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.
AI looked at the recent collection of clips on my hard drive & suggested this as a title for a forthcoming post...
November 16, 2025 at 12:55 PM
AI looked at the recent collection of clips on my hard drive & suggested this as a title for a forthcoming post...
After the long flight to Dorset from Iceland, Scandinavia or Russia, Redwings are keen to get their plumage back to tiptop condition.
From tomorrow the 'north wind doth blow'. Insulation will be a key survival factor for these birds, through the cold wet nights ahead, in new surroundings.
#nature 🦉🌿
From tomorrow the 'north wind doth blow'. Insulation will be a key survival factor for these birds, through the cold wet nights ahead, in new surroundings.
#nature 🦉🌿
November 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
After the long flight to Dorset from Iceland, Scandinavia or Russia, Redwings are keen to get their plumage back to tiptop condition.
From tomorrow the 'north wind doth blow'. Insulation will be a key survival factor for these birds, through the cold wet nights ahead, in new surroundings.
#nature 🦉🌿
From tomorrow the 'north wind doth blow'. Insulation will be a key survival factor for these birds, through the cold wet nights ahead, in new surroundings.
#nature 🦉🌿
November 16, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The Redwing follows the Dunnock into the bath.
Not a statement that you will have seen too many times, I'm guessing...
Only at the #weedypond 🦉🌿
Not a statement that you will have seen too many times, I'm guessing...
Only at the #weedypond 🦉🌿
November 15, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The Redwing follows the Dunnock into the bath.
Not a statement that you will have seen too many times, I'm guessing...
Only at the #weedypond 🦉🌿
Not a statement that you will have seen too many times, I'm guessing...
Only at the #weedypond 🦉🌿
A few moments along the Harnham water meadows today - hardly a soul about in the wet drizzle.
It was good to see that the Little Egret was successfully fishing in one of the drainage dykes, which was flowing faster than normal.
In the Avon, 7 swans-a-swimming, (one AWOL..)
#salisbury #watermeadows 🦉
It was good to see that the Little Egret was successfully fishing in one of the drainage dykes, which was flowing faster than normal.
In the Avon, 7 swans-a-swimming, (one AWOL..)
#salisbury #watermeadows 🦉
November 14, 2025 at 8:22 PM
A few moments along the Harnham water meadows today - hardly a soul about in the wet drizzle.
It was good to see that the Little Egret was successfully fishing in one of the drainage dykes, which was flowing faster than normal.
In the Avon, 7 swans-a-swimming, (one AWOL..)
#salisbury #watermeadows 🦉
It was good to see that the Little Egret was successfully fishing in one of the drainage dykes, which was flowing faster than normal.
In the Avon, 7 swans-a-swimming, (one AWOL..)
#salisbury #watermeadows 🦉
The view across the water meadows to Salisbury cathedral today.
Just a phonecam shot in the rain.
I imagined Swallows leaving South Africa in the spring, on their long migration journey saying, 'if we get split-up on the way, I'll see you at the meadow - you know - the Spire & Pollard'.
#landscape 🦉
Just a phonecam shot in the rain.
I imagined Swallows leaving South Africa in the spring, on their long migration journey saying, 'if we get split-up on the way, I'll see you at the meadow - you know - the Spire & Pollard'.
#landscape 🦉
November 14, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The view across the water meadows to Salisbury cathedral today.
Just a phonecam shot in the rain.
I imagined Swallows leaving South Africa in the spring, on their long migration journey saying, 'if we get split-up on the way, I'll see you at the meadow - you know - the Spire & Pollard'.
#landscape 🦉
Just a phonecam shot in the rain.
I imagined Swallows leaving South Africa in the spring, on their long migration journey saying, 'if we get split-up on the way, I'll see you at the meadow - you know - the Spire & Pollard'.
#landscape 🦉
Swan Lake - a moment of peace.
A young Mute Swan glides on the crystal-clear chalk waters formed downstream of the springs, at Springhead in Dorset.
#Dorset #Chalkstreams
#Birdoftheday #swans
A young Mute Swan glides on the crystal-clear chalk waters formed downstream of the springs, at Springhead in Dorset.
#Dorset #Chalkstreams
#Birdoftheday #swans
November 14, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Swan Lake - a moment of peace.
A young Mute Swan glides on the crystal-clear chalk waters formed downstream of the springs, at Springhead in Dorset.
#Dorset #Chalkstreams
#Birdoftheday #swans
A young Mute Swan glides on the crystal-clear chalk waters formed downstream of the springs, at Springhead in Dorset.
#Dorset #Chalkstreams
#Birdoftheday #swans
The same story here in North Dorset, Ian - with some added blackthorn in the mix.
I've had 5 species of warbler here this year in the willow scrub at the end of the garden. Such an easy, efficient & cost-effective way to add-value to so many UK situations.
I've had 5 species of warbler here this year in the willow scrub at the end of the garden. Such an easy, efficient & cost-effective way to add-value to so many UK situations.
November 13, 2025 at 2:11 PM
The same story here in North Dorset, Ian - with some added blackthorn in the mix.
I've had 5 species of warbler here this year in the willow scrub at the end of the garden. Such an easy, efficient & cost-effective way to add-value to so many UK situations.
I've had 5 species of warbler here this year in the willow scrub at the end of the garden. Such an easy, efficient & cost-effective way to add-value to so many UK situations.
November 12, 2025 at 6:49 PM
November 12, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Feeling world weary?
Spend a moment at bathtime with the sparrows....
🌿🦉
Spend a moment at bathtime with the sparrows....
🌿🦉
November 12, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Feeling world weary?
Spend a moment at bathtime with the sparrows....
🌿🦉
Spend a moment at bathtime with the sparrows....
🌿🦉
It was quite a difficult year for Hedgehogs with the long period of summer drought.
All seems to be ok however - here's 2 hoglets from June.
There was still a 'hog out & about last night, as it's still very mild here.
All seems to be ok however - here's 2 hoglets from June.
There was still a 'hog out & about last night, as it's still very mild here.
November 12, 2025 at 11:40 AM
It was quite a difficult year for Hedgehogs with the long period of summer drought.
All seems to be ok however - here's 2 hoglets from June.
There was still a 'hog out & about last night, as it's still very mild here.
All seems to be ok however - here's 2 hoglets from June.
There was still a 'hog out & about last night, as it's still very mild here.
Rivers are such interesting places - here glimpses of life on the Grwyne Fawr, in Wales.
Lovely to see the Otter moving upstream and the great variety of bats which were present.
Looking forward to reading 'Tarka Revisited' by Ian Parsons. He always writes with such great insight & intelligence.
Lovely to see the Otter moving upstream and the great variety of bats which were present.
Looking forward to reading 'Tarka Revisited' by Ian Parsons. He always writes with such great insight & intelligence.
November 12, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Rivers are such interesting places - here glimpses of life on the Grwyne Fawr, in Wales.
Lovely to see the Otter moving upstream and the great variety of bats which were present.
Looking forward to reading 'Tarka Revisited' by Ian Parsons. He always writes with such great insight & intelligence.
Lovely to see the Otter moving upstream and the great variety of bats which were present.
Looking forward to reading 'Tarka Revisited' by Ian Parsons. He always writes with such great insight & intelligence.
November 12, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Autumn progresses at the #weedypond which is filling up nicely, with all the rainfall at the moment.
Listen to the Jackdaws flying to roost, as the Wren is out hunting in the gloaming.
The bathing Robin is disturbed in the pitch dark by the (still unhibernated!) Hedgehog - it's still so mild...
🦉🌿
Listen to the Jackdaws flying to roost, as the Wren is out hunting in the gloaming.
The bathing Robin is disturbed in the pitch dark by the (still unhibernated!) Hedgehog - it's still so mild...
🦉🌿
November 11, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Autumn progresses at the #weedypond which is filling up nicely, with all the rainfall at the moment.
Listen to the Jackdaws flying to roost, as the Wren is out hunting in the gloaming.
The bathing Robin is disturbed in the pitch dark by the (still unhibernated!) Hedgehog - it's still so mild...
🦉🌿
Listen to the Jackdaws flying to roost, as the Wren is out hunting in the gloaming.
The bathing Robin is disturbed in the pitch dark by the (still unhibernated!) Hedgehog - it's still so mild...
🦉🌿
The Fieldfare & the apple tree territory.
The windfall apples are already the centre of this bird's world, on it's winter visit here to Dorset.
Notice how at the end of the clip, a Blackbird has the temerity to fly near the tree.
The watchful 'fare is immediately on his case.
#Fieldfares 🦉 🌿
The windfall apples are already the centre of this bird's world, on it's winter visit here to Dorset.
Notice how at the end of the clip, a Blackbird has the temerity to fly near the tree.
The watchful 'fare is immediately on his case.
#Fieldfares 🦉 🌿
November 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The Fieldfare & the apple tree territory.
The windfall apples are already the centre of this bird's world, on it's winter visit here to Dorset.
Notice how at the end of the clip, a Blackbird has the temerity to fly near the tree.
The watchful 'fare is immediately on his case.
#Fieldfares 🦉 🌿
The windfall apples are already the centre of this bird's world, on it's winter visit here to Dorset.
Notice how at the end of the clip, a Blackbird has the temerity to fly near the tree.
The watchful 'fare is immediately on his case.
#Fieldfares 🦉 🌿
House Sparrows in the stubble.
Chirpy, well-grounded youngsters learn the skills of kibbling grains of wheat.
#BirdOfTheDay #BirdsOnTheGround
Chirpy, well-grounded youngsters learn the skills of kibbling grains of wheat.
#BirdOfTheDay #BirdsOnTheGround
November 11, 2025 at 11:10 AM
House Sparrows in the stubble.
Chirpy, well-grounded youngsters learn the skills of kibbling grains of wheat.
#BirdOfTheDay #BirdsOnTheGround
Chirpy, well-grounded youngsters learn the skills of kibbling grains of wheat.
#BirdOfTheDay #BirdsOnTheGround
Well Alan, following on from my post of yesterday, you don't see many images like this on a Google search.
Little Owls mating. This happened outside of my living room window.
I've heard the calls & chatter that lead up to this point, but never caught in on camera before.
#BirdoftheDay #Least #owls
Little Owls mating. This happened outside of my living room window.
I've heard the calls & chatter that lead up to this point, but never caught in on camera before.
#BirdoftheDay #Least #owls
November 10, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Well Alan, following on from my post of yesterday, you don't see many images like this on a Google search.
Little Owls mating. This happened outside of my living room window.
I've heard the calls & chatter that lead up to this point, but never caught in on camera before.
#BirdoftheDay #Least #owls
Little Owls mating. This happened outside of my living room window.
I've heard the calls & chatter that lead up to this point, but never caught in on camera before.
#BirdoftheDay #Least #owls
A male Little Owl standing on a post and taking a shower.
There had been a long period of drought and as soon as the rain started, the owl knew what to do.
It was a midsummer night just before dawn - the first Blackbird began the dawn chorus.
#BirdOfTheDay #StandingOnThings #owls
There had been a long period of drought and as soon as the rain started, the owl knew what to do.
It was a midsummer night just before dawn - the first Blackbird began the dawn chorus.
#BirdOfTheDay #StandingOnThings #owls
November 9, 2025 at 9:33 AM
A male Little Owl standing on a post and taking a shower.
There had been a long period of drought and as soon as the rain started, the owl knew what to do.
It was a midsummer night just before dawn - the first Blackbird began the dawn chorus.
#BirdOfTheDay #StandingOnThings #owls
There had been a long period of drought and as soon as the rain started, the owl knew what to do.
It was a midsummer night just before dawn - the first Blackbird began the dawn chorus.
#BirdOfTheDay #StandingOnThings #owls
2/2 of Redwings & F'fares when they arrive in a few weeks time.
The 'early bird' will then reduce its territory to the immediate vicinity of the apple tree & will guard the rotting windfalls against all-comers into the New Year.
I always look forwards to the large night roost down by the #weedypond.
The 'early bird' will then reduce its territory to the immediate vicinity of the apple tree & will guard the rotting windfalls against all-comers into the New Year.
I always look forwards to the large night roost down by the #weedypond.
November 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
2/2 of Redwings & F'fares when they arrive in a few weeks time.
The 'early bird' will then reduce its territory to the immediate vicinity of the apple tree & will guard the rotting windfalls against all-comers into the New Year.
I always look forwards to the large night roost down by the #weedypond.
The 'early bird' will then reduce its territory to the immediate vicinity of the apple tree & will guard the rotting windfalls against all-comers into the New Year.
I always look forwards to the large night roost down by the #weedypond.
1/2 The first "territorial" Fieldfare has just arrived.
At the moment, the bird is attempting to guard a large area around the garden. It's extremely watchful & will drive-off any birds of the wider Thrush family from the available food sources here.
It will remain aloof from the large roving flocks
At the moment, the bird is attempting to guard a large area around the garden. It's extremely watchful & will drive-off any birds of the wider Thrush family from the available food sources here.
It will remain aloof from the large roving flocks
November 8, 2025 at 3:51 PM
1/2 The first "territorial" Fieldfare has just arrived.
At the moment, the bird is attempting to guard a large area around the garden. It's extremely watchful & will drive-off any birds of the wider Thrush family from the available food sources here.
It will remain aloof from the large roving flocks
At the moment, the bird is attempting to guard a large area around the garden. It's extremely watchful & will drive-off any birds of the wider Thrush family from the available food sources here.
It will remain aloof from the large roving flocks
The last of the Autumn lamps.
The garden sprites will soon have to retire to their beds well before Evan Davies takes to the airwaves, on a school night.
#autumngardens
The garden sprites will soon have to retire to their beds well before Evan Davies takes to the airwaves, on a school night.
#autumngardens
November 8, 2025 at 2:17 PM
The last of the Autumn lamps.
The garden sprites will soon have to retire to their beds well before Evan Davies takes to the airwaves, on a school night.
#autumngardens
The garden sprites will soon have to retire to their beds well before Evan Davies takes to the airwaves, on a school night.
#autumngardens
If they bring their youngsters into the garden in spring, they are very entertaining.
Note the difference in colouring between the sexes www.bto.org/sites/defaul...
Note the difference in colouring between the sexes www.bto.org/sites/defaul...
November 8, 2025 at 12:36 PM
If they bring their youngsters into the garden in spring, they are very entertaining.
Note the difference in colouring between the sexes www.bto.org/sites/defaul...
Note the difference in colouring between the sexes www.bto.org/sites/defaul...
A male Wren in springtime, singing to attract a female to the nest that he has just finished building in the log shed.
November 8, 2025 at 12:26 PM
A male Wren in springtime, singing to attract a female to the nest that he has just finished building in the log shed.