UK Wildlife Blog

A heron, probably from the nearby heronry

And some lapwing and teal

I also managed to get a close up of a spider on the path

But my reptile list consited only of one mostly obscured common lizard. I was thinking of heading home when a birder standing next to me at the view point asked if my name was Neil. He regonised me from flickr my photos (im not sure how, since I dont think I feature in any of them!) and he was a fellow member of the eblf (see in the links column). We got talking and he offered to show me where the reptiles were. As we were talking I got my best ever (though still not great) sparrowhawk photo.

And then a goldcrest appearedAgain this might be my best of this species too...

We then tried a few spots with no luck, until the last one where...Adders! Not great shots but at least I knew where they were!

We then went looking for wheaters with no luck, but the nearby meadow was teeming with skylarks. One sat in the long grass hiding as I approached fairly close

Back up at the view point a lizard had emerged to sun itself on the fence

And finally on my way home I took a detour through Raphaels park where I found this black headed gull

Coming soon: more from Ingrebourne valley, Rainham marshes and some more spawning amphibians, as well as reports from my new work place