Acting on Information Received

Thanks to an early note from Steve Coates (Kingsdowner) I knew that the male Black Redstart was showing on the rocks at Kingsdown this morning.

As I arrived I saw it briefly on the rocks and then it disappeared for a while. when it did show up it was on the "ugly" fence that surrounds the rifle range ( big holes in it at each end again). It was quite a long way off and the light was not in a good direction, so this was the best I could do.

After a bit of a chase with what I presume was the same Robin as a couple of days ago I next located it along the road, sitting on a television aerial. It sat up there for a while before going absent again.

I think I've found the reason it was staying away from the rocks and was flitting round the beach, the breakwaters and the the wooden barrier by the road.

It did stay around long enough for a few pictures but didn't go back on the rocks while I was there, which was a pity because I like the background of the sea behind the bird.

At least it was in a good position to see the red tail, and its even got a glint in the eye.

No good reason for another picture of a Rock Pipit except that I liked the odd stance of this bird. It seems to be sticking its chest out in a sort of swagger, "this is my bit keep off".

As I came back via Pond Lane I noticed loads of fungi in the field. I think that these are Stubble Rosegill (Volvariella gloiocephala). I often grows in stubble fields or recently sown fields after the stubble's been ploughed. In my little guide it says that it is poisonous (it got a skull and crossbones by the picture) it might be because it can resemble a deadly Amanita. According to the Wild About Britain WEB site it's quite harmless though, and even considered as edible. It is esteemed amongst Eastern European communities. I don't think it's worth the risk though.

over by the hedge I could here all the birds making a lot of noise. It sounded like they were mobbing a predator, probably an Owl, I've seen Little Owls near by. Sadly while I was looking I found this dead Fox. This is an animal that causes very different opinions. To many it's a pest but to others, and I'm one, it is a very beautiful animal, although of course I don't keep chickens. I don't know how it me its end, but I guess it would have been by the hand of man. I didn't find the Owl, but every thing quietened down. I rather think that it had slipped away to the Churchyard unseen by me.