2.jpg166047-2There has been an interesting development on the local conservation front. Along with an adjacent ancient byway, my garden has been proposed for designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) by Hampshire County Council’s Biodiversity Information Centre; HBIC is the county’s local environmental records centre. Once formalised, this designation will provide a degree of long-term security for the wildlife that now calls my garden home.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cover-garden.jpgcover gardenhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/julie-1.jpgjulie 1cottage and meadowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tbg-cover-2.jpgtbg-cover-2The garden and its wildlife are the subject of my latest book The Biodiversity Gardener, which was published recently by Princeton University Press. It is available at most of the usual outlets, and here is a link to one. The book is a tale of the decline of nature on the one hand, and the potential for reversing the trend at the local level on the other. It is not a book about rewilding as such and it is certainly not about conventional gardening. Instead, it encourages people to understand the ecological complexity of the man-influenced environment around them, their impact on it, and their potential to do good.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tbg-cover-1-e1683887990378.jpgtbg coverThe garden and its wildlife are the subject of my latest book The Biodiversity Gardener, which was published recently by Princeton University Press. It is available at most of the usual outlets, and here is a link to one. The book is a tale of the decline of nature on the one hand, and the potential for reversing the trend at the local level on the other. It is not a book about rewilding as such and it is certainly not about conventional gardening. Instead, it encourages people to understand the ecological complexity of the man-influenced environment around them, their impact on it, and their potential to do good.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/166047-1.jpg166047There has been an interesting development on the local conservation front. Along with an adjacent ancient byway, my garden has been proposed for designation as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) by Hampshire County Council’s Biodiversity Information Centre; HBIC is the county’s local environmental records centre. Once formalised, this designation will provide a degree of long-term security for the wildlife that now calls my garden home.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/165510.jpg165510Great Crested Newt - Triturus cristatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/166230.jpg166230Pedunculate Oak - Quercus roburhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/165551.jpg165551Meadow Brown - Maniola jurtina2023-06-24T05:44:27+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2022/06/03/another-reason-to-write-to-basingstoke-deane-borough-council-about-the-tragic-environmental-impact-that-approving-planning-application-22-00444-pip-would-have-on-cufaude-lanes-toad-popu/2022-06-03T06:05:11+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2022/05/31/cufaude-lanes-amphibians-and-planning-application-22-00444-pip/2022-05-31T08:29:03+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2022/05/02/when-the-greenwash-rubs-off-the-true-environmental-cost-of-green-energy/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/solar.jpgsolarhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/hovers.jpgDrone Fly - Eristalis tenaxDrone Fly - Eristalis tenaxhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/solar-1.jpgsolar 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/163222.jpg163222Garden Meadow - in late summer with greater bird's-foot trefoilhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/solar-3.jpgsolar 3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/james-bromhead-1.jpgjames bromhead 12022-05-04T11:44:01+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/11/26/toad-rage-a-sorry-state-of-affairs/2021-11-26T15:11:43+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/03/05/ask-not-what-nature-can-do-for-you-ask-what-you-can-do-for-nature-by-paul-sterry/2025-04-02T22:13:39+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/02/26/lockdown-wildlife-the-caterpillar-challenge-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/160013-1.jpg160013LOBSTER MOTH Stauropus fagi caterpillar ©Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltdhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/160013.jpg160013Lobster Moth - Stauropus fagihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/140490-1.jpgElephant Hawkmoth - Deilephila elpenorElephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/145977.jpgBlue Tit - Cyanistes caeruleusBlue Tit Parus caeruleus L 11-12cm. Familiar garden and woodland bird. Sexes are similar. Adult has greenish back, blue wings and yellow underparts. Mainly white head is demarcated by dark blue collar, connecting to dark eyestripe and dark bib; cap is blue. Bill is short and stubby and legs are bluish. Male is brighter than female. Juvenile is similar but colours are subdued. Voice Call is chattering tser err-err-err. Song contains whistling and trilling elements. Status Common resident of deciduous woodland, parks and gardens. Observation tips Tit One of the easiest birds to see. Often visits garden feeders.2021-02-26T08:18:25+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/02/18/cufaude-lanes-amphibians-2021-the-good-news-and-the-bad/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/toad-rage-2021.jpgTOAD RAGE 20212021-02-19T14:32:47+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/02/12/lockdown-wildlife-gardening-for-amphibians-and-reptiles-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/128683-1.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/128683.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufoCommon Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land: woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.2021-02-26T10:08:58+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/01/29/lockdown-wildlife-gardening-for-butterflies-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/140157-1.jpgPeacock - Nymphalis iohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/140157.jpgPeacock - Nymphalis ioPeacock Nymphalis io Wingspan 60mm. A colourful and distinctive garden butterfly, also associated with wayside habitats where larval foodplant flourishes. Adult has marbled brown underwings and maroon upperwings with bold eye markings. Flies from July–September; hibernates during winter months and appears again in spring. Larva is spiny and black; feeds on Common Nettle and young stages are gregarious. Common and widespread throughout much of lowland Britain.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/128354-1-1.jpgRed Admiral - Vanessa atalantahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/128354-1.jpgRed Admiral - Vanessa atalantaRed Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/128354.jpgRed Admiral - Vanessa atalantaRed Admiral Vanessa atalanta Wingspan 60mm. An active, fast-flying butterfly that is also fond of basking in the sun. Adult has marbled dark-grey underwings and black upperwings with red bands and white spots. Commonest in July–August, but also seen in many other months. Larva is spiny and brown with yellow markings; feeds on Common Nettle, hidden inside ‘tent’ of woven-together leaves. Mainly a summer migrant from southern Europe, but adults hibernate in small numbers and emerge on sunny days in early spring.2021-01-30T17:39:07+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2021/01/12/lockdown-wildlife-moths-in-winter-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/132742-1.jpgWinter Moth - Operophtera brumatahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/132742.jpgWinter Moth - Operophtera brumataWinter Moth Operophtera brumata Wingspan 22-26mm. The classic moth of winter, whose rounded wings (only males have wings) are held flat at rest. Often seen flying in car headlights, or found resting on walls near outside lights. To see wingless female, look for mating pairs by torchlight on foodplant. Adult male has grey-brown wings with concentric cross lines. Flies November–February. Larva feeds on most deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.2021-01-12T15:48:29+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/04/30/wildlife-in-a-time-of-coronavirus-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/113378.jpg113378deforestation Amazonian Brazilhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/117133.jpg117133inundation rainforest amazonian brazilhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/tree.jpgtree2020-04-30T19:26:20+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/04/25/birds-on-the-brink-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/f995c-ebook-cover.jpgebook-cover.jpg?format=750whttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ebookspread.jpgebook+spread2020-04-25T11:27:17+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/04/13/spare-a-thought-for-nesting-birds-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/little-tern.jpgLittle Tern - Sterna albifronsLittle Tern nesting on a deserted beach.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/135743.jpgLittle Tern - Sterna albifronsLittle Tern Sterna albifrons L 24cm. Tiny, pale tern that hovers before plunge-diving after fish and shrimps. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings, mainly black cap, and otherwise white plumage. Note black-tipped yellow bill and yellow-orange legs. In flight, wingtips are dark. Non-breeding plumage (acquired from late summer onwards) is similar but forehead becomes white and leg and bill colours darken. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but back looks scaly. Voice Utters a raucous cree-ick call. Status Local summer visitor with scattered coastal colonies on shingle and sandy islands and beaches.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/137283.jpgRinged Plover - Charadrius hiaticulaRinged Plover Charadrius hiaticula L 17-19cm. Small, dumpy coastal wader. Runs at speed before pausing and picking food item from ground. Note white wingbar in flight. Sexes are separable. Adult male in summer has sandy brown upperparts and white underparts with black breast band and collar. Has black and white markings on face, and white throat and nape. Legs are orange-yellow and bill is orange with dark tip. Adult female in summer is similar but black elements of plumage are duller. Winter adult is similar to summer adult but most black elements of plumage are sandy brown, and has pale supercilium. Leg and bill colours are dull. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but breast band is often incomplete. Voice Utters a soft tuu-eep call. Status Locally common. Nests mainly on sandy or shingle beached, sometimes inland. Coastal outside breeding season; numbers boosted by migrants from Europe.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/shingle-and-eggs.jpgshingle and eggsChesil Beach looking towards Portland, Dorset, UK2020-04-13T18:02:16+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/28/biodiversity-net-gain-is-a-bird-in-the-hand-really-worth-two-in-the-bush-by-ben-kite-part-4-you-get-out-what-you-put-in/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-16.jpgimage 16https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-15.jpgimage 15https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-13-habitat-creation-on-formerly-intensive-arable-land-funded-by-development-002.jpgImage 13 - Habitat creation on formerly intensive arable land funded by development (002)2020-01-28T13:58:34+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/20/environmental-contempt-3-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cufaude-map.jpgMagic Map Applicationhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/143307.jpggreat crested newt - Triturus cristatusGreat Crested Newt Triturus cristatus Length 14-16cm Britain’s largest newt. Present in breeding ponds February-August. Adult is mainly blackish brown with variable dark spots and patches, and white-tipped warts. Underparts, from neck to vent, are orange-yellow with black spots; blackish throat has smallish orange-yellow spots. Breeding male develops large, jagged dorsal crest and undulating crest on tail; pale stripe runs along centre of tail. Female, non-breeding male and juvenile lack a crest and body is darker; note yellowish stripe along lower edge of tail. Scarce and local. Favours neutral to slightly alkaline, fish-free ponds that seldom dry up for breeding. Woods and scrub are used at other times. Protected by law in Britain and parts of Europe.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/toad-rage-facebook-2.jpgTOAD RAGE FACEBOOK 22020-01-19T20:23:02+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/19/environmental-contempt-2-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/farmland-1.jpgfarmland 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/143280.jpgWoodpigeon - Columba palumbusWoodpigeon Columba palumbus L 41cm. Plump, familiar bird whose ‘song’ is a countryside familiar sound, as is loud clatter of wings heard a bird flies off. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly blue-grey plumage with pinkish maroon on breast. Note white patch on side of neck and, in flight, prominent, transverse white wingbars, dark wingtips and dark terminal band on tail. Juvenile is similar but white mark on neck is missing. Voice Sings a series of oo-OO-oo, oo-oo phrases. Status Abundant on farmland and lightly wooded countryside generally. Also increasingly in towns.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/parish-countryside.jpgPamber Parishhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/141584.jpgPheasant's-eye - Adonis annuaPHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/basingstoke-2.jpgbasingstoke 22020-01-19T20:04:10+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/19/biodiversity-net-gain-is-a-bird-in-the-hand-really-worth-two-in-the-bush-by-ben-kite-part-3-grasping-the-nettle/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-12-002.jpgPhoto 12 (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-11-002.jpgPhoto 11 (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/137841.jpgNightingale - Luscinia megarhynchosNightingale Luscinia megarhynchos L 16-17cm. Secretive bird, best known for its powerful, musical song, sometimes sung at night. Silent birds are easily overlooked. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have rich brown upperparts overall; tail and rump are warmer reddish chestnut than back and note hint of grey on face and sides of neck. Underparts are greyish white, suffused pale buffish brown on breast. Voice Song is rich and varied and includes fluty whistles and clicking sounds; typically the bird starts with a rich, whistling tu-tu-tu-tu. Status Local and declining summer visitor, favouring coppiced woodland and scrub.2020-01-19T19:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/16/environmental-contempt-1-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/google-modern-basingstoke.jpgGoogle Mapshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/158139.jpg158139Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchoshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/156273.jpg156273Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/141359.jpgSmall Blue - Cupido minimusSmall Blue - Cupido minimushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/162308.jpg162308Meadow Buttercup - Ranunculus acrishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/modern-basingstoke.jpgmodern basingstokeModern Basingstoke, a depressing urban landscape not unlike dozens of other towns in southern England.2020-01-16T14:24:00+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/16/biodiversity-net-gain-is-a-bird-in-the-hand-really-worth-two-in-the-bush-by-ben-kite-part-2-trading-apples-for-pears/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/downland.jpgdownlandhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-9-4-spot-orb-weaver.jpgPhoto 9 - 4 spot orb weaverhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-8-cladonia.jpgPhoto 8 - cladoniahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-7-amenity-002.jpgphoto 7 - amenity (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-6-chalk-grassland-002.jpgphoto 6 - chalk grassland (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-5-heathland-002.jpgphoto 5 - heathland (002)2021-02-01T18:48:43+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2020/01/09/biodiversity-net-gain-is-a-bird-in-the-hand-really-worth-two-in-the-bush-by-ben-kite-part-1-coming-to-terms-with-loss/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/155602.jpg155602Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/103371.jpgHedgehog - Erinaceus europaeusHedgehog Erinaceus europaeus Length 23-27cm Mainly nocturnal animal, protected by spines (modified hairs). Feeds mainly on invertebrates but will take food put out by people. Hibernates from Oct-Apr. Spines are erectile and an effective deterrent when animal rolls into a defensive ball. Head and underparts are covered in coarse hairs. Muzzle-shaped head ends in a sensitive nose. Utters a pig-like squeal in distress, and grunts when courting. Familiar garden resident.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-3-002.jpgPhoto 3 (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-2-002.jpgPhoto 2 (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/photo-1-002.jpgPhoto 1 (002)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/156340.jpg1563402020-01-09T09:56:34+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/12/03/urban-bird-photography-and-the-urban-birder-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/156239-1.jpg156239Above: The Thames landscape in central London and David Lindo spreading the word. Photos: main image ©Rob Read/Nature Photographers Ltd; inset David Lindo ©Nina Rangøy.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/david-lindo-image-1-credit-nina-rangc3b8y.jpegDavid Lindo Image 1 - Credit Nina Rangøyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/156340.jpg156340DAISY Bellis perennis (Asteraceae) Height less than 10cm Familiar, downy perennial found growing in lawns and other areas of short grass. FLOWERS are borne in solitary heads, 15-25mm across, on slender stems; they comprise yellow disc florets and white (often faintly crimson-tipped) ray florets (Mar-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are spoon-shaped and form prostrate rosettes from which flower stalks arise.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/162999.jpg162999Grey-headed Gull - Chroicocephalus cirrocephalushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/tb3jzpm9rd26dqryxpzx_urban-3.jpgDaniel Trimhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/n4l12swxsnljtxwjlj4a__dsc7589.jpgLuke Wilkinsonhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ffoa0yuwsuqsq6c4btnu_starling.jpgDaniel Trimhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/160343.jpg160343Waxwing - Bombycilla garrulushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/156239.jpg156239Millenium Bridge over the River Thames looking towards St Paul's Cathederal at dawn, London, Uk2019-12-03T13:19:12+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/11/16/gambia-revisited-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/163491.jpg163491Western Grey Plantain-eater - Crinifer piscatohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/163502.jpg163502Vitelline Masked Weaver - Ploceus vitellinushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/163503.jpg163503Tanji Fishing Village - The Gambiahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/brufutbuilding.jpgBrufutbuildinghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/brufut-1.jpgbrufut 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/brufut-woods-google-maps.jpgBrufut Woods - Google Maps2020-06-06T01:29:50+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/11/14/sparrow-clubs-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/163074.jpg163074Spanish Sparrow - Passer hispaniolensishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/133722.jpgHouse Sparrow - Passer domesticusHouse Sparrow Passer domesticus L 14-15cm. Familiar because of affinity for human habitation. Often dust-bathes and sits on roofs, utterly familiar sparrow chirps. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey crown, cheeks and rump. Nape, sides of crown, back and wings are chestnut-brown, underparts are pale grey, and throat and breast are black. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Adult female is mainly brown above with buff streaks on back; underparts are pale grey and note pale buff supercilium behind eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller. Voice Utters range of chirping calls. Status Fairly common but declining resident, usually found in vicinity of houses and farms.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/145734-1.jpgTree Sparrow - Passer montanusTree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/157570.jpg157570House Sparrow - Passer domesticus - male. L 14-15cm. Familiar because of affinity for human habitation. Often dust-bathes and sits on roofs, utterly familiar sparrow chirps. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey crown, cheeks and rump. Nape, sides of crown, back and wings are chestnut-brown, underparts are pale grey, and throat and breast are black. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Adult female is mainly brown above with buff streaks on back; underparts are pale grey and note pale buff supercilium behind eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller. Voice Utters range of chirping calls. Status Fairly common but declining resident, usually found in vicinity of houses and farms.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/139765.jpgHouse Sparrow - Passer domesticusHouse Sparrow Passer domesticus L 14-15cm. Familiar because of affinity for human habitation. Often dust-bathes and sits on roofs, utterly familiar sparrow chirps. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey crown, cheeks and rump. Nape, sides of crown, back and wings are chestnut-brown, underparts are pale grey, and throat and breast are black. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Adult female is mainly brown above with buff streaks on back; underparts are pale grey and note pale buff supercilium behind eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller. Voice Utters range of chirping calls. Status Fairly common but declining resident, usually found in vicinity of houses and farms.2019-11-14T09:58:30+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/11/13/the-great-sparrow-campaign-by-andrew-cameron-bpoty-chair/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/129833.jpgLittle Bunting - Emberiza pusillaLittle Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Buntings from eastern Europe and Asia occasionally turn up in spring and autumn. These include the Little Bunting.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/tree-sparrow-4-july2019-20.jpgTree Sparrow 4-July2019-20https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/157569.jpg157569House Sparrow - Passer domesticus - male. L 14-15cm. Familiar because of affinity for human habitation. Often dust-bathes and sits on roofs, utterly familiar sparrow chirps. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey crown, cheeks and rump. Nape, sides of crown, back and wings are chestnut-brown, underparts are pale grey, and throat and breast are black. Bill is dark and legs are reddish. Adult female is mainly brown above with buff streaks on back; underparts are pale grey and note pale buff supercilium behind eye. Juvenile is similar to adult female but duller. Voice Utters range of chirping calls. Status Fairly common but declining resident, usually found in vicinity of houses and farms.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/145723.jpgTree Sparrow - Passer montanusTree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/145734.jpgTree Sparrow - Passer montanusTree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.2019-11-13T09:26:54+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/11/01/climate-versus-wildlife-by-andrew-cameron-chair-bpoty/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/dscn9873.jpgDSCN9873https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/state-of-nature-1.jpgstate of naturehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/state-of-nature.jpgstate of naturehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/143346-1.jpgSkylark - Alauda arvensisSkylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/128722.jpgAberdeen Angus - Bos primigeniusCattle Bos primigenius Shoulder height 1-1.5m Male (bull) is larger and stockier than female (cow). In many breeds, both sexes have horns; those of male are usually larger than female’s. Juvenile (calf) resembles a small, hornless adult with cleaner coat. Bulls bellow. Breeds of dairy Cattle include Friesian, Guernsey, Jersey and Dairy Shorthorn. Breeds of beef cattle include Aberdeen Angus, Highland, Devon, Sussex, Hereford and Beef Shorthorn. Dual-purpose breeds include Belted Galloway and Red Devon.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/161212.jpg161212Mouse-eared Bat - Myotis myotishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/162439.jpg162439Ancient coppiced Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trusthttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/143346.jpgSkylark - Alauda arvensisSkylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.2019-11-01T17:36:15+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/09/27/grassland-management-the-second-of-two-articles-this-one-taking-a-quizzical-look-at-grazing-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nf-flowers-1.jpgnf flowers 1Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegiumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/poronia.jpgporoniaNail Fungus - Poronia punctatahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/flowers-1.jpgflowersBetony - Stachys officinalishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/coral-necklace.jpgCoral Necklace - Illecebrum verticillatumCORAL-NECKLACE Illecebrum verticillatum (Prostrate) is a charming and distinctive annual with square reddish stems along which are borne discrete, rounded clusters of white flowers (Jun-Sep). The plant grows in damp ground, often in trampled hollows at the margins of drying ponds and ruts in the New Forest.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/nf-pony.jpgNew Forest Pony - Equus ferus caballusNew Forest Pony Equus ferus caballus stands between 1.2m and 1.4m at the shoulder. Colour is variable but reddish brown is typical.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/vicarage-meadows.jpgvicarage meadows2019-09-27T12:51:54+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/09/20/grassland-management-the-first-of-two-articles-this-one-taking-a-quizzical-look-at-cutting-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/163222.jpg163222Garden Meadow - in late summer with greater bird's-foot trefoilhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ant-hill.jpgant hillhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/flowers.jpgflowersBetony - Stachys officinalishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ron-ward-1.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/128438.jpg128438Meadow - SHORT-TAILED VOLE HABITAT2019-11-05T16:40:42+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/09/04/the-fat-of-the-land-by-ben-kite/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/161787.jpg161787Arable Crops at Andover Down, Test Way, Hampshire2019-09-04T15:43:26+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/08/14/young-bird-photographer-of-the-year-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hummer.jpghummerhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/038.jpg038Northern Anteater-chat - Myrmecocichla aethiopshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/young-bpoty-silver-award-winner.jpgYOUNG BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR SILVER AWARD WINNERRufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus. Colorado, United States of America. Photographer: Madeline Nolan, United States of America. YOUNG BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR SILVER AWARD WINNER Photographer's Story: ‘My family and I travelled to Creede, Colorado. My mom had just got a new camera and a big lens. Every morning, I would wake up, borrow the equipment and take pictures of the hummingbirds in the national forest. Some days, I would shoot for hours. I was able to capture this adorable female Rufous Hummingbird sticking her tongue out! I had never seen that before. It was not easy to capture and I am thrilled I was able to get such a neat shot.’ Canon EOS 7D MkII with Sigma 50-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens. 600mm focal length; 1/320 second; f/7.1; ISO 1,000.2019-08-14T09:20:19+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/08/11/bird-photographer-of-the-year-and-the-bermuda-petrel/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/book-4-front-cover.jpgbook 4 front coverhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/155008.jpg155008Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow being handled by Jeremy Madeiroshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/155006.jpg155006Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/155004.jpg155004Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/154950.jpg154950Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/155018.jpg155018Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow being examined by Jeremy Madeiroshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/nonsuch.jpgnonsuchGreen Island, Bermuda adjacent to Nonsuch Island, and a Bermuda Petrel breeding islethttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/154915.jpg154915Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow2019-08-11T18:12:47+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/07/31/if-you-go-down-in-the-woods-today-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ghost-4.jpgghost 4https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ghost-2.jpgghost 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/bear.jpgbearEurasian Brown Bear - Ursus arctoshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ghost-1.jpgghost 1Ghost Orchid - Epipogium aphyllumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/163178.jpg163178Ghost Orchid - Epipogium aphyllumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/163176.jpg163176Ghost Orchid - Epipogium aphyllum2019-08-01T07:57:37+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/07/28/bird-photographer-of-the-year-and-hookpod-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/book-4-front-cover.jpgbook 4 front coverhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/161878.jpg161878Chatham Island Albatross - Thalassarche eremitahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/159198.jpg159198Antipodean Albatross - Diomedea antipodensishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/157768.jpg157768Buller's Albatross - Thalassarche bullerihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/157769.jpg157769Northern Royal Albatross - Diomedea sanfordi2019-07-28T07:58:07+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/07/18/wildflower-verge-or-colourful-eyesore-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/163119.jpg163119Yellow-rattle - Rhinanthus minorhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/roadside-2.jpgroadside 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/roadside-1.jpgroadside 12019-07-18T20:39:15+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/07/12/the-plains-of-spain-revisited-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/stone-curlew.jpgstone curlewhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/calandra-1.jpgcalandra 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/calandra-2.jpgcalandra 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/booted-2.jpgbooted 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/black-belly-2.jpgblack belly 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/black-belly-1-1.jpgblack belly 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/black-belly-1.jpgblack belly 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pin-tail-4.jpgpin tail 4https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pin-tail-1.jpgpin tail 12019-07-12T07:20:40+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/20/dewilding-basingstoke-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/st-mark.jpgSt Markhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/125744.jpgHazel Dormouse - Muscardinus avellanariusHazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/124336.jpgHazel Dormouse Sleeping - Muscardinus avellanariusHazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/dormouse.jpgdormousedormouse in nest Muscardinus avellanarius paul sterry nature photographers #113046https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/136219.jpgGrass Snake - Natrix natrixGrass Snake Natrix natrix Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.2019-06-21T17:31:18+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/19/national-biodiversity-network-celebrating-wildlife-recorders/2019-06-19T14:37:50+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/14/its-been-a-good-year-for-the-roses-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/159374.jpg159374Dog-rose - Rosa caninahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/161463.jpg161463Dog-rose - Rosa caninahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/137874.jpgSmall Flowered Sweet Briar - Rosa micranthaSmall-flowered Sweet-briar Rosa micrantha Height to 2.5m Compact shrub with upright stems that bear long, curved thorns that are broad at the base. Found in scrub, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 15-25mm across and pink; in clusters of up to 3 flowers (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are ovoid, red hips with persisting reflexed sepals. LEAVES have 5-7 oval, toothed and sweet-smelling leaflets. STATUS-Local in south and west Britain.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/130871.jpgJapanese Rose - Rosa rugosaJAPANESE ROSE Rosa rugosa (Rosaceae) Height to 1.5m Showy shrub with upright stems that bear rather straight thorns. FLOWERS are 6-9cm across with 5 pinkish purple or white petals (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are spherical, red hips, 2-5cm across. LEAVES comprise 5-9 oval leaflets that are shiny above. STATUS-Widely planted beside roads and often naturalised elsewhere.2019-06-14T20:09:05+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/12/whatever-happened-to-marsh-warblers-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/137764.jpgMarsh Warbler - Acrocephalus palustrisMarsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (L 13-14cm) is very similar to a Reed Warbler and the best way to separate the two is by song: a Marsh’ is rich and varied, including amazing mimicry of both other European songsters and species learnt in its African wintering grounds. It also favours subtly different habitats, namely rank waterside vegetation (including nettles and brambles) rather than reedebeds. On close inspection, subtle plumage and structural differences also exist between the two species. An adult Marsh has grey-brown upperparts (not ‘warm’) including the rump, and pale underparts suffused yellow-buff. The legs are pinkish (not dark) and the soles of the feet look yellowish. The species is a rare summer visitor and just a handful of pairs breed.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blyth.jpgblythBlyth's Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus dumetorumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/reed.jpgreedReed Warbler - Acrocephalus scirpaceushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/marsh.jpgmarshMarsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (L 13-14cm) is very similar to a Reed Warbler and the best way to separate the two is by song: a Marsh’ is rich and varied, including amazing mimicry of both other European songsters and species learnt in its African wintering grounds. It also favours subtly different habitats, namely rank waterside vegetation (including nettles and brambles) rather than reedebeds. On close inspection, subtle plumage and structural differences also exist between the two species. An adult Marsh has grey-brown upperparts (not ‘warm’) including the rump, and pale underparts suffused yellow-buff. The legs are pinkish (not dark) and the soles of the feet look yellowish. The species is a rare summer visitor and just a handful of pairs breed.2019-06-12T11:59:54+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/10/bringing-the-countryside-into-the-town-by-paul-beevers/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/st-marks-meadow-july-11-2014-small-2.jpgSt Marks Meadow July 11 2014 Small (2)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/small-b.jpgSmall Blue - Cupido minimusSmall Blue - Cupido minimushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/common-b.jpgBirdsfoot Trefoil - Lotus corniculatusCOMMON BIRD’S-FOOT-TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae) Height to 10cm. Sprawling, solid-stemmed and usually hairless perennial. Found in grassy places. FLOWERS are red in bud but yellow and 15mm long when open; in heads on stalks to 8cm long (May-Sep). FRUITS are slender pods; splayed like a bird’s foot when ripe. LEAVES have 5 leaflets but appear trifoliate (lower pair at stalk base).2019-06-10T08:41:49+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/08/love-and-affection-insect-style-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/140055.jpgChalkhill Blue Larva - Polyommatus coridonChalkhill Blue Polyommatus coridon Wingspan 40mm. Iconic downland butterfly, males of which are a unique colour amongst British blues. Adult male has pale sky-blue upperwings; female’s are dark brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings of both sexes are grey-brown with spots. Flies July–August. Larva feeds on Horseshoe Vetch; sometimes discovered at dusk being attended by ants. Very local and restricted to chalk and limestone grassland in southern England.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/156469.jpg156469Parent Bug - Elasmucha griseahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/142347-1.jpg142347Parent Bug - Elasmucha grisea2019-06-09T16:43:59+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/06/pamber-nature-notes-early-june-2019/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/156600.jpg156600Peppered Moth Biston betularia Wingspan 35-50mm. A rather long-winged moth that occurs as two main colour forms. Both are well-camouflaged when resting on appropriate tree bark backgrounds. Adult of typical forms have either sooty-black wings or whitish wings peppered with dark spots; intermediate form also occurs. Flies May-August. Larva feeds on a range of deciduous trees and shrubs. Widespread and common.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/grass-v.jpggrass vhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/chocolate.jpgchocolateChocolate-tip - Clostera curtulahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/buff-2.jpgbuff 2Buff-tip - Phalera bucephalahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/buff-tip.jpgbuff tipBuff-tip - Phalera bucephalahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/privet.jpgprivetPrivet Hawk-moth - Sphinx ligustrihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/copper-heath.jpgSmall Heath - Coenonympha pamphilusSmall Heath Coenonympha pamphilus Wingspan 30mm. A tiny grassland butterfly that invariably rests with its wings closed; upperwings are almost never revealed. Underside of forewing is orange with an eyespot; hindwing is marbled grey, brown and buff. Double-brooded: flies May–June and August–September. Larva feeds on grasses and is nocturnal. Widespread but locally common only in southern England; range has contracted because it is restricted to unimproved grassland and does not tolerate modern agricultural practices.2019-06-06T20:14:28+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/06/04/unearthly-earthstars/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/136693.jpg136693ARCHED EARTHSTARhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/canonball.jpgcanonballSphaerobolus stellatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/132397.jpg132397Pepper Pot - Myriostoma coliformehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/britannicum.jpgbritannicumGeastrum britannicumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/barometer.jpgBarometer Earthstar - Astraeus hygrometricusBarometer Earthstar - Astraeus hygrometricushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/triplex-1.jpgtriplex 1Collared Earthstar - Geastrum triplexhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/triplex.jpgtriplexCollared Earthstar - Geastrum triplex2020-01-19T04:01:02+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/23/ramridge-raiders-2/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/133762.jpgBluebell Wood - Hyacinthoides non-scriptaBLUEBELL Hycanithoides non-scripta (Liliaceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive and hairless, bulbous perennial that grows in woodland and also on coastal cliffs. In wooded areas where the management regime suits its needs (sympathetically coppiced Hazel is ideal) it forms extensive and continuous carpets on the woodland floor. FLOWERS are bell-shaped with 6 recurved lobes at the mouth, and are bluish purple (very occasionally pink or white); borne in 1-sided drooping-tipped spikes (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are long, 15mm wide, glossy green and all basal. STATUS-Widespread throughout the region and sometimes locally abundant.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/trees.jpgCollins Complete Guide to British TreesCollins Complete Guide to British Treeshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dormouse.jpgdormousedormouse in nest Muscardinus avellanarius paul sterry nature photographers #113046https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/bat.jpgbatDAUBENTON'S BAT KILLED BY CHAINSAWhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/firecrest.jpgfirecrestFirecrest - Regulus ignicapillushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/141653.jpg141653White Admiral - Limenitis camillahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hazel.jpghazelHazel coppice - Corylus avellanahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/160016.jpg160016Silver-washed Fritillary - Argynnis paphiahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/archangel.jpgarchangelYellow Archangel - Lamiastrum galeobdolon2019-06-04T20:20:59+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/17/the-military-orchid-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cut-out.jpgcut outMilitary Orchid - Orchis militarishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cut-out-2.jpgcut out 2Military Orchid - Orchis militarishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/flower.jpgMilitary Orchid - Orchis militarisMILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/field.jpgMilitary Orchid - Orchis militarisMILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/head.jpgMilitary Orchid - Orchis militarisMILITARY ORCHID Orchis militaris (Height to 45cm) is a stately orchid whose individual flowers are superficially similar to those of the Monkey Orchid, differing in their shorter ‘legs’ and ‘arms’; the flower spike opens from the bottom upwards (May-Jun). Military Orchids were formerly quite widespread in the Chilterns but are now restricted to just a couple of sites, along with a location in Suffolk.2019-06-04T18:53:58+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/31/spare-a-thought-for-garlic-mustard/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/162365-1.jpg162365Garlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolata. Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshire. Rob Read/Nature Photographers Ltdhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/162365.jpg162365Garlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolata, Stoke Wood, Bicester, Oxfordshirehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gvw-2.jpgGreen-veined White - Pieris napiGreen-veined White - Pieris napihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/orange-2.jpgOrange-tip - Anthocharis cardaminesOrange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gvw-1.jpgGreen-veined White - Pieris napiGreen-veined White Pieris napi Wingspan 45-50mm. Adult recalls a Small White but has striking veins on wings: these are dark on upperwings, and greyish-green on underwings. Double-brooded: adult flies in spring and again in mid-summer. Larva is green with tiny white spots; feeds on Hedge Mustard, Garlic Mustard and related plants. Locally common, sometimes seen in gardens, but mainly associated with verges and open margins and rides in woodland.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/orange-1.jpgOrange-tip - Anthocharis cardaminesOrange-tip Anthocharis cardamines Wingspan 40mm. A familiar spring butterfly, males of which are unmistakable. Adult has rounded wings. Forewing is dark-tipped but male has an adjacent orange patch. Underside of hindwing of both sexes is marbled green and white. Adult flies April–June. Larva is green with whitish counter shading; feeds mainly on Cuckoo-flower. Widespread in southern Britain and Ireland; associated with open woodland, verges, and rural gardens.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/130812.jpgGarlic Mustard - Alliaria petiolataGARLIC MUSTARD Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae) Height to 1m. Familiar wayside biennial, often found in hedgerows and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are 6mm across with 4 white petals (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are cylindrical, ribbed and 4-5cm long. LEAVES are heart-shaped, toothed and borne up stem; they smell of garlic when crushed. STATUS-Widespread and common, but least so in N and W or region.2019-05-31T15:28:20+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/03/15/spring-sea-slugs-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/grey-sea.jpggrey seacommon grey sea slughttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/aplysia.jpgaplysiaSea Hare - Aplysia punctatahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/sea-lemon-2.jpgSea Lemon - Archidoris pseudargusSea Lemon - Archidoris pseudargushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/sea-lemon.jpgSea Lemon - Archidoris pseudargusSea Lemon - Archidoris pseudargushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/dendronotus-frondosus.jpgdendronotus frondosusDendronotus frondosus - a nudibranch sea slughttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/coryphella-lineata.jpgcoryphella lineataCoryphella lineata - Sea Slughttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/facelina-auriculata.jpgfacelina auriculataFacelina auriculata2019-05-30T18:10:18+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/03/08/spring-mushrooms-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/mushrooms.jpgCollins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and ToadstoolsCollins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstoolshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/139753.jpg139753Morchella conicahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/137662.jpg137662vinegar cup Helvella acetabulumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/138898.jpg138898chicken of the woods Laetiporus sulphureushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/103907.jpg103907Jelly Ear Fungus or Jew's Ear Fungus - Auricularia auricula-judaehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/139286.jpg139286false morel Gyromitra esculentahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/137640.jpg137640Semifree Morel - Mitrophora semiliberahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/163113.jpg163113Black Morel - Morchella elatahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/137701.jpg137701st george's mushroom calocybe gambosa2019-05-30T18:07:03+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/04/01/toad-rage-5-end-of-migration-season-update-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/animals.jpgCollins Complete Guide to British AnimalsCollins Complete Guide to British Animalshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gilets-jaunes-1.jpggilets jauneshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/frog.jpgfroghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/combined-map.jpgcombined maphttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gc-newt-1.jpggc newt 1https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure-2.jpgfigure 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/figure-1.jpgfigure 12019-05-30T18:03:32+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/04/10/a-diet-of-worms-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/king-rag.jpgking ragking rag alitta virenshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/peacock-worm.jpgpeacock wormpeacock wormhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/amblyosyllis.jpgamblyosyllisamblyosyllis formosahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/harmothoe.jpgharmothoeharmothoe glabrahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/polycirrus.jpgpolycirruspolycirrus caliendrumhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/marphysa.jpgmarphysamarphysa sanguineahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/eupolymnia.jpgeupolymniaEupolymnia nebulosahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/parchment-worm.jpgparchment wormparchment worm Chaetopterus variopedatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/sea-mouse.jpgsea mouseSea Mousehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/curlew.jpgcurlewCurlew - Numenius arquata2019-05-30T18:00:33+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/14/rewilding-basingstoke-a-personal-perspective-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/coastal.jpgCollins Complete Guide to British Coastal WildlifeCollins Complete Guide to British Coastal Wildlifehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gatekeeper.jpggatekeepergatekeeperhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/orange-tip.jpgorange tipOrange-tip - Anthocharis cardamines pupahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/nightjar.jpgnightjarhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/grass-snake.jpggrass snakeGrass Snake - Natrix natrix - young emerging from egg. Length 60-90cm Large non-venomous snake. Hibernates October-April. Hunts on land but also active in water, feeding on frogs and fish. Female lays eggs, often in composting piles of vegetation. Adult has slender body, thickest towards middle evenly tapering towards tail. Ground colour on upperparts is olive-green; has occasional dark vertical stripes on flanks and double row of indistinct dark spots down back. Neck has black and yellow crescent-shaped markings on sides, forming incomplete collar. Scales on under surface are whitish with dark chequering. Has backward-curved teeth that retain struggling prey. Eye has round pupil. Juvenile resembles tiny adult with relatively larger head. Hisses if distressed. Locally common in grassland and heathland, usually in vicinity of water.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/meadow.jpgmeadowClassic Meadowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/lobster-moth-larva.jpglobster moth larvaLobster Moth - Stauropus fagihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/garden.jpggardenAn example of a country garden hay meadowhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ringlet.jpgringletCrab Spider - Misumena vatia with Ringlet preyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/skylark.jpgSkylark - Alauda arvensisSkylark - Alauda arvensis2024-07-17T17:03:59+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/19/pamber-nature-notes-may/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/garden-wildlife.jpgCollins Complete Guide to British Garden WildlifeCollins Complete Guide to British Garden Wildlifehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/orange.jpgorangehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/brimstone.jpgbrimstonehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/128064.jpgHemlock Water-dropwort - Oenanthe crocataHEMLOCK WATER-DROPWORT Oenanthe crocata (Apiaceae) Height to 1.25m. Distinctive and highly poisonous perennial that sometimes forms sizeable clumps. The stems are hollow and grooved and the plant smells of Parsley. Found in damp meadows and ditches. FLOWERS are white and borne in domed umbels, 5-10cm across, with 10-40 rays and numerous bracts (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are cylindrical, with long styles. LEAVES are 2-4 times pinnately divided with toothed, tapering lobes. STATUS-Widespread but locally common only in S and W Britain; scarce in, or absent from, much of the N.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/157896.jpg157896Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla - male. L 14-15cm. Distinctive warbler with a musical song. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey-brown upperparts, dusky grey underparts, palest on throat and undertail, pale eyering and diagnostic black cap. Adult female and juveniles have grey-brown upperparts, pale buffish grey underparts (palest on throat and undertail) and reddish chestnut cap. Voice Utters a sharp tchek alarm call. Song is rich and musical warble; similar to Garden Warbler’s but contains jaunty phrases. Status Common summer visitor to deciduous woodland with dense undergrowth, scrub and mature gardens. Migrants from N Europe pass through in autumn and some remain throughout winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/160876.jpg160876Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia currucahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/129654.jpgWild Service Tree - Sorbus torminalisWild Service-tree Sorbus torminalis Rosaceae Height to 25m Spreading deciduous tree. Bark Fissured into squarish plates. Branches Straight; twigs shiny, buds green and rounded. Leaves To 10cm long, 3–5 pairs of pointed lobes; toothed margin. Reproductive parts Flowers white, to 1.5cm across, clustered. Fruits rounded, to 1.8cm across, rounded, brown. Status Scarce native of heavy soils; ancient woodland indicator.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pwg-logo-v-small-3.jpgpwg logo v smallhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pwg-logo-v-small-2.jpgpwg logo v smallhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pwg-logo-v-small-1.jpgpwg logo v small2019-05-30T17:53:05+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/21/clearwings-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/thrift-1.jpgthriftThrift Clearwing (left) and Red-tipped Clearwing (right)https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/thrift.jpgthriftThrift Clearwing - Synansphecia muscaeformishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/fiery.jpgFiery Clearwing - Pyropteron chrysidiformisFiery Clearwing - Pyropteron chrysidiformishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/yellow-legged.jpgYellow-legged Clearwing - Synanthedon vespiformisYellow-legged Clearwing - Synanthedon vespiformishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/white-barred.jpgwhite barredWhite-barred Clearwing - Synanthedon spheciformis - larvae inside Alder twighttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/six-belted-2.jpgSix-belted Clearwing - Bembecia ichneumoniformisSix-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/red-tipped.jpgRed Tipped Clearwing - Synanthedon formicaeformisRed-tipped Clearwing Synanthedon formicaeformis Length 11-14mm. A fly-like, day-flying moth. Adult has mainly black body with red band on abdomen. Wings are mainly clear but note the red tips and red leading edge to forewing. Larva feeds in stems of sallows and willows. Widespread but commonest in southern England.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/raspberry.jpgraspberryLunar Hornet Moth - Sesia bembeciformis 52.003 BF371https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/six-belted.jpgSix-belted Clearwings Flying - Bembecia ichneumoniformisSix-belted Clearwing Bembecia ichneumoniformis Length 11-14mm. An unusual day-flying moth that recalls a small wasp. Adult has a black body with six yellow bands on the abdomen. Wings are mainly clear with dark veins, yellow tips and orange patches. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on roots of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hornet.jpghornetHornet Moth - Sesia apiformis 52.002 BF3702019-05-30T17:46:07+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/20/ramridge-raiders-1/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/141578.jpgWood Anemone - Anemone nemorosaWOOD ANEMONE Anemone nemorosa (Ranunculaceae) Height to 30cm. Perennial that sometimes forms large carpets on suitable woodland floors. FLOWERS are solitary and comprise 5-10 white or pinkish petal-like sepals (Mar-May). FRUITS are beaked and borne in rounded clusters. LEAVES on stems are long-stalked and divided into 3 lobes, each being further divided. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/125744.jpgHazel Dormouse - Muscardinus avellanariusHazel Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius Length 13-17cm Nocturnal small mammal and an iconic conservation symbol. Mainly arboreal and hibernates in winter. Nests are made mainly from shredded Honeysuckle bark. Adult has mainly golden brown coat with paler throat and belly. Note the large, beady eyes and rounded ears. Feet have flexible toes, used when climbing; tail has coating of golden fur. Mainly silent. A woodland species. Thrives best where mature oaks, coppiced Hazel and Honeysuckle grow together. Local and threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/157895.jpg157895Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla - male. L 14-15cm. Distinctive warbler with a musical song. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has grey-brown upperparts, dusky grey underparts, palest on throat and undertail, pale eyering and diagnostic black cap. Adult female and juveniles have grey-brown upperparts, pale buffish grey underparts (palest on throat and undertail) and reddish chestnut cap. Voice Utters a sharp tchek alarm call. Song is rich and musical warble; similar to Garden Warbler’s but contains jaunty phrases. Status Common summer visitor to deciduous woodland with dense undergrowth, scrub and mature gardens. Migrants from N Europe pass through in autumn and some remain throughout winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/160825-1.jpg160825Goldilocks Buttercup - Ranunculus auricomushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/162459.jpg162459Bluebells - Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stoke Woods, Bicester, Oxfordshire owned by the Woodland Trusthttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/160825.jpg160825Goldilocks Buttercup - Ranunculus auricomushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/157980-1.jpg157980Firecrest - Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/157980.jpg157980Firecrest - Regulus ignicapillus L 9-10cm. Only marginally larger than Goldcrest. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult has yellow-green upperparts with 2 pale wingbars. Underparts are buffish white but flushed golden-yellow on sides of neck. Has dark eyestripe, broad white supercilium and black-bordered crown stripe (orange in male, yellow in female). Juvenile is similar but crown stripe is absent. Voice Utters a thin tsuu-tsee-tsee call. Song is a series of thin, high-pitched notes. Status Rare breeding bird, in summer months often found in mixed woodland with mature conifers and understorey of Holly. Migrants and wintering birds are found mainly in coastal woodland.2019-05-30T17:40:09+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/30/moths-flying-tonight/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/butterfly-cover.jpgbutterfly coverCollins Complete Guide to British Butterflies and Mothshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/poplar-1-1.jpgpoplar 1Poplar Hawk-moth Laothoe populihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/poplar-1.jpgpoplar 169.003 (1981) Eyed Hawk-moth - Smerinthus ocellatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/poplar-2.jpgpoplar 269.003 (1981) Eyed Hawk-moth - Smerinthus ocellatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/pale-prom.jpgpale prom71.020 (2011) Pale Prominent - Pterostoma palpinahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/great-prom.jpggreat prom71.016 (2005) Great Prominent - Peridea ancepshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ermine.jpgermine72.019 (2061) Buff Ermine - Spilosoma lutea left=typical form middle= northern form bottom= aberrant formhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/dart.jpgdart73.317 (2089) Heart & Dart - Agrotis exclamationis2019-05-30T14:32:09+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/05/15/the-case-for-caddisflies-and-much-maligned-molinia/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/162564.jpg162564Window-winged Sedge - Hagenella clathratahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/glypho-1.jpgglypho 1mottled sedge Glyphotaelius pellucidushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/glypho-eggs.jpgglypho eggsmottled sedge eggs Glyphotaelius pellucidushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/molinia.jpgmoliniaPURPLE MOOR GRASShttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hagenella-larva.jpghagenella larvahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hagenella-2.jpghagenella 2Window-winged Sedge - Hagenella clathrata egg mass with newly emerged larvaehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/hagenella-1a.jpghagenella 1aWindow-winged Sedge - Hagenella clathrata2019-05-28T09:40:09+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/02/23/toad-rage-1/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/105100.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufoCommon Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land: woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/142204-1.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufoCommon Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land: woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/142204.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufoCommon Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land: woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.2019-05-25T07:13:33+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/03/02/toad-rage-2-update-2-march-2019/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/128683.jpgCommon Toad - Bufo bufoCommon Toad Bufo bufo Length 5-9cm A widespread toad; the only common species in Britain. Skin is covered in toxin-containing warts. Spawn is laid in double-rowed spawn strings. Gait consists of short hops. Adult is olive-brown to greenish buff (hue is influenced by ambient light). Has red iris and webbed hind feet. Female is larger than male. Juvenile recalls a tiny, large-headed adult. Courting male utters croaking calls in spring. More terrestrial than most other amphibians and adults spend much of their lives on land: woodland, scrub, grassland and moors are favoured. Must return to water to breed and most are found within 2km or so of suitable ponds. Not deterred by fish: tadpole’ toxic skin acts as deterrent to predation. Observation tips Courting is easy to watch in suitable ponds in spring (February-March are typical months). Sometimes found hibernating under logs in winter.2019-05-25T07:13:00+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/03/10/toad-rage-3-the-curious-case-of-natural-england-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/162192.jpg162192Common Toad - Bufo bufo - mating pair in amplexus found at a notorious migration crossing point on a busy country lane during the breeding migration period in early spring.2019-05-25T07:12:24+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/03/18/toad-rage-4-the-curious-case-of-natural-england-by-paul-sterry/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/161298.jpg161298Common Toad - Bufo bufohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gilets-jaunes.jpggilets jauneshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gcn-3.jpggcn 3Common Toad - Bufo bufohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gcn-2.jpggcn 2Great Crested Newt - Triturus cristatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/gcn-1.jpggcn 1Great Crested Newt - Triturus cristatus2019-05-25T07:10:09+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2019/04/19/full-of-the-joys-of-spring/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/139744.jpgYellowhammer - Emberiza citrinellaYellowhammer Emberiza citrinella L 15-17cm. Colourful bunting with diagnostic song. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly yellow head and underparts, and reddish brown back and wings. Note faint dark lines on head, chestnut flush to breast and streaking on flanks; rump is reddish brown and bill is greyish. In winter, similar but duller and more streaked. Adult female has streaked greenish grey head and breast, streaked pale yellow underparts and brown back; note reddish brown rump. Juvenile is similar to adult female but more streaked. Voice Has a rasping call. Song is rendered ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’. Status Fairly common resident of farmland and open country with scrub and hedges. Winter flocks often feed on arable fields.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/143339.jpgWhitethroat - Sylvia communisWhitethroat Sylvia communis L 13-15cm. Familiar warbler of open country. Males often perch openly. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey cap and face, grey-brown back and rufous edges to wing feathers. Throat is white while; underparts otherwise pale, suffused pinkish buff on breast. Legs are yellowish brown and yellowish bill is dark-tipped. Dark tail has white outer feathers. Adult female and juveniles are similar but cap and face are brownish and pale underparts (apart from white throat) are suffused pale buff. Voice Utters a harsh check alarm call. Song is a rapid and scratchy warble. Status Common summer visitor to scrub patches, hedgerows and heaths.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/158134.jpg158134Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchoshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/158138.jpg158138Blackcap - Sylvia atricapillahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/158177.jpg158177Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus scirpaceushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/161002.jpgCuckoo - Cuculus canorusCuckoo - Cuculus canorus - malehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/133859.jpgWillow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilusWillow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus L 11cm. Similar to Chiffchaff but separable using subtle plumage details, colour and voice. Sexes are similar. Adult has olive-green upperparts, yellow throat, whitish underparts and pale supercilium. Overall, plumage is brighter than Chiffchaff and primary feathers project further. Note pale supercilium and pinkish yellow legs. Juvenile is similar but paler and more yellow, particularly on underparts. Voice hueet call is similar to Chiffchaff. Song is a tinkling, descending phrase that ends in a flourish. Status Widespread and common summer visitor to wooded habitats including birch woodland and willow scrub.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/160802.jpg160802Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita2019-05-24T14:46:39+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/09/09/new-images-on-nature-photographers-ltd-august-2014/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/156700-1.jpg156700Antler Moth - Cerapteryx graminishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/156774.jpg156774Fen Mason Wasp - Odynerus simillimushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/156755.jpg156755Fen Raft Spider - Dolomedes plantariushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/156700.jpg156700Antler Moth - Cerapteryx graminis2019-05-24T10:01:15+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2018/03/12/toad-patrols-helping-to-protect-our-amphibian-populations/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0231.jpg_DSC0231https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0226.jpg_DSC0226https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0220.jpg_DSC0220https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0204.jpg_DSC0204https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0170.jpg_DSC0170https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0167.jpg_DSC0167https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/dsc0154.jpg_DSC01542019-05-24T09:53:53+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/07/09/new-pictures-on-npl-june-2014/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/156458.jpgFour-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculataFour-spotted Chaser - Libellula quadrimaculatahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/156437.jpgPenduline Tit - Remiz pendulinusPenduline Tit - Remiz pendulinushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/156436.jpgReed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclusReed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/156431.jpgLarge Red Damselfly - Pyrrhosoma nymphulaLarge Red Damselfly - Pyrrhosoma nymphulahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/156407.jpgTerek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereusTerek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereus2014-07-09T16:09:01+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/06/20/spring-birding-in-belarus/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156411.jpgRiver Warbler - Locustella fluviatilisRiver Warbler - Locustella fluviatilishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156409.jpgAquatic Warbler - Acrocephalus paludicolaAquatic Warbler - Acrocephalus paludicolahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156407.jpgTerek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereusTerek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156421.jpgIcterine Warbler - Hippolais icterinaIcterine Warbler - Hippolais icterinahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156420.jpgCorn Crake - Crex crexCorn Crake - Crex crexhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156412.jpgAzure Tit - Cyanistes cyanusAzure Tit - Cyanistes cyanus2014-06-20T15:53:18+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/06/05/new-images-on-nature-photographers-photolibrary-may-2014/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156239.jpgMillennium Bridge over the River ThamesMillennium Bridge over the River Thames looking towards St Paul's Cathederal at dawn, London, Ukhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156388.jpgHoney Bee - Apis melliferaHoney Bee - Apis melliferahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156349.jpgArctosa perita - femaleArctosa perita - femalehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156339.jpgBluebells in Micheldever Woods, Hampshire - Hycanithoides non-scriptaBluebells in Micheldever Woods, Hampshire - Hycanithoides non-scriptahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/156326.jpgCuckoo in flight - Cuculus canorusCuckoo in flight - Cuculus canorus2014-06-05T09:48:26+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/05/06/new-images-on-nature-photographers-april-2014/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/155939.jpg155939Male Long-snouted (or Spiny) Seahorse - Hippocampus guttulatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/156005.jpg156005Pardosa hortensis - Female. Occurs on sparsely vegetated ground in a range of habitats.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/155972.jpg155972Black Grouse in flight - Tetrao tetrixhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/155963.jpg155963Blackbird Turdus merula - Malehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/155955.jpg155955Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus 2014-05-06T11:48:06+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/04/01/new-images-on-nature-photographers-march-2014/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155747.jpgGreenland White-fronted Goose - Anser albifrons flavirostrisGreenland White-fronted Goose - Anser albifrons flavirostrishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155909.jpgMatley Wood, New Forest National ParkMatley Wood, New Forest National Parkhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155889.jpgMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmarestiMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmarestihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155865.jpgBUZZARD - Buteo buteoBUZZARD - Buteo buteohttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155842.jpgLittle Gull - Hydrocoloeus minutusLittle Gull - Hydrocoloeus minutushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/155815.jpgGreat Northern Diver - Gavia immerGreat Northern Diver - Gavia immer2014-04-01T15:14:13+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/03/27/the-mantis-shrimp-rissoides-desmaresti/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mantis-shrimp-1.jpgMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmarestiMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmarestihttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/mantis-shrimp-2.jpgMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmarestiMantis Shrimp - Rissoides desmaresti2014-03-27T16:45:05+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/03/21/what-an-amazing-year-for-gulls/2014-03-21T21:14:13+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2014/02/05/latest-pictures-added-to-nature-photographers-ltd-photo-library/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155505.jpg155505Least Sandpiper - Calidris minutillahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155468.jpg155468North Light, Lundy, Devon - Part of the Andrew Cleave collection.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155343.jpg155343Amaurobius fenestralis - Female. Part of the Evan Jones spider collection.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155314.jpg155314Grey Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus - Winter Adult. Photographed at close quarters in Hove.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155298.jpg155298Baikal Teal - Anas formosa - Male.https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/155289.jpg155289Spiny Squat Lobster - Galathea strigosa2014-02-05T18:15:32+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/12/07/birds-on-the-south-coast-at-emsworth-hampshire/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/154998.jpg154998Brent Goose Branta bernicla ©Robert Read/Nature Photographers Ltdhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/154991.jpg154991Mute Swan Cygnus olor ©Robert Read/Nature Photographers Ltdhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/spotshank.jpgspotshankSpotted Redshank - Tringa erythropus ©Paul Sterry/Nature Photographers Ltd2013-12-07T18:28:16+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/12/05/spider-specialist-joins-nature-photographers-image-library/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/155032.jpg155032Trachyzelotes pedestris - Femalehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/155039.jpg155039Amaurobius similis - femalehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/155035.jpg155035Stemonyphantes lineatus. Linyphiidae. Female. 2013-12-05T14:36:56+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/18/wading-birds-on-bermuda/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/short-billed-dowitcher-2.jpgshort-billed dowitcher 2Short-billed Dowitcherhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/short-billed-dowitcher-1.jpgshort-billed dowitcher 1Short-billed Dowitcherhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/semipalmated-plover.jpgsemipalmated ploverSemipalmated Ploverhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pectoral-sandpiper-2.jpgpectoral sandpiper 2Pectoral Sandpiperhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pectoral-sandpiper-1.jpgpectoral sandpiper 1Pectoral Sandpiperhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/least-sandpiper-2.jpgleast sandpiper 2Least Sandpiperhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/least-sandpiper-1.jpgleast sandpiper 1Least Sandpiperhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/common-ground-dove.jpgcommon ground-doveCommon Ground-dove2013-11-18T22:02:00+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/18/last-day-with-the-bermuda-petrels/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-9.jpgbermuda petrel 9Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-11.jpgbermuda petrel 11Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-10.jpgbermuda petrel 10Bermuda Petrel2013-11-18T12:51:18+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/15/nonsuch-island-bermuda-petrel-monitoring-programme/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/whistling-frog1.jpgWhistling FrogWhistling Froghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/nonsuch-island1.jpgNonsuch IslandNonsuch Islandhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/jamaican-anole1.jpgJamaican AnoleJamaican Anolehttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-being-monitored1.jpgbermuda petrel being monitoredBermuda Petrel being monitoredhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-being-monitored-21.jpgbermuda petrel being monitored 2Bermuda Petrel being monitoredhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-71.jpgbermuda petrel 7Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-62.jpgbermuda petrel 6Bermuda Petrel2013-11-15T18:17:20+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/12/latest-on-bermuda-petrel-and-other-birds/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tricolored-heron.jpgTricolored HeronTricolored Heronhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/petrel-islands.jpgpetrel islandsPetrel Islandshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-white-eyed-vireo-2.jpgbermuda white-eyed vireo 2https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-6.jpgbermuda petrel 6https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-5.jpgbermuda petrel 5Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-4.jpgbermuda petrel 4Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-3.jpgbermuda petrel 3https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-2.jpgbermuda petrel 22013-11-12T13:34:55+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/11/autumn-in-richmond-park-surrey/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tufted-duck.jpgtufted duckMale Tufted Duckhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/dsc8116.jpg_DSC8116Egyptian Geese Flying over Pen Pondshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/juv-mute-swan.jpgjuv mute swanJuvenile Mute Swan in flighthttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/juv-moorhen.jpgJuv moorhenJuvenile Moorhen on Pen Pondshttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red-deer-stag.jpgred deer stagRed Deer Staghttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red-deer-stag-2.jpgred deer stag 2Red Deer Stag bellowing2013-11-11T19:53:11+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/08/autumn-colours-in-savernake-forest-wiltshire/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/5603-7-5d.jpgDecaying wood and fallen autumn leaves on the forest floor at Sahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/3123-5-5d2.jpgAutumn colour in the beech trees that line the Grand Avenue throhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/savernakeautumn1.jpgAutumn colours in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, WiltshireAutumn colours in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire2013-11-09T09:08:27+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/09/bermuda-petrel-sightings/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-petrel-1.jpgbermuda petrel 1Bermuda Petrelhttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/bermuda-white-eyed-vireo.jpgbermuda white-eyed vireo2013-11-09T09:06:08+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/07/grebes-on-farmoor-reservoir-last-weekend/https://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slav-3.jpgslav 3Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/slav-22.jpgslav 2Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus with Three-spined Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatushttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red-necked-grebe.jpgred-necked grebeRed-necked Grebe Podiceps grisigenahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/red-neck-coot.jpgred-neck & cootRed-necked Grebe Podiceps grisigena interacting with an aggressive Coot Fulica atrahttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/little-grebe1.jpglittle grebeLittle Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollishttps://nplsecondnature.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/great-crested.jpggreat crestedGreat Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus wing-stretching2013-11-07T12:49:10+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.com/2013/11/01/red-breasted-goose-and-other-birds-on-the-coast-in-hampshire-this-week/2013-11-01T18:19:01+00:00monthlyhttps://nplsecondnature.comdaily1.02026-02-11T16:25:19+00:00