Friday 18 July 2008

Friday 18th July

I wouldn't normally go anywhere a nest while it was occupied, but one of the entomologists from work called this morning to say she'd happened upon a what was a presumed Skylark's nest in Palmers Rough (just east of Kiln Barn Lane, Ditton), East Malling Research station site as she did some insect sweeps. However there is some doubt if they are Skylarks, maybe possibly Yellowhammers? Any suggestions? She was worried that with tractors and combine harvesters being in action not too far away the nest would be destroyed. We visited the site after work and after a little bit of confusion and searching around she relocated the nest. We dutifully marked the position with bamboo canes so these little blighters should get the best chance they can!

8 comments:

Greenie said...

Adam ,
Is the one on the left saying ----
" Don't bother about him , just give me his portion too "

Steve said...

Just catching up on your recent posts - some really good records. I went out v v early this morning and found your White Mullien. Thanks. Too dark to photograph! Very jealous about the Small Tortoiseshells - I haven't seen one since 2006!

Warren Baker said...

Adam,
Are you sure thats a Skylark nest. The egg doesn't look brown enough for a skylark. maybe it's just the light.

Greenie said...

Adam ,
Hope you don't think I was being funny , but when I posted my comment , there was just the picture with no text . I thought it was a caption competition

Adam said...

Hi Greenie

No worries - you got ahead of me! If there were a caption competition then I think you'd have won!

Adam

Adam said...

Hi Greenie

No worries - you got ahead of me! If there were a caption competition then I think you'd have won!

Adam

Adam said...

Hi Warren

I think you may be right about the eggs - any suggestions? I'm thinking Yellowhammer.

Adam

Greenie said...

Adam ,
I have consulted my Observer's Book of Birds' Eggs dated 1962 - and I would like to toss my hat in the ring with Pied Wagtail . As Warren said the Skylark is shown brown mottled ,and the Yellowhammer white with black scribbling on it .
It's the only ground nester I can find with that speckled finish .