Ian Denton
@iand777.bsky.social
I have Grandkids - so no longer use Airport Departure Lounges.
Natural History has been the unbroken story of my life.
Watching wildlife, mostly under Dorset skies.
Wrens; Greenfinches; Little Owls; Raptors & Adders are a preoccupation.
Natural History has been the unbroken story of my life.
Watching wildlife, mostly under Dorset skies.
Wrens; Greenfinches; Little Owls; Raptors & Adders are a preoccupation.
Less than 2.5 secs of the Wren's morning, slowed down.
Always investigating, peering & calculating the odds.
As the temperature falls, the wren looks for aquatic invertebrates more & more.
Freshwater shrimps (amphipods), must be rich in proteins & other nutrients you would imagine.
#wrens 🦉 #ponds
Always investigating, peering & calculating the odds.
As the temperature falls, the wren looks for aquatic invertebrates more & more.
Freshwater shrimps (amphipods), must be rich in proteins & other nutrients you would imagine.
#wrens 🦉 #ponds
November 28, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The Robin & the Song Thrush put out a public information message:
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
November 28, 2025 at 11:03 AM
The Robin & the Song Thrush put out a public information message:
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
"Always provide wildlife with water, as the temperature drops."
(NB areas of the #weedypond remained unfrozen)
Note how the resident Blackbird drives-off the thrush, who is a winter visitor here.
#ukbirds
There will be an increasing number of fully red-breasted #FestiveRobin posts in the coming weeks I'm sure.
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
November 28, 2025 at 9:39 AM
There will be an increasing number of fully red-breasted #FestiveRobin posts in the coming weeks I'm sure.
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Here's a memory from the spring, when both the year & the Robin were young & there was only a hint of red on the fledgling bird.
#robins 🦉
Today's #BirdoftheDay theme is #MorningLight
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
November 28, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Today's #BirdoftheDay theme is #MorningLight
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
Here, Long-tailed Tits begin gathering feathers to line their nests at dawn, on April 5th.
A thousand plus feathers need to be collected over the following days, so early starts are in order.
🦉
2/2 At 4.30pm the corvids were triggered into a mass display flight over the cottage.
Was there a Peregrine present? - rather like finding Wally - in the dreich, gloomy, half-light.
#corvids 🦉
Was there a Peregrine present? - rather like finding Wally - in the dreich, gloomy, half-light.
#corvids 🦉
November 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
2/2 At 4.30pm the corvids were triggered into a mass display flight over the cottage.
Was there a Peregrine present? - rather like finding Wally - in the dreich, gloomy, half-light.
#corvids 🦉
Was there a Peregrine present? - rather like finding Wally - in the dreich, gloomy, half-light.
#corvids 🦉
1/2 Roost Update - 27th Nov.
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
November 27, 2025 at 6:18 PM
1/2 Roost Update - 27th Nov.
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
Roosting kicked-off with the arrival of a huge, winding flock of Wood Pigeons at 3.30pm. This is completely new at this roost site & there was a 2nd slightly smaller flock of pigeons at 4pm.
Meanwhile the corvids were having acorn frenzies under many of the local Oaks.
🦉
The Rooks always appreciate finding some corn on the track on a frosty morning.
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
November 27, 2025 at 3:39 PM
The Rooks always appreciate finding some corn on the track on a frosty morning.
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
It's all grist to the mill....
Post below refers.
#corvids #WhenIciclesHangbytheWall 🦉
Abscission.
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
November 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Abscission.
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
Yesterday's hard frost triggered this Oak in the garden to shed its leaves at a faster rate.
While other oaks are almost bare, this tree is lazy - slow to leaf-burst in June & late to lose leaves in November.
It reminded me of autumnal walks to primary school, back in the day.
#trees
#teamredwing should not cast the first stone
November 27, 2025 at 10:49 AM
#teamredwing should not cast the first stone
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #HeadShots
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
November 27, 2025 at 10:35 AM
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #HeadShots
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
And what a beautiful head the Fieldfare possesses - often seen from afar, the colour tone of the blue is exquisite when seen close up.
#wintermigrants 🦉
Not sure - it was v. dark & the Peregrine was still hunting.
I'll look in the field am - the calling card of the Peregrine is often bloodier than that of the Sparrowhawk.
I'm not sure if this was a Stock Dove or a Fieldfare - I saw the Peregrine over the hedge on this kill but couldn't identify.
I'll look in the field am - the calling card of the Peregrine is often bloodier than that of the Sparrowhawk.
I'm not sure if this was a Stock Dove or a Fieldfare - I saw the Peregrine over the hedge on this kill but couldn't identify.
November 26, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Not sure - it was v. dark & the Peregrine was still hunting.
I'll look in the field am - the calling card of the Peregrine is often bloodier than that of the Sparrowhawk.
I'm not sure if this was a Stock Dove or a Fieldfare - I saw the Peregrine over the hedge on this kill but couldn't identify.
I'll look in the field am - the calling card of the Peregrine is often bloodier than that of the Sparrowhawk.
I'm not sure if this was a Stock Dove or a Fieldfare - I saw the Peregrine over the hedge on this kill but couldn't identify.
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #ontheedge of water.
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
November 26, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Today's #birdoftheday theme is #ontheedge of water.
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
Here's the Wren this morning.
Many people still manage their ponds in a rather sterile way - akin to how people used to keep their lawn & flowerbeds in the 1960's.
Let it #rewild ! Wildlife will be drawn to the margins - just like this #Wren.
🦉
2/2 Here you get a better appreciation of the overall scene - large numbers of fragmented corvid flocks are spooked, with many birds still in the trees.
The Peregrine doesn't use a stooping strategy, but often just suddenly launches from a tree & accelerates at high speed, using a level attack.
The Peregrine doesn't use a stooping strategy, but often just suddenly launches from a tree & accelerates at high speed, using a level attack.
November 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
2/2 Here you get a better appreciation of the overall scene - large numbers of fragmented corvid flocks are spooked, with many birds still in the trees.
The Peregrine doesn't use a stooping strategy, but often just suddenly launches from a tree & accelerates at high speed, using a level attack.
The Peregrine doesn't use a stooping strategy, but often just suddenly launches from a tree & accelerates at high speed, using a level attack.
1/2 Mayhem around the cottage just now as the corvids were gathering to roost.
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
1/2 Mayhem around the cottage just now as the corvids were gathering to roost.
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Just before dark, a Peregrine was launching attacks on the flocks. Here's the bird slowed down - the only time that I managed to isolate it as it circled the garden.
@dorsetraptors.bsky.social @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
Rooks & Jackdaws are labouring on the track like figures in a winter scene by Bruegel.
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
November 26, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Rooks & Jackdaws are labouring on the track like figures in a winter scene by Bruegel.
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
It seems incongruous that corvids should be spending time gathering grit in the freezing cold, but without small stones in their gizzards, they can't grind down the acorns, grains & insects that form their diet.
🦉
Some very cold, early baths have been taken this week.
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
November 25, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Some very cold, early baths have been taken this week.
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The resilience of small birds always surprises.
For the rabbit kit, discretion was the better part of valour.
🦉
The corvid roost in the copse over the field always has large no's of Jackdaws & Rooks, as the nights get colder.
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
November 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The corvid roost in the copse over the field always has large no's of Jackdaws & Rooks, as the nights get colder.
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
This yr flocks of Wood Pigeons have also joined the throng.
Their presence seems to have upset the evening routine.
Often a Peregrine will be present.
We're gonna need a bigger copse.
🦉
A Robin outside the kitchen window just now, in the gathering gloom.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
November 24, 2025 at 5:07 PM
A Robin outside the kitchen window just now, in the gathering gloom.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
He peers in and wonders at the way of humans, with their bright lights and warmth, as night falls.
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #warblers
Here's a Sedge Warbler passing through the garden in late August, on its way to cross the Sahara.
It stopped off here for 3 days, where it enjoyed regular baths in the dustbin lid, deep n the willow scrub.
I hope it returns in the spring.
🦉
Here's a Sedge Warbler passing through the garden in late August, on its way to cross the Sahara.
It stopped off here for 3 days, where it enjoyed regular baths in the dustbin lid, deep n the willow scrub.
I hope it returns in the spring.
🦉
November 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The theme for #BirdoftheDay is #warblers
Here's a Sedge Warbler passing through the garden in late August, on its way to cross the Sahara.
It stopped off here for 3 days, where it enjoyed regular baths in the dustbin lid, deep n the willow scrub.
I hope it returns in the spring.
🦉
Here's a Sedge Warbler passing through the garden in late August, on its way to cross the Sahara.
It stopped off here for 3 days, where it enjoyed regular baths in the dustbin lid, deep n the willow scrub.
I hope it returns in the spring.
🦉
Fieldfare's Delight
There was much talk of shrivelled berries back in the drought days of August but Mother Nature seems to have turned things around on the chalk of North Dorset.
The hedgerows are well-supplied with plump fruit at the moment.
🌿🌿
There was much talk of shrivelled berries back in the drought days of August but Mother Nature seems to have turned things around on the chalk of North Dorset.
The hedgerows are well-supplied with plump fruit at the moment.
🌿🌿
November 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Fieldfare's Delight
There was much talk of shrivelled berries back in the drought days of August but Mother Nature seems to have turned things around on the chalk of North Dorset.
The hedgerows are well-supplied with plump fruit at the moment.
🌿🌿
There was much talk of shrivelled berries back in the drought days of August but Mother Nature seems to have turned things around on the chalk of North Dorset.
The hedgerows are well-supplied with plump fruit at the moment.
🌿🌿
A walk through a Beech Hanger along a chalk ridge, is hard to beat on a cold winter day.
Today's walk had it all: bright low-angle sunlight hitting the tree trunks, twigs & remaining leaves; wonderful shadows on the woodland floor; & looking up to the edge of the escarpment, a fantastic rainbow.
Today's walk had it all: bright low-angle sunlight hitting the tree trunks, twigs & remaining leaves; wonderful shadows on the woodland floor; & looking up to the edge of the escarpment, a fantastic rainbow.
November 23, 2025 at 4:44 PM
A walk through a Beech Hanger along a chalk ridge, is hard to beat on a cold winter day.
Today's walk had it all: bright low-angle sunlight hitting the tree trunks, twigs & remaining leaves; wonderful shadows on the woodland floor; & looking up to the edge of the escarpment, a fantastic rainbow.
Today's walk had it all: bright low-angle sunlight hitting the tree trunks, twigs & remaining leaves; wonderful shadows on the woodland floor; & looking up to the edge of the escarpment, a fantastic rainbow.
Herald of Spring on a November Day
Lovely to see the male catkins of the Hazel in the bright sunshine of this November afternoon.
Of course, the clusters of male flowers on the catkins won't begin to shed pollen until the late winter/early spring.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildflowerhour.bsky.social
Lovely to see the male catkins of the Hazel in the bright sunshine of this November afternoon.
Of course, the clusters of male flowers on the catkins won't begin to shed pollen until the late winter/early spring.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildflowerhour.bsky.social
November 23, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Herald of Spring on a November Day
Lovely to see the male catkins of the Hazel in the bright sunshine of this November afternoon.
Of course, the clusters of male flowers on the catkins won't begin to shed pollen until the late winter/early spring.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildflowerhour.bsky.social
Lovely to see the male catkins of the Hazel in the bright sunshine of this November afternoon.
Of course, the clusters of male flowers on the catkins won't begin to shed pollen until the late winter/early spring.
@bsbibotany.bsky.social @wildflowerhour.bsky.social
While some of the Goldfinches feed on the teasels below, the greater part of the charm sit in the Ash trees above & preen in the warm glow of the low winter sunlight.
Very large numbers now collecting down by the #weedypond in the late afternoon here.
#Goldfinches #ukbirds 🦉
Very large numbers now collecting down by the #weedypond in the late afternoon here.
#Goldfinches #ukbirds 🦉
November 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
While some of the Goldfinches feed on the teasels below, the greater part of the charm sit in the Ash trees above & preen in the warm glow of the low winter sunlight.
Very large numbers now collecting down by the #weedypond in the late afternoon here.
#Goldfinches #ukbirds 🦉
Very large numbers now collecting down by the #weedypond in the late afternoon here.
#Goldfinches #ukbirds 🦉
Goldfinches feeding on Teasel heads at sunset.
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉
November 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Goldfinches feeding on Teasel heads at sunset.
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉
You had admired the teasels with their heads of purple haze flowers in June & there they still are at the start of winter.
A larder of seeds for the charms.
@dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
#goldfinches #nature 🦉