House on the slip – Kylerhea Skye November 27, 2014Life in wild Scotland, Life on the wild west coastmike Across the inky water the head and following v-shaped ripple appeared from around the rocky outcrop. Seconds later, the otter dived pointed tail last, leaving the sea like a black mirror. 7.00am in November the sun has yet to rise at Kylerhea. Colours are muted, almost monochrome, and the tide is running out. We are still in bed with a cup of coffee looking north up the narrow sound between Skye and the mainland through the huge picture window in our bedroom. We have been staying here four days and have seen otters from our bed every morning; hunting for fish and crabs and coming up the rocky shore in front of The House on the Slip. Otter swimming to the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra I have been to Kylerhea many times over the years, mostly in winter when the ferry is not running and the rocky shoreline and beaches are deserted. The landscapes and ever-changing light are captivating and addictive. But what draws me back are otters; I have never failed to see these fascinating animals when I have visited Kylerhea. Jeanette and Dave Campbell live on a croft at Kylerhea and they have always been very welcoming. In summer I have camped in one of their fields and they kindly let me use their kitchen and bathroom. My wife and I have also stayed at their iconic cottage “The House on the Point” which, on a stormy winter night, feels as though it is built in the sea. In the summer there is a ferry from Kylerhea to the mainland. Jeanette and Dave bought the deserted cottage next to the ferry slip several years ago; Dave’s long project to renovate it has finally finished. “The House on the Slip” is where we are staying. House on the slip – Kylerhea Skye The traditional two up two down cottage has been made very comfortable with wooden floors, stone walls, central heating and modern bathrooms and kitchen. But the outstanding feature is the two-storey extension on the north end with huge picture windows in the upper bedroom and in the sitting-viewing room below. Both rooms, which are connected by a spiral staircase, have mesmerising views with the constantly changing light and weather. At the highest tides the sea is only a few metres from the cottage but it retreats more than 50 metres twice a day because of the huge tidal range at Kylerhea. The tidal range is why Kylerhea is so attractive for otters and the other abundant wildlife. Twice a day the tide races up and down the sound. Powerful fishing boats struggle against these tides, often appearing to be stationary even though they are at full power. Each tide brings in new food and flushes out waste. Often schools of small fish appear to be boiling in the surface. Flocks of gulls and cormorants feed in the water, swept along by the tidal currents up and down the sound. They are swept past the cottage only to fly back, passing by many times on each tide. The shore is lined with waders and fishing ducks such as mergansers. If the many herons that line the shore crabbing in the seaweed fly up together it is sign that a sea eagle is cruising through the sound. Watch the water for only a few minutes and seals can be seen swimming, diving or just resting with their blunt heads pointing upwards. House on the slip – at low tide Although there is an abundance of wildlife at Kylerhea, seeing it can be a challenge. North west Scotland is a tough place to live and the weather is constantly changing so that in winter a rain-free day is a bonus. Otters are best seen in the morning, especially if the tide is low, but they are elusive and hard to spot and even when seen they can just melt away. Some days it can take hours to see an otter and trying to get photographs takes infinite patience. kelp, sun and low tide. November Skye The house on the slip is the perfect base for wildlife watching and photography. Seals, otters and seabirds pass up and down the sound, sometimes only metres from the cottage’s huge picture windows. But for that heart stopping close encounter with an otter you must go out and spend time close to the shore. After a day taking all that a Scottish winter can throw at you returning to The House on the Slip is very welcoming and the views from the huge windows mean you miss nothing.
Life in November, wild Scotland November 17, 2014Life in wild Scotland, Uncategorizedmike Crested tit calling on dead log. November Cairngorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red deer standing on hill crest, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Crested tit on the look out. November Cairngorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Otter swimming to the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Crested tit feeding in the grass on the ground. November Cairngorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Greater spotted woodpecker side look on birch. November Cairngorm NP Dendrocopos major Red Squirrel looking over mossy log. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Greater spotted woodpecker coming round birch. November Cairngorm NP Dendrocopos major Greater spotted woodpecker upright on birch. November Cairngorm NP Dendrocopos major Greater spotted woodpecker on dead birch. November Cairngorm NP Dendrocopos major Crested looking to the side. November Cairngorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red squirrel about to do something on a mossy log. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Crested tit with wet birch twigs. November Cairngorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red squirrel sitting and eating on a wet log. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red squirrel stepping up. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red squirrel about to jump. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgar Red squirrel eating behind a mossy log. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red squirrel sitting in a mossy place. November Cairngorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Coal tit on the rocks. November Cairngorm NP Periparus ater Red squirrel alive on dead wood. November Cairngorm NP kelp bending detail, in the sun at low tide. November Skye kelp bending in the sun at low tide. November Skye kelp, sun and low tide. November Skye Otter, sea and sunlight, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter on the rocks checking the seaweed, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter, wet on the rocks, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter swimming in dawn light near the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter about to dive into seaweed, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter turning on the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter looking away on the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter looking through spray on the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter on seaweed with spray on the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter on seaweed with spray on the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter emerging, stepping and shaking, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter emerging from seaweed onto the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Otter swimming in seaweed to the shore, Skye November. Lutra lutra Red deer stag with wind damaged trees. November Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag in wind damaged wood. November Cairngorm NP Cervus Red deer stag looking back in wind damaged wood. November Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag walking in sun light. November Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag looking at the sun. November Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stags moving out of the forest and down the hill, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag sitting at forest edge, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag running down the hill, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer three stags on hill crest, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer looking across the hill crest, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag paused on the hill, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer looking back on hill crest, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer posed on hill crest, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag moving down the hill, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer stag on the hill, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer looking over the loch, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer, two stags looking up, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer, three stags standing, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Red deer standing at forest edge, Nov Cairngorm NP Cervus elaphus Crested Tit looking for food on dead branch, Nov Caingorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red Squirrel,eating on a log. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel poised on grassy seat. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel looking up in a birch tree. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel leaning on birch branch. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel paused on crossing branch. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Coal Tit. birch and lichen, Nov Caingorm NP Periparus ater Crested Tit. birch and lichen, Nov Caingorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Crested Tit on dead branch with lichen, Nov Caingorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red Squirrel, low on grassy mossy log. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Red Squirrel, low on frosty mossy log. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris Crested Tit on bent birch branch with lichen, Nov Caingorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Crested Tit on birch branch with lichen, Nov Caingorm NP Lophophanes cristatus Red Squirrel, mossy log. Nov Caingorm NP Sciurus vulgaris
Autumn Hares Halls farm 2014 September 8, 2014Brown Hares, seasons at Norton Suffolkmike September has arrived. The days are getting shorter. Fields have been harvested and there are fewer places for the Hares to hide. The most obvious hares are this summer’s leverets, they must grow before winter. they are often feeding early morning and evening at field edges. Brown Hare back kick. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare with partridge. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, big ears & dry grass. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, dry grass. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare with movement. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare foot up. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low through grass. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare though grass by hedge. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare comming forward. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare Sitting side on. October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret close, September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare looking in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, big ears in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low and close in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare two blades in hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare side in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare side look in hay meadow. October Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eating in a hay meadow. October evening Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting ater suset, October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting pretty. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus Brown Hare jogging. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare foot forward with Dandelion. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare biting a Dandelion. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare standing tall. Sunny October Lepus europaeus Brown Hare stepping out. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare run on the turn. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare fight and bite. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare fight eyes closed. Sunny October evening Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret walking forward, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret stretching, early September misty morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret looking back, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret bouncing, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret on the move, morning sun light. September, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret jogging, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, wet early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, wet and walking early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret back look in grass, September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, ears in grass September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret back look, September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret. wet ear tips, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret looking, foot up, September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret standing, wet ear tips, early September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret low and looking, September morning, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus
Burghley cross country 2014 September 7, 2014Burghley cross country 2014, Life in the Landscapemike Burghley Three Day Event cross country 2014. Photographs taken on Saturday 6th September of competitors on the Burghley cross country course. Burghley 2014 Sara Squires double splash Burghley 2014 Sara Squires water jump approach Burghley 2014 Roo Fox tight Jump Burghley 2014 Craig Nicolai mid jump Burghley 2014 Andrew Hoy mid jump Burghley 2014 Ben Alex Postolwsky flying jump Burghley 2014 Louise Harwood about to land Burghley 2014 Ben Hobday mid jump Burghley 2014 Sam Griffiths concentration Burghley 2014 Gina Ruck into jump Burghley 2014 Sam Griffiths mid jump Burghley 2014 Imogen Murray mid jump Burghley 2014 Imogen Murray fast turn Burghley 2014 Paul Sims mid jump Burghley 2014 Gordon Murphy fast turn Burghley 2014 Marilyn Little flying approach Burghley 2014 Marilyn Little landing Burghley 2014 Marilyn Little mid jump Burghley 2014 Tim Cheffings concentrated approach Burghley 2014 Harry Dzenis water jump Burghley 2014 Roo Fox after the Jump Burghley 2014 Sam Griffiths pulling up the hill Burghley 2014 Allison Springer flying and looking for the next jump Burghley 2014 Jim Newsam looking to land after the Jump Burghley 2014 Izzy Taylor well clear, legs up Burghley 2014 Craig Nicolai turning at speed Burghley 2014 Louisa Milne Home landing Burghley 2014 Sophie Jenman Jumping through oak Burghley 2014 Johnathan Paget in the water Burghley 2014 Gemma Tattersall, about to jump Burghley 2014 Neil Spratt mid jump Burghley 2014 Jonathan Paget, spray Burghley 2014 Sophie Jenman, high jump Burghley 2014 Louisa Milne Home, big fence take off Burghley 2014 Louisa Milne Home, big fence take off Burghley 2014 Tim Cheffings fast time check Burghley 2014 Tim Cheffings different views
Summer Hares Norton Suffolk 2014 June 10, 2014Brown Hares, seasons at Norton Suffolkmike As spring turns to summer the behaviour of the Brown Hares living round Norton is changing. The frantic social life of the adults is calming down, many of the females have young and can be seen secretly emerging from thick grass fields where the leverets are hidden. There are many young half grown hares chasing and interacting especially in the evening in the low sunlight. Watching and photographing hares becomes more challenging as the crops grow above their heads. Brown Hare foot up at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret, lit up ear in dawn sun light. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret dawn halo. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret, eating in dawn sun light. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret eating in dawn sun light. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret looking in dawn sun light. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting with side look at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eating in early morning light. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare curious at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting tall at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret at dawn, back lit ears. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare looking back, listening forward at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret on the turn at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, small leveret, big earsat dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close running at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting close at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret portait at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret sitting and looking at dawn. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hares three at nightfall. August Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hares dawn game. August morning Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare emerging from field edge. June Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare timid at field edge. June Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close and low, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair chasing in June sunset light. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare very close June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting close June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low jog, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare high trot, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare looking up from eating June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eating June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare wet with dew early morning June. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare early morning jogging June. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare looking, early morning June. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair early morning game June. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair chasing, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare 3 way chase, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eye level close June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare evening run June. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare N cleaning whiskers June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting with daisies June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare N running with daisies June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare N with rye grass June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare jogging in rye grass, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare with Cocksfoot grass, June sunset. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus
Spring Hares at Halls Farm Noton April 28, 2014Brown Hares, seasons at Norton Suffolk, Farming and wildlife Norton Suffolkmike Spring is one of the best times of the year to see Hares. Hares can be seen as plants are still growing, days are longer and there is lots of social activity. Halls Farm has a large Brown Hare population, the wide field margins and 5% of the land out of production mean there is lots of habitat. In addition the Hare are welcomed by the Honeywood family, Hares are not shot on the farm and are less wary than other Hares, this makes it easier the photograph them. Brown Hare, bounding in hay meadow May evening. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leaving at night fall May. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close nose washing. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, Borage and morning sunlight Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running in spring growth. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close nose covered. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close foot up. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low down in spring growth. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close and low. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare emerging into sunny spring morning light. Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eating backlit by spring sunlight, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare getting some shade from spring sunlight, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Three Brown Hares after sunset, Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare in the undergrowth. Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hares tag and jump. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare game at dusk. Spring time Sufolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare framed by spring plants. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare licking its back. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting behind groundsel. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare on tip toe and low, Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret back lit by spring sunlight, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret eating on Easter day, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret having a private moment, Easter day. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret sitting and waving. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting in spring plants. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare morning light in early spring meadow, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare retreating from boxing, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing in the sun on the skyline, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair squaring up for boxing, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing on the skyline, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing in late winter sun, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair colliding Lepus europaeus Brown Hares in a morning chase Lepus europaeus Brown Hare fur fight in the sun Lepus europaeus Brown Hares flying fur fight Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boåxing, fur upper cut Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair fight and flying Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair on back legs Lepus europaeus Brown Hares, inconsiderate foot use Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair in mid air fur fight Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair, above and below Lepus europaeus Brown Hare back leg stretch at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare dealing with itchy ear. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare waving at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair on the turn at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair running on the turn at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair close at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair running in tanden at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair close chase at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair at dusk. Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low down in morning sunlight Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare walking in morning sunlight Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair looking both ways at sunset. Suffolk Lepus europaeus
rats in thetford November 22, 2013Life in the British landscapemike Thetford Town center is great for watching wildlife including Otters and Kingfishers but, just as interesting are Brown rats that live by the river. The rats have their life made easy by the people feeding the ducks. Rats can be seen in and by the river catching and eating the bread missed by the ducks. Brown rat sitting in leaf filled river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat reflection, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat jumping over a riverside plant, Rattus norvegicus Wet Brown rat walking on river filled with autumn leaves, Rattus Two Brown rats climbing by river bank, Rattus norvegicus Two Brown rats together Rattus norvegicus Brown rat trying to keep dry, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat drying in the sun, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat eating amoung autumn leaves and rubish in river, Rattu Brown rat eating amoung autumn leaves in river, Rattus norvegicu Brown rat sitting in rubish filled river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rats having a disagreement by a river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat up a drain pipe, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat pulling a leaf from a river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat holding a leaf, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat running, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat climbing carefully over a thistle, Rattus norvegicus Brown rats inreflective mood, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat pulling weed from river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rats drinking, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat sitting in leaf filled river, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat in drain with over hanging plant, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat pair feeding on river bank, Rattus norvegicus Brown rat eating by river, Rattus norvegicus
Brown Hares at Halls Farm Norton October 1, 2013Farming and wildlife Norton Suffolk, Farming with Wildlife, Norton Suffolkmike April is a great time to watch Hares, the day are getting longer and the fields although green are still short. I have added series of photos taken in the April spring light. I often see a Brown hare, usually alone, out on one of the wide Suffolk fields where I live. However, Hares need shelter to rest during the day and to hide their young when they are small and helpless. Halls farm in Norton Suffolk is one of the best places I know to see Brown Hares; it is not unusual to see large numbers on the Halls Farm fields. This is because Robert and Steve Honeywood, as well as running a profitable arable farm, also actively encourage wildlife. 10% of the farm is not used for crop production and is actively managed to encourage wildlife. The 10% of the farm managed for wildlife allows the hares to thrive. The photographs on this page will follow the Brown Hares of Halls farm through the year. I will show a series of images showing them in different seasons. Brown Hare close nose washing. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close foot up. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare low down in spring growth. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair running on the turn at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running close sunset eye. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare back leg stretch at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair on standing at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare waving at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair close chase at dusk. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting early spring morning, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sniffing grass blade early morning light, Suffolk Lepus europaeus Brown Hare morning light in early spring meadow, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running early spring morning, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare intimate portrait Lepus europaeus Brown Hare in Borage Lepus europaeus Brown Hare and Red Legged Partridge running early morning Lepus Brown Hare running early morning Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running close at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leaping to the side Lepus europaeus Brown Hare about to leap early morning Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running on the turn early morning Lepus europaeus Brown Hare eating at field edge, early morning Lepus europaeus Brown Hare emerging from field edge, early morning Lepus europae Brown Hare washing in early morning light Lepus europaeus Brown Hares having a disagreement Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running side on close Lepus europaeus Brown Hare jumping Lepus europaeus Brown Hare dropping food Lepus europaeus Brown Hare in field verge early morning Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running in afternoon light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running facing afternoon light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare trying to hide Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running side on Lepus europaeus Brown Hare jumping through Borage, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running with Red Partridge, evening light Lepus europ Brown Hare foot in mouth, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare toe cleaning, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare watching, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close and intimate, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running at field edge, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare jogging along field edge, evening light Lepus europae Brown Hare running away looking back light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare, big stretch Lepus europaeus Brown Hare stretching on the ground Lepus europaeus Brown Hare looking, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running close up, evening light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare selecting a leaf Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair, above and below Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair in mid air fur fight Lepus europaeus Brown Hares, inconsiderate foot use Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair on back legs Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair fight and flying Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boåxing, fur upper cut Lepus europaeus Brown Hares flying fur fight Lepus europaeus Brown Hare retreating from boxing, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing in the sun on the skyline, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair squaring up for boxing, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing on the skyline, Lepus europaeus Brown Hares boxing in late winter sun, Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair colliding Lepus europaeus Brown Hares in a morning chase Lepus europaeus Brown Hare fur fight in the sun Lepus europaeus Brown Hares in chase at field edge in early spring afternoon light Lepus europaeus Brown Hare with low flying pheasant. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare dealing with itchy ear. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair on the turn at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair close at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare pair running in tanden at sunset. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret sitting and waving. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare in the undergrowth. Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hares tag and jump. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare game at dusk. Spring time Sufolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close landing. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare framed by spring plants. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare licking its back. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare sitting behind groundsel. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare on tip toe and low, Spring Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret back lit by spring sunlight, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret eating on Easter day, Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare leveret having a private moment, Easter day. Spring time Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare running in spring growth. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close nose covered. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus Brown Hare close and low. Morning light Suffolk. Lepus europaeus
Farming and wildlife Norton Suffolk September 17, 2013Farming and wildlife Norton Suffolk, Farming with Wildlife, Norton Suffolkmike Four Barn owls and two Short-eared owls hunting a meadow at the same time, a large flock of Yellowhammers taking off in a golden swirl, watching brown hares from a track and loosing count because there are so many. These are a few of the high lights that stand out for me so far this year. These incidents were not the result of visiting nature reserves or responding text message alerts, I saw all of them on the same intensive Suffolk arable farm a few miles from where I live. I have visited Halls farm Norton owned by the Honeywood family for many years to get horse food produced on the farm from chopped straw. Father and son team Robert and Stephen are passionate about the wildlife on their farm, this is typified by the large modern barn used for straw for the Honeychop feed production. The back of the barn is filled with old worthless grey straw bales contrasting with new bales at the front, this is because a pair of Barn owls and Kestrels live and nest here, the old straw will not be moved until the bales disintegrate or the birds leave. The Honeywood family intensively and profitably farm 900 acres including neighbouring Little Haugh Farm, run a feed business and employ more than seven people. Intensive arable farming has a strong impact on wild life, some farms near me are almost wildlife deserts compared with Halls and Little Haugh Farms. In these pages I will show you some of the birds, animals and plants living on the farms and describe the management used to maintain the high wildlife population and diversity. 1032