Annie Irving

The end of the day ...

I am still haunted by an embarrassing memory from when I was at primary school and had been sent to see the head teacher, who was responsible for adjudicating the annual spelling and pronunciation competition.
The only word I failed on was: con-science!

I'm not sure what normal is but I'd rather be someone who tries to talk to Ravens (and Crows and other creatures) than someone who doesn't. 💚

I thought I could hear a very faint response. There has certainly been a female around on other days. There are some bird calls - owls, Curlew - that are so evocative. :-)

I dipped on the bird I went looking for today so deep-dived into leaf litter instead : lots of these - soldierfly larva, I think; larva of one of the Lauxaniidae fly sp; larva of Fannia fly sp & likely one of the Tomoceridae springtails; & lots of tiny slime balls.

I could try this first and see what it produces, then graduate to a net. Thanks for all your advice today. :-)

Happening now outside my window ... 🦉

I'm feeling inspired now, and, obviously, I have no excuse not to get tapping! :-)

Pocket spring-steel net frame Frame only Size: 30cm diameter when open. Spring steel frame that twists up and folds to pocket size (instructions provided). Frame is supplied with a 75mm/3

That sounds good. Just googled - is this the sort of thing you mean? www.watdon.co.uk/acatalog/E67...

I get the feeling that you need to tap them out into a handily placed tray from the relevant flora but I'm already carrying a backpack full of camera and bins and 'stuff' so can't easily do that. Good luck in your searching! :-)

I also urged them to consult and engage with experienced local birders who no doubt know the sites better than a management team that doesn't visit on a daily basis. I hope they listen to you locals, though I have my doubts. Good luck!

I've had a reply from the site manager, basically saying they are reducing money spent on visitor infrastructure (platforms, paths) in order to focus on habitat management. I've replied that I think the RSPB needs public engagement & support to ensure continued funding for conservation.

Thanks, Vanna. My first find from Maria & David's Micro ladybirds book, though the only credit I can take is from realising how great a location those park railings are after wet and windy weather. :-)

Thanks, I'll remember that. They certainly are diverse. :-)

I appreciate the help from both of you. :-)

More from the park railings: snail Discus rotundatus; 1 of several miniscule Red-legged shieldbug very early instars; Dasysyrphus species hoverfly larva; 1 of a ton of springtails - I think this is Entomobrya multifasciata.

Thanks, David. Happy to be corrected on that second one and absolutely delighted with the Arboreal ladybird, my first of that species. :-)

Lots of goodies had been washed/blown out of the trees on to the local park railings today, including these two. I think pics 3 & 4 might be a Cream-streaked ladybird but I'm not sure about the ladybird in pics 1 & 2 - maybe a Rhyzobius species? Maria @vc40ladybirds.bsky.social can you help please?

They do little enough now! Thanks, Phil. If they respond, I'll post on here.

I've emailed them for the information, suggesting, for full transparency, that they post the details on their website. I wonder if they will bother to respond.

I think this winter is going to be very grim for our birds.

😢

It is very distressing to see, Debbie. This has hit hard and quickly, and there seems little anyone can do, though I do think the council needs to be on top of removing the dead birds more quickly.

It was really shocking, Ian. And, of course, the birds there are so used to being fed that they look at you pleadingly, not understanding what's happening.

It was wonderful watching this newly arrived Great northern diver on Llanishen Reservoir this morning but, sadly, that was followed by horrific scenes at Roath Lake, where Avian flu is rampant. 5 dead Mute swan & 1 dead Greylag in the lake, & at least 10 very ill birds. #birdingWales

I doubt there are two with the same problem and I walk the local area often enough to have noticed this bird before my first sighting last week so that sounds very likely, Neil.

From behind the ice rink in Cardiff Bay earlier, here's the very handsome drake Goldeneye preening. I couldn't see the female but was later told she'd been seen 40 mins earlier heading for the yacht club. A hybrid male Scaup/Tufty (?) also present. #BirdingWales

Nice! Just checked the records for my 10km square - 1 record from 1915, so not that common hereabouts.

What a handsome little hopper! Not one I've seen yet.

I saw one today doing exactly what you describe. :-)