Ok, that's a silly title, but after all the exotic posts of late, with strange birds and (certainly) some 'improper' behaviour, today is altogether more conventional. Native and common species of birds and a couple of mammals. And they don't come more common than the urban pigeon, although this one was enjoying a relaxing time resting in the warm sunshine.
Another of our very common species is the magpie, currently the subject of a call by the Songbird Survival Trust for a cull on the grounds that it's devastating our songbird population. True, magpies raid nests but the reasons for a reduction in our songbirds are complex and there is very limited research to support a cull and no objective basis to blame magpies and other corvids. The RSPB cite changes in farming methods, pollution and reduced habitat as far more likely reasons for a decline in songbirds. Anyway, I think they are quite splendid birds and worthy of a photo or two.
Unsurprisingly, two smaller species were happily sharing the park today. Magpies or no magpies, we seem to have plenty of these bold little feathered songsters.
And even the less well known long-tailed tit is quite easy to find.
As for the common mammals, well the first is a grey squirrel. Like the magpie, something of a rogue and subject to culling in the North of England (in that instance it is to protect our highly endangered red squirrel, and there is a strong evidence base to support the action). Down South we now only have the grey, but it proves popular with the locals (especially those who carry peanuts in their pockets).
The second mammal for today is a somewhat obvious choice. The young male fox was hanging around again late last night and gave me my first decent opportunity with the 7D. Here's a few shots.
Finally, a week or so ago I mentioned that we had a possible mange victim among the local foxes. I don't know whether or not this is the same fox, but if it is its condition is deteriorating quite rapidly. Given the scarcity of sightings I am not at all confident we'll be able to treat it (the odds of catching it – rather than the multitude of more regular foxes – are small, and in situ treatment almost impossible unless the fox is a relatively confident and frequent visitor). This is a still from last night's trail cam. Not pretty 🙁
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D. The park photos were taken with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. The fox was photographed with the EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens. The mange fox was caught on the Bushnell Trophy Cam (video mode).
RobinL
10 Feb 2011Words, I'm with you when it comes to Magpies!
Nice shots.
wellisteffi
10 Feb 2011Your pictures are always excellent,Words. :up:
The squirrels are funny pictures.
First attack of the squirrels and then the prey in the mouth.
Looks like it oversized pacifier. :yikes: 😆
Words
10 Feb 2011Robin, thanks! They are such elegant and intelligent birds. I always enjoy watching them.
Words
10 Feb 2011Steffi, LOL at 'oversized pacifier' 😆 It does look like that
gdare
10 Feb 2011Squirrels act like common animals, yes 😀
SittingFox
12 Feb 2011Fox in a picture frame! 🙂 That mange case looks horrible though. I hope something can be done. What time does he tend to come? The Fox Project don't let people leave cagetraps overnight in case the fox hurts itself trying to break out (even in the evening, they want you to check every twenty minutes or so).
As far as I can see, the "Songbird Survival Trust" is nothing more than an anti-predator pressure group akin to some of the dodgier organisations that I've encountered in Canada. They too come under innocent titles, when really they just want wolves and cougars killed in order to artifically boost elk numbers.
Anyway, love the detail on the second magpie shot.
Words
12 Feb 2011Adele, the mange fox has only been through the garden twice in about 3 weeks so the chances of being able to do anything are remote. One visit was in daylight, and one night visit where I caught the frame in the blog. Nothing consistent at all to work with. 🙁
I can't imagine the SST will get anywhere with their 'campaign'. I heard a debate on the radio the other morning… the RSPB guy was very controlled and patient, but equally clear that there was no evidence at all to support a cull.
Words
12 Feb 2011Darko, squirrels are the perfect park animal; and yes, very common.
Words
12 Feb 2011Erwin, thanks!
Mickeyjoe-Irl
14 Feb 2011Originally posted by Words:
I think that it's the other way 'round. 😀
It's a shame the outlook is so bleak for that mange victim, but I trust you'll do all you can.
Words
14 Feb 2011Mick, the squirrels assume everyone carries peanuts and look so disappointed if you don't!
I've not seen the mange fox again, but I know there are other gardens where he'll get help if he is seen more regularly.
Mickeyjoe-Irl
14 Feb 2011Hoping for the best.
Wulpen
19 Oct 2012Lovely