Wednesday, 31 July 2024

Peacock entertainment, one Red Squirrel, wildlife and water lilies on a sunny visit to Brownsea Island - 11th July 2024

View from the ferry of the castle and the partly-built new bird hide on Brownsea Island

The entrance to the castle which only John Lewis partners/other residents can go through

Large chickens were wandering around the field near the farm buildings


Well disguised female Chaffinch

Cinnabar moth caterpillars on Ragwort flowers

Several views of a Four-spotted Dragonfly on reeds at the aptly name Dragonfly pool



Peacock strutting his stuff with some tail feathers ready to moult

Unlike my previous wet visit to Brownsea earlier in the week, I saw a Red Squirrel - it had come out of hiding in order to look for the bribes that someone had put on the logs - peanuts and sunflower seeds!


Love the light-colour ear tufts!

View across the bay to Studland and Old Harry Rocks

It was good to see the Water Lilies in the Lily Pond in sunshine. On my last visit, I saw them in the rain!




Gatekeeper butterfly

Close-up portrait of the Peacock

He got a bit fluffed up.  I was told that there are now only two Peacocks on Brownsea Island and no females.  Apparently the birds were causing a lot of trouble with the other wildlife, so they were deported!  I was very disappointed as I was hoping to see some baby Peachicks while I was there.

Peacock feeding on the Red Squirrel's bribe was joined by the large black chicken

The Peacock got annoyed with the chicken joining his meal and started to show off by opening up his long moulting feathers and wiggling his backside at the chicken - who was not paying any attention!

This kept me amused while waiting for the Red Squirrels to NOT put in an appearance!



There was still no sign of any Red Squirrels and the Peacock moved onto a large fallen log

He went to visit another photographer, who was also hoping that some Red Squirrels would show up

 They didn't!

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