Archive for December 15th, 2008

15th December 2008, Monday

Changing seasons, changing behaviour

The herpetological side of my character hates winter and waits with excitement for the spring when amphibians and reptiles start to move about reliably again. Therefore it is always exciting to find the first amphibian returning to the garden pond in Northiam to breed, and my first newt of the 2009 season, a male smooth newt, was found in the pond tonight. This is a little later than in recent years when newts have returned to the ponds in November. Quite how soon other newts join it rather depends whether or not we get a return to the frosty weather of recent weeks.

Which brings me to a sign I noticed Read the rest of this entry »

15th December 2008, Monday

Castle water

Highlights from Castle Water yesterday included, 315 Teal, 12 Snipe and a drake Scaup from the hide, 800 Lapwing and 7 Ruff were roosting on the many islands, at least 2 Long-eared Owl were at the roost, Bittern and Marsh Harrier gave flight views from the viewpoint.