Flight of the Falcon

We visited the Raptor Centre at St Ives on Sunday as Sadie had been invited to a party there. The birds were generally looking a bit the worse for wear (it is the moulting season) but the Lanner Falcon put on a good display. It is amazing how they keep their head in exactly the same orientation as they do turns and rolls.

 

RPS Outing to Lackford Lakes - Back to British Summer

I have an almost 100% record for wet outings arranged for the RPS Nature group and Saturday was no exception. Dull all day with some rain, brightening to clear skies as we left at 5pm. However, it didn't stop a stalwart  dozen folk from enjoying the delights of Lackford Lakes. The Kingfisher was seen by everyone I think and lots of wet damselflies and snails to practise the macro.

Sardinia final Day - Goodbye to New Friends

Wednesday was our final morning in Sardinia and we had to say goodbye to the House Martins that shared the hotel balconies, some obviously very hot dragonflies of various species (still having problems with all the yellow females!!), various ugly and not-so-ugly bugs and the new friends who shared the trip. Many thanks to Nicola Scatassi,  our excellent guide, for yet another very enjoyable Naturetrek trip

Sardinia Day 7 - Nature on St Pietro Island

The mission on St Pietro was to visit the cliffs that have a large population of Eleanora's Falcon. We achieved this though mostly distant or much too rapid closer views to photograph. We had close views of Flamingos and distant view of Kentish Plover A few other bugs/flowers etc that took my eye. Gradually identifying the insects; for instance , the green bug is Southern Green Stink Bug Nezara viridula.

Sardinia Day 7 - Visit to San Pietro Island

The a beautiful sunrise over the lagoon from our hotel started a very colourful day. We visited San Pietro Island by car ferry (40 minute crossing). The island is of volcanic origin with very interesting rock formations. The  coasts are mostly rocky; the western and northern part includes some natural grottoes and is very steep, rocky. The eastern coast, on which the port of Carloforte lies, is more protected low and sandy. The town of Carloforte is very attractive - we only had a short time there - in retrospect it would have been good to spend the afternoon there after successfully tracking down Eleanora's Falcon (next blog)