Wild about Thame ( take 2)
@wat02.bsky.social
Late crepuscular footage. A Starling murmuration is more than a visual/late daylight experience. Here they are making a right old kerfuffle as they settle into their Welsh reedbed. Footage courtesy of my son
December 21, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Late crepuscular footage. A Starling murmuration is more than a visual/late daylight experience. Here they are making a right old kerfuffle as they settle into their Welsh reedbed. Footage courtesy of my son
St Mary’s winter scene, I think from 84-5 or maybe a year or 2 earlier. The seriousness of the snow can be gauged by amounts on conifers or on top or against the Churchyard wall. Matt pale grey sky held promise of more, my recollection is of further heavy flakes by the time I’d reached The Pills.
December 18, 2025 at 1:23 PM
St Mary’s winter scene, I think from 84-5 or maybe a year or 2 earlier. The seriousness of the snow can be gauged by amounts on conifers or on top or against the Churchyard wall. Matt pale grey sky held promise of more, my recollection is of further heavy flakes by the time I’d reached The Pills.
At around the time I was enjoying sunset a friend was watching 2 Shorties hunting out Moreton way this included the successful capture of a vole. In a rather unusual mix 3 Parakeets flew over the scene.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
December 18, 2025 at 8:49 AM
At around the time I was enjoying sunset a friend was watching 2 Shorties hunting out Moreton way this included the successful capture of a vole. In a rather unusual mix 3 Parakeets flew over the scene.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Just now when outside filling the bins the lowest flying street Buzzard I’ve ever seen in Thame.
Tonight’s sunset from the Phoenix Trail. A rather classic v formation of Lesser Black Backed Gulls passed against this backdrop. Heading in the Thame direction, there were about 50 of them. Heard Song Thrush, Skylark and Yellowhammer and a Kestrel seemingly setting down for the night.
December 16, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Tonight’s sunset from the Phoenix Trail. A rather classic v formation of Lesser Black Backed Gulls passed against this backdrop. Heading in the Thame direction, there were about 50 of them. Heard Song Thrush, Skylark and Yellowhammer and a Kestrel seemingly setting down for the night.
So I had a clear view of its gloriously craggy profile, beak open, hackles raised, Such enigmatic birds.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
December 16, 2025 at 10:08 AM
So I had a clear view of its gloriously craggy profile, beak open, hackles raised, Such enigmatic birds.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
There were hundreds of Starlings around Lashlake including 1 flock of 150 odd , at least a dozen Fieldfare were around, Mistle Thrush rattling and either a Song Thrush or Redwing zipped overhead.
1 of those classic moments yesterday. I was shambling the Trail when just a few metres ahead of me a Raven burst over the hedge, sunk down, raised itself over the opposite hedge and made off barely a metre above ground. All without uttering a sound. Have rarely seen them at such close quarters.
December 16, 2025 at 9:58 AM
1 of those classic moments yesterday. I was shambling the Trail when just a few metres ahead of me a Raven burst over the hedge, sunk down, raised itself over the opposite hedge and made off barely a metre above ground. All without uttering a sound. Have rarely seen them at such close quarters.
Things have been a bit quieter since the Hawfinch-Shortie-Slime Mould episode although have enjoyed largest local gathering I can recall of Shovelers.Photo is from Wildlife Trusts, as depicted some of the 6 males have been in cracking colours. At least 2 females about but could be more out there.
December 14, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Things have been a bit quieter since the Hawfinch-Shortie-Slime Mould episode although have enjoyed largest local gathering I can recall of Shovelers.Photo is from Wildlife Trusts, as depicted some of the 6 males have been in cracking colours. At least 2 females about but could be more out there.
In contrast dad told me that back in the 1930’s n 40’s and just a bit further up North Street he used to play his harmonica in another old establishment. This was The Wheatsheaf which I think closed down in the 40’s. Whether that had anything to do with dad and his harmonica I can’t really say.
December 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
In contrast dad told me that back in the 1930’s n 40’s and just a bit further up North Street he used to play his harmonica in another old establishment. This was The Wheatsheaf which I think closed down in the 40’s. Whether that had anything to do with dad and his harmonica I can’t really say.
For a while back in the 70’s this old Thame pub was possibly the closest I got to having a local. 1 of the earliest memories I feel I have was of a piano still being there when I first started going in-a remnant from the era of singalongs? Can’t recall it being played though.
December 14, 2025 at 5:06 PM
For a while back in the 70’s this old Thame pub was possibly the closest I got to having a local. 1 of the earliest memories I feel I have was of a piano still being there when I first started going in-a remnant from the era of singalongs? Can’t recall it being played though.
Next day I checked the same area and in the dying of the light caught a glimpse. This owl was barely above ground, quartering low or going to roost? It vanished
This glimpse included dark carpal
and orangey patches, surely not a Long Eared! There is no easy solution to this..probably a Shortie. Hmm.
This glimpse included dark carpal
and orangey patches, surely not a Long Eared! There is no easy solution to this..probably a Shortie. Hmm.
December 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Next day I checked the same area and in the dying of the light caught a glimpse. This owl was barely above ground, quartering low or going to roost? It vanished
This glimpse included dark carpal
and orangey patches, surely not a Long Eared! There is no easy solution to this..probably a Shortie. Hmm.
This glimpse included dark carpal
and orangey patches, surely not a Long Eared! There is no easy solution to this..probably a Shortie. Hmm.
It’s felt like a quiet start to the local owl winter. I live in hope though partly due to a couple of characterful sightings a couple of weeks ago.
A Shortie suddenly appeared at height coming in from the north or east out Moreton way. It descended, quartered a bit then grounded. All hard by sunset.
A Shortie suddenly appeared at height coming in from the north or east out Moreton way. It descended, quartered a bit then grounded. All hard by sunset.
December 13, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It’s felt like a quiet start to the local owl winter. I live in hope though partly due to a couple of characterful sightings a couple of weeks ago.
A Shortie suddenly appeared at height coming in from the north or east out Moreton way. It descended, quartered a bit then grounded. All hard by sunset.
A Shortie suddenly appeared at height coming in from the north or east out Moreton way. It descended, quartered a bit then grounded. All hard by sunset.
Still testing n double checking by the way
December 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Still testing n double checking by the way
Snatch of recent chat between
Ross McIvor and a passing Raven. Ross tells me that he can also chat with Tawny Owls and of course, the Cuckoo.
His Old Hat on Facebook is worth checking out
Ross McIvor and a passing Raven. Ross tells me that he can also chat with Tawny Owls and of course, the Cuckoo.
His Old Hat on Facebook is worth checking out
December 12, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Snatch of recent chat between
Ross McIvor and a passing Raven. Ross tells me that he can also chat with Tawny Owls and of course, the Cuckoo.
His Old Hat on Facebook is worth checking out
Ross McIvor and a passing Raven. Ross tells me that he can also chat with Tawny Owls and of course, the Cuckoo.
His Old Hat on Facebook is worth checking out
So a could see a bit more wing pattern-no not Chaffinch nor female Bullfinch, too much bulk. A little more re pivoting and there it was, the head and that splendid bill. Unmistakeable. Have only half glimpsed them locally once before-several years ago and in highest branches but in the same spot.
December 11, 2025 at 11:16 AM
So a could see a bit more wing pattern-no not Chaffinch nor female Bullfinch, too much bulk. A little more re pivoting and there it was, the head and that splendid bill. Unmistakeable. Have only half glimpsed them locally once before-several years ago and in highest branches but in the same spot.
I’d been shambling the Trail bridge wards when 3-4 birds flushed up into the trees albeit on the opposite side to me and promptly sat stock still. 1st thought-not Redwings, and I’d focussed on the nearest and seen roughly which bough it had landed on. Some slow, delicate re positioning was required
December 11, 2025 at 11:11 AM
I’d been shambling the Trail bridge wards when 3-4 birds flushed up into the trees albeit on the opposite side to me and promptly sat stock still. 1st thought-not Redwings, and I’d focussed on the nearest and seen roughly which bough it had landed on. Some slow, delicate re positioning was required
A few days ago my breath was suddenly stilled when I chanced upon a clear albeit too brief a view like this. Image is an RSPB one, my view was barely 50 metres from Towersey Bridge. You can never tell what might turn up
December 11, 2025 at 11:02 AM
A few days ago my breath was suddenly stilled when I chanced upon a clear albeit too brief a view like this. Image is an RSPB one, my view was barely 50 metres from Towersey Bridge. You can never tell what might turn up
Gratuitous shot of interior of 6 Bells. Rather pleasant way to spend lunchtime and ruminate on matters Mucilago, Hawfinch n Shortie. Yes around 10 days ago the first Short Eared Owl of my local winter season
December 9, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Gratuitous shot of interior of 6 Bells. Rather pleasant way to spend lunchtime and ruminate on matters Mucilago, Hawfinch n Shortie. Yes around 10 days ago the first Short Eared Owl of my local winter season
Foraging as it goes on bacteria and organic matter. Tis the fruiting body of the organism in the foregoing pic. Since then and less than 100 metres away have had deeply fulfilling experience of clear if brief view of a Hawfinch! More on which anon.
Still testing by the way
Still testing by the way
December 9, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Foraging as it goes on bacteria and organic matter. Tis the fruiting body of the organism in the foregoing pic. Since then and less than 100 metres away have had deeply fulfilling experience of clear if brief view of a Hawfinch! More on which anon.
Still testing by the way
Still testing by the way
Which is I think,rather a thing of beauty in its delicate structure and elegance ( still talking Mucilago here not footy). Not animal, plant or fungi but rather a collection of Protozoa. Have read it moves in an amoeba like fashion through its own underground network as well as overground
December 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Which is I think,rather a thing of beauty in its delicate structure and elegance ( still talking Mucilago here not footy). Not animal, plant or fungi but rather a collection of Protozoa. Have read it moves in an amoeba like fashion through its own underground network as well as overground
Whereas I have been partaking of the delights of Oxford United v Ipswich. Just can’t get enough of this sort of things. Anyway back to Musilago Crustacea…
December 9, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Whereas I have been partaking of the delights of Oxford United v Ipswich. Just can’t get enough of this sort of things. Anyway back to Musilago Crustacea…
Test…umm. If minded to play with volume up for full atmosphere. Footage by my son in the foothills of a Black Mountain somewhere
December 9, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Test…umm. If minded to play with volume up for full atmosphere. Footage by my son in the foothills of a Black Mountain somewhere
Still testing
December 8, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Still testing
Around the time that the WAT Facebook page was frozen I encountered the foregoing Mucilago Crustacea Slime Mould on the verges of the Phoenix Trail.
I am not particularly squeamish but was aware of curious looks from passers by as I took a look. What I perceived was certainly intriguing.
I am not particularly squeamish but was aware of curious looks from passers by as I took a look. What I perceived was certainly intriguing.
December 8, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Around the time that the WAT Facebook page was frozen I encountered the foregoing Mucilago Crustacea Slime Mould on the verges of the Phoenix Trail.
I am not particularly squeamish but was aware of curious looks from passers by as I took a look. What I perceived was certainly intriguing.
I am not particularly squeamish but was aware of curious looks from passers by as I took a look. What I perceived was certainly intriguing.
Test 4-unable to share lovely footage of tumbling Welsh stream so it’s this shot of local Dog Sick Slime Mould. Amazing in its own way-more on which anon
December 8, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Test 4-unable to share lovely footage of tumbling Welsh stream so it’s this shot of local Dog Sick Slime Mould. Amazing in its own way-more on which anon
Test 3-pic of Tamensian Bee Orchid from a couple of years ago
December 8, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Test 3-pic of Tamensian Bee Orchid from a couple of years ago