tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278510471239667560.post4323276494095592996..comments2024-03-29T01:41:15.713+00:00Comments on Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park birds: Ralph Hancockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11686354797977020917noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278510471239667560.post-9481369696592454592021-07-17T06:12:56.771+01:002021-07-17T06:12:56.771+01:00Thanks. I think I would have spotted the Ruddy Dar...Thanks. I think I would have spotted the Ruddy Darter sideways-on from the shape of the abdomen, but one can't choose the angles of hasty photographs.<br /><br />I'll leave the question of the seal open, as it was a long way off and that was the only halfway decent picture I got.<br /><br />Will amend my note about the cuckoo bee.<br /><br />Have never seen a Purple Emperor in my life. But 19 butterfly species in a day is truly impressive.Ralph Hancockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11686354797977020917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278510471239667560.post-5301343693755562382021-07-17T05:59:00.610+01:002021-07-17T05:59:00.610+01:00Great selection of insect photos from Rainham. The...Great selection of insect photos from Rainham. The top darter is a Ruddy Darter as the legs are all black. Nice to see Jersey Tigers are starting to emerge as I usually see a few.<br /><br />I'm wondering if the seal might in fact be a Grey Seal as it seems to have a more Roman nose look to it? I know both species are seen there, though Common is the more numerous.<br /><br />Love the Marsh Frogs-one of the real characters of Rainham on a warm day-must get there again soon.<br /><br />I think your cuckoo bee is more likely to be Vestal but is very similar to Gypsy, though latter is more frequent in the north & Vestal down here.<br /><br />I managed 19 butterfly species at Bookham Common yesterday, but the 20th- the Purple Emperor eluded me!Conehead54https://www.blogger.com/profile/18423862602236191493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278510471239667560.post-27403216982232577372021-07-17T03:57:15.919+01:002021-07-17T03:57:15.919+01:00Rainham is a wonderful place, with plenty to see e...Rainham is a wonderful place, with plenty to see even at the slowest point of the summer.<br /><br />I think all species of grebe have stripy chicks except the big American Clark's and Western Grebes which have plain coloured ones.Ralph Hancockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11686354797977020917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8278510471239667560.post-4482519401952657462021-07-17T01:30:35.676+01:002021-07-17T01:30:35.676+01:00What a productive visit to Rainham marshes! So man...What a productive visit to Rainham marshes! So many birds! I was astounded to hear the slight but perceivable differences in English House Sparrows' calls compared to ours. It's like a different dialect.<br /><br />Lovely to see the Little Grebe with its chick. It too has stripes!<br /><br />The young Lapwing is a real beauty, even if it still has to grow its adult hairdo.TinĂºvielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04794275230697959519noreply@blogger.com