As we step into August and the heat and long days of Summer continue, the forest families are well on their way. Almost five months after this year's fox cubs were born they are becoming more and more independent, not following Mum or Dad quite so closely anymore.
Having some slight disagreements...
Both brother and sister are growing up nicely, I hope it will continue as the fields are full of rodents and a fresh cow slurry, which makes for a tasty treat. Mum and Dad have had several years now of health off-spring, last year's single cub and this year's twins all seem to be coping well.
Beautiful colours and bright eyes...
We have a nesting pair of Buzzards on the edge of our small woodland, with one surviving chick. Mum and Dad have been busy looking for food, tracking the farmers who disturb and cut the grass and hay fields for any escaping rats and mince. This is the first time I have noticed a nesting pair. Hopefully they will be back next year and not so far away.
Need a bigger lens, not easy to creep up on a bird of prey...
The evenings in the woodland have become a battle field over the last month with very aggressive mosquitoes, and now horse flies. Alongside heavily overgrown brambles it has made for hard going. Plus this Summer's grass and woodland management has been very slow in relation to last year.
But there is still space for some handsome locals and some cheeky Martens to brighten up your month.
See you all again next month, embrace nature.