Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Venus Pool Nature Reserve activity

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Venus Pool Nature Reserve activity: There was a lot of activity at the reserve on Monday 5th March and as the birds enjoyed the Spring sunshine. There were large numbers of La...

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Stop Press ! Sandpiper catches grub scoop !

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Stop Press ! Sandpiper catches grub scoop !: On a dull and gloomy day at Venus Pool there was a surprise development caught on camera by one of our hidden Paparazzi. A Green Sandpiper h...

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Little Ringed Plover and an intelligent Rook

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Little Ringed Plover and an intelligent Rook: A pair of Little Ringed Plover were dibbling about in front of the East Hide on the 10th April though I could have done with this male bird ...

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Early Purple Orchids and garden Wren

Travelrod's Shropshire Wildlife: Early Purple Orchids and garden Wren: I popped over to Venus Pool last week on a very quiet day for birds. There was very little about though recent wet weather had improved the ...

Early Purple Orchids and garden Wren

I popped over to Venus Pool last week on a very quiet day for birds. There was very little about though recent wet weather had improved the water levels. During a walk to the reed bed hide and I came across many Early Purple Orchids in the field adjacent to the path. Clearly the appropriate management of the meadow has encouraged these flowers and they should be in full bloom by the time I've posted this note on my blog.

We have a noisy neighbourhood outside our back door. It is a Wren which has built a nest - one of many I imagine - under the archway by our greenhouse. I understand that the male will have several nest sites with which to entice females who then choose the one they prefer. It was ever thus.

Little Ringed Plover and an intelligent Rook

A pair of Little Ringed Plover were dibbling about in front of the East Hide on the 10th April though I could have done with this male bird getting a little closer - the photo is heavily cropped. The Rook was both smart visually and mentally. It has found a way of leaping up to the bird table feeder and using it's long bill to get at the food put out for the smaller birds. This gave it a distinct advantage over the marauding Jackdaws.