Robert Canis Wildlife and Nature Photographer in Kent
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Wood anemones or the "wind flower" to me, really herald the onset of spring when there is still a slight chill in the air yet the woods are no longer silent but filled with bird song. Bluebells and greater stitchwort carpet coppice woodlands in early spring where trees have been felled to produce timber. The same scene in the same spot will not occur for a further 15 years or so. Altogether more favourable conditions for birds, plants and insects. An alien species from North America, the grey squirrel is adored by some and regarded as vermin by others. Now, as much a part of coppice woodlands as dormice and nightingales, pheasants, introduced from Asia, are at their most vocal from April to June when they are proclaiming territories and keeping an eye on their harem. The St. Mark's fly is so called because they can be seen on the wing around the same time as St Mark's day being April 25th. Ramsons or wild garlic. A fox cub tentatively emerges into the open seemingly soaking up the early morning sun only to be cajoled back into the safety of the woodland by the vixen. Badger ontop of it's sett. The speckled wood butterfly can be seen along sun-dappled woodland rides.
Badger on a its nocturnal wanderings. Introduced from continental Europe in the late 18th century, the little owl was heavily persecuted until one of the earliest investigations was carried out by the BTO (British Trust for Ornithology) where they found that although they discovered that pheasant chicks formed part of it's diet, the majority consisted of cockchafer (maybug) earth worms, moths and rodents such as mice and voles. Many farmers mow regard them as friends, as a result. A master of surprise attack, this immature sparrowhawk takes a bath in a small woodland pond. Rays of light penetrate the autumn canopy of sweet chestnut. The only rodent with a furry tail, Dormice are now thriving in our coppice woodlands, particularly in Kent. Woodmouse reaching for an acorn. The important job of fungi such as this glistening inkcap is mostly done out of sight, underground, where they benefit ecosystems through recycling nutrients. The most famous of all mushrooms, fly agaric. Beech tuft or the porcelain fungus. Blue tit
Frost covered sycamore leaves. Great spotted woodpecker. A gentle reminder of restricted access to woodland. We must not forget that these are 'working' woodlands and not there exclusively for our enjoyment, where coppicing continues and the rearing of pheasants produces sufficient income for the owner not to consider selling it off to developers. Robin perched on a fence post. Chaffinch on teasel.
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