Hurtle to the Turtle.

                                          Micro Moth Scoparia Pyralella

No! I didn't exactly hurtle to the Turtle as family commitments dictated I could not get across to Denchworth  until about 8.00 pm which I consequently did. This bird had been reported by RBA and Oxford Blogged by the bold Badger and on getting out of the car I could hear it turtling away at the top of an oak tree. I managed to get a few distant snaps before it flew to another part of the village. This is a most gratifying sighting after the loss of the Buscot Turtle Dove that has not been seen or heard this year after some five years of making Buscot its summer home. Hover Fly possible  Sphaerophoria Mentharastri
The Oxon Feather.

No! It's Not Old Father Clackers.

In a field by St. Johns Lock between Lechlade and Buscot among a flock of Canada Geese is a Red-Breasted Goose , surprisingly easily overlooked . This bird was first brought to my attention by "The Greek God" (Bill Haynes) . Of course I don't know its history so it may be out of a private collection or just a roving non-breeder either way it is a rather attractive specimen.
I photographed the statue of Old Father Thames that is by the lock and it looks as if Clackers could have modeled for it.
The Oxon Feather.

Wild Goose Chase.

Following up on a report of a Red-Breasted Goose in the Buscot Thames area I failed to find any sign of the bird  so I guess it had either moved on or was able to remain hidden by the lush riverside vegetation.. The area was awash with Small tortoiseshell Butterflies and Banded Demoiselles. Reed Warbler were abundant and a Kestrel put in an appearance, although the stars of the show were good numbers of the Scarlet Tiger Moth.
The Oxon Feather.

                                           Scarlet Tiger

                                          Banded Demoiselle

                                           Reed Warbler

                                             Kestrel

                                          Family of cross bred Ducks

                                              Scarlet Tiger

IT Makes Sense.

Leaving a few weed seed producing plants in the tended flower beds in your garden can be very rewarding as this Bullfinch in my garden demonstrates. Not had a lot of time out and about lately so will post a few photos that have been snapped, when I have had a chance to grab a few minutes in the great outdoors.
The activities of other bloggers interests me and it's good to hear what others are finding out in the countryside. Recently a blog I occasionally look at I think it's titled "What Richard Did" or something like that is now denying me access I wonder why? Surely the whole point of blogging is to inform other like minded individuals what we are finding and learning and sharing our experiences, so if i'm confused I hope you'll understand why particularly as I have not seen nor been given an explanation.
The Oxon Feather.

                                                Bully in the fluff

                                                White Ermine Moth

                                            I've No Idea.

Grassed Up !

Motored a bit and walked a lot today taking in Shellingford Quarry and Seven Barrows. Looked for and found my first Dragonflies of the season firstly the attractive and as usual easy to photograph Four-Spotted Chaser and then an Emperor followed by an array of Damselflies mostly if not all the Blue-Tailed variety. Butterflies were represented by Large Skipper, Common Blue and the delightful Small Copper, the Burnet Companion was the only moth I noted but on Shellingford Quarry a most colourful Grass Snake slid from underfoot and took to the water.
The Oxon Feather.

Wizard - Lizard !

Gillian and Mike Taylor led a ramble over the down land known as Hackpen Hill an area with interesting chalk land butterflies and moths. Some dozen of us met up at 11.00 am and had a most interesting couple of hours spotting among other things Large Skipper, Dingy Skipper, Forest Moth, Green Hair streak, Wood Tiger, Common Blue and Small Heath. A Stoat hunted the Rabbit burrows but the highlight for me was the Common Lizard that Mike Taylor found, a somewhat unexpected delight that thrilled others including the very knowledgeable Jim Asher who saw a Red Admiral lay an egg on the underside of a nettle and was able to point the tiny egg out to the rest of us. On the way back I noticed a Short-Tailed Vole diving into cover and this finished off a most pleasant time in good company, my thanks go to Gillian and Mike for their time and extensive knowledge given so ably.
The Oxon Feather.

A Pleasure To Meet You, Your Grace!

Had a really good afternoon clocking a Butterfly I have long wanted to see and today was the day I saw that rare and gorgeous little beauty The Duke Of Burgundy in Oxfordshire (sorry undisclosed site).
Noted a few moths as well but I have not identified them as yet, because i'm still bathing in the glory of finally finding the Duke.
The Oxon Feather.

                                          His Grace - actually this is probably a female

                                             Below a Whitethroat