Tuesday 30 March 2010

Amphibian Activity.

During a stroll around Bookham Common last week I came across some amphibian activity in one corner of the pond.
Initially I thought they were all Common Frogs (Rana temperaria) which have a pointed snout, brown patch behind the eye and a light coloured lateral fold like on this individual (below) that was resting at the waters edge. 
But closer inspection showed that the majority were Common Toads (Bufo bufo) that have a very warty skin, the pupils are horizontally split behind which you can see the distinctive bulges called parotiod glands. 

When I stood still eyes popped up everywhere, but any slight movement and they all quickly disappeared!
One or two were just floating on the surface.
When I returned today there was no sign of any of these creatures.  FAB.

Friday 26 March 2010

The Nest Builder.

Activity captured during the last two days of nest construction in the garden.  FAB

Monday 8 March 2010

Red-crested Pochard. (Netta rufina)

Taken on 3rd March at Penn Pond in Richmond Park. For more pics check out my main blog.  FAB.

Thursday 4 March 2010

Humid and Exotic.

On a recent visit to RHS Wisley various exotic butterflies were still enthralling the visitors to the tropical zone inside the Bi-Centenary Glasshouse. It was very humid and I had to be very patient while the camera and lens adapted to this alien environment.
Owl (Caligo memnom).
Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe).

I will post some more images on my Early Birder blog in due course.  FAB.