Helmshore: Foxes, Woodpeckers & Owls

There is no shortage of foxes around Helmshore. Pepper always tells me when she is on the trail of a fox but I have not seen one for a long time. However, yesterday I glimpsed one in the long grass. I did try and get a picture, but Pepper’s heritage kicked in and she went ballistic! The fox scarpered and I was left battling a frantic border terrier whose instinct was to pursue forthwith!

However, my photo memories reminded me of “this time last year”, and lo and behold; it was a fox! I remember I barely had time for a few quick snaps, before it was chased off by a Roe Deer.

Some woodpecker photos also came up; I rescued a fledgling from the river after a magpie attack. Pepper was the one who found it huddled under an overhang. I fished it out and popped it in a tree to await the return of its parents. Pepper still checks that overhang every time we pass, in case there is something there!

It must have been the day for annual coincidences, as aside from the fox, I also photographed another greater spotted woodpecker, this one an adult.

On Tuesday, I spied a little owl. These are quite common around Helmshore, but hide well on drystone walls, so I usually only see them when they suddenly take off. I spotted this one from a distance out in the open, so was able to take a few pictures; I didn’t have my long lens, but the 75-300 performed reasonably well over the long distance.

I’ve seen multiple buzzards over the past week (or the same pair several times!). I suspect I have located their nest, so have my camera ready when I’m near and have had a few opportunities to see them. On Thursday one stalked me, hunting low over the path, allowing me time to get some good, clear shots again with the smaller lens.

The garden has also been busy. The starlings are decimating the feeders daily, but a couple of other fledglings are getting a look in. I’ve got some young sparrows regularly visiting with their parents and a blue tit fledgling who is usually solo.