Sunday, May 15, 2011
A walk through Swinley Forest and across the heaths yesterday assured us that most of the area escaped the effects of the fires.
It was good to see stonechat breeding success in a couple of locations. This is one of two fledglings, of which I took a hasty photo and retreated; and later we saw a single one being fed and watched by anxious parents. We also saw a pair of stonechats fly across the track on the way back, from the forest to the fence and then into the danger area.
A cuckoo was vocal but unseen, and two pairs of woodlarks and several tree pipits were both seen and heard. The call of a Dartford warbler stopped me in my tracks; I failed to spot the bird, although Greger saw it clearly.At home today, a queen hornet was prospecting for a nest site around the office window. I went outside and clicked off a couple of shots. I should have got better ones but I was a bit wary. The hornets we get in the ivy in autumn are dying workers and have never been aggressive; but a queen in the springtime and about to breed is very likely a different story!
Greger, in his ongoing quest to get mountain-fit for Scotland, set off on the Hedsor 7. He enjoyed the walk, coming back through Cliveden and going up and down the hills for extra training. Unfortunately, the day was spoilt by a dog (sounded like a bull terrier) that ran barking at him in the field near Cookham bridge and ripped his shirt.
When the owner finally hove into view she claimed the dog got away when she tried to untangle the lead. Greger didn't disbelieve her but he was really angry - and it takes a lot to make him angry. He demanded compensation. She took his phone number so we shall see what happens.MUCH LATER: Nothing happened. Surprise.....
// posted by Christine @ 6:03 AM 
