I was reading today that there are two small colonies of the 6 foot long Aesculapian snake in the UK. One is around the Welsh Mountain zoo in Colwyn Bay and the other is close to London Zoo. Non venomous, they prey on rodents which they crush to death - no danger to humans - although they may borrow your loft.
I've searched Regents park and never seen them. I'm told that they like to coil themselves up around the centre of bushes, so they are not an easy spot.
I was reading today that there are two small colonies of the 6 foot long Aesculapian snake in the UK. One is around the Welsh Mountain zoo in Colwyn Bay and the other is close to London Zoo. Non venomous, they prey on rodents which they crush to death - no danger to humans - although they may borrow your loft.
Yes, they live along the Regent's Canal. Picking off pleasure boats, which they digest whole
I saw some Lime Seed Bugs (Oxycarenus lavaterae) last week - although I thought they were something else at the time. It turn's out that they are currently a real rarity. I've had it officially confirmed that mine is just the third known sighting in the UK and a county first for Essex. I also believe that it may be the first time anyone's seen a breeding colony here as opposed to a lone bug. It might not sound that exciting, but to an old bugger like me it was very pleasing.
They are normally a Mediterranean/North African species, but with climate change they have been spreading north through Europe in recent years. I'll place my bets now, that it's only a matter of time before there are Daily Mail headlines about these 'foreigners' invading our country. Something to look out for folks (the bugs, not the headlines).
Last week someone posted a picture of these insects on the Kent Wildlife Trust Facebook forum. I have never seen these before. They must now be in quite large numbers in the south east.
Just seen a real live bat under the roof of the Covered End. It flew off over the East Stand. I guess if it's roosting in the roof, it didn't like all the noise.
Just seen a real live bat under the roof of the Covered End. It flew off over the East Stand. I guess if it's roosting in the roof, it didn't like all the noise.
Well done @Stig, that's the home leg play off cancelled due to a protected habitat found
Just seen a real live bat under the roof of the Covered End. It flew off over the East Stand. I guess if it's roosting in the roof, it didn't like all the noise.
A step up from the usual pigeons we see at the game.
Are they ring necked necked parakeets? Can't see the ring.
Good resolution on that photo 👍
It's pretty good for a phone. Google 6 Pro. Decent camera.
Anyone any tips on food/feeders I could use to attract smaller birds and woodpeckers? We get loads of parakeets, collared doves and magpies but only a handful of robins, starlings and blue tits. Not seen a blackbird, chaffinch, sparrow, bullfinch, thrush, wren etc or woodpecker (used to get them a few years back when we last fed the birds) since we started putting the food out about 3 months back.
Get a licence, shoot the parakeets and you’ll start getting other birds.
Are they ring necked necked parakeets? Can't see the ring.
Good resolution on that photo 👍
It's pretty good for a phone. Google 6 Pro. Decent camera.
Anyone any tips on food/feeders I could use to attract smaller birds and woodpeckers? We get loads of parakeets, collared doves and magpies but only a handful of robins, starlings and blue tits. Not seen a blackbird, chaffinch, sparrow, bullfinch, thrush, wren etc or woodpecker (used to get them a few years back when we last fed the birds) since we started putting the food out about 3 months back.
Get a licence, shoot the parakeets and you’ll start getting other birds.
You don't need a licence. Parakeets are on the "general licence" meaning they can be controlled if they're causing a nuisance and all other methods have been tried already. A decent sub-12ft/lb air rifle is sufficient which you don't need a licence for (in England). Just make sure your pellets don't leave the border of your property. Bosh
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https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch
They are normally a Mediterranean/North African species, but with climate change they have been spreading north through Europe in recent years. I'll place my bets now, that it's only a matter of time before there are Daily Mail headlines about these 'foreigners' invading our country. Something to look out for folks (the bugs, not the headlines).
Get a licence, shoot the parakeets and you’ll start getting other birds.