Early butterfly

I spotted this SMALL TORTOISESHELL on Evelyn's wall - a sign of unusual weather - not sure how it will fair due to such an early showing

Early showing butterfly

Morning cycle year tick - SKYLARK

Winding my way through the wind and rain this morning on my bike (with the help of a battery) - I spotted and heard a single SKYLARK over Northchurch common.
I think this is the earliest sighting I have had on a Skylark. Wonder how they avoid getting trodden on as the area is always being used by people and dogs. Who knows.
Brings the year total to #51

SEO in Herts

A combined shopping family walking outing allowed some pre dusk time on the new wood of Heartwood - as featured on countryfile!  

A quick pace from the car park up to the open land instantly produced a SHORT EARED OWL. I spent about 10 mins trying to get close to it - amazing that they hunt in the company of humans and dogs!

Another 2 SEO's showing well.

What a great place for fantastic views of this beautiful species

Returned with the family half hour after the sightings but all gone! 

Short Eared Owl hunting low across the land

Kestrel taking flight

Low flying hunting

Harry showing real interest in tracking down SEO's

Year tick on the way to work

A JAY on the way into work this morning - exciting times! (NOT)

Year ticks on cycle to work

Peddling (ish) through the woods a nice little WREN flew across my path :)
Also a vbery fleeting view of the white rump of a BULLFINCH - female me thinks
#46 Year Ticks for 2016

Gull dipping at the ressies and a few year ticks

Excitement at the ressies with a local MEGA - Bonaparte's Gull
Having tried 3 times over the last week (short visits I'm a family man now!)  - it will be a surprise if I connect with this bird!
One of the visits to Wilstone did produce a SISKIN, MEADOW PIPIT, REED BUNTING and a couple of YELLOWHAMMERS in the trees by cemetery corner

Startops year tick

After a fail on the Bonaparte's Gull, I headed to Startops for the long staying SCAUP

Long staying SCAUP