Skywatch Friday

The Little Mermaid views grey November skies in Copenhagen

Sky Watch Friday

Maalie selects images from his albums of travel pictures for Skywatch

Click here for a complete list
of all the participants
of this week's Sky Watch!

Can you spot the difference?

As part of my research into the survival of Marsh Tits (you can read more about the research here) it is important to record the age of each individual as far as possible. Ageing a bird is often difficult, and may rely on the ability to distinguish differences in the age, wear of colour tones within a tract of feathers. In the case of the Marsh Tit, it is the shape of the tips of the tail feathers that is important.

This Marsh Tit hatched earlier this year. The tail feathers are the original ones that grew in the nest and accordingly show wear of the feather tips as they rubbed against the sides of the nest. The feathers are narrow and relatively pointed. These feathers will be retained until the next moult, about a year after hatching.

This bird is an adult, it hatched at least a year ago last spring. Its tail feathers were renewed by the post-nuptial moult during the summer. They are fresh, without the abrasion of juvenile feathers and, in particular they are broader with more rounded, less pointed tips.

Herdwick

The Herdwick is a particularly hardy breed of native sheep that is found almost exclusively in the Lake District of Cumbria, and forms an integral part of the cultural identity of the county. They were probably introduced by the Vikings when they invaded this part of England in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Lamb and wool productivity is lower than other varieties of sheep, but Herdwicks can survive harsh conditions by foraging on scant winter vegetation high in the the Cumbrian fells.

Herdwick lambs are born black and as they mature they become brown and eventually light grey. The loose straggling flocks of "grey sheep" are one of the iconic sights to fell-walkers out hiking.

Herdwick sheep high in the Cumbrian fells in summer

I encountered these Herdwicks sheltering from the cold northerly wind
behind a stone wall today while I was out "tedradding"...

... and this little flock grazing among some rank grassland
(You may click on the picture for a treat!)

Read more about Herdwick Sheep here.

Skywatch Friday

Mistletoe silhouetted against a grey November sky

Sky Watch Friday

Maalie selects images from his albums of travel pictures for Skywatch

Click here for a complete list
of all the participants
of this week's Sky Watch!

Country Road

This week I headed south from Cumbria to join my family (Alun, Trudy and Jimmy) in Hampshire. One of the main events of the visit was a night ride with Titchfield Cycling Association (TCA) follow that link for a report of the ride).

The following night a gale blew in from the Atlantic, with strong winds and heavy rain, lasting well into the next morning. Undaunted, Alun and I kitted up in storm clothes to venture forth. As soon as we were in the saddle, the clouds rolled back to reveal an hour's worth of bright Autumn sunshine, perfect for a gentle ride through some of England's most pleasant country lanes.

Alun streaks ahead along a country road in Hamphire
Click on the picture for a treat!

Skywatch

Swifts circle in the sky around the towers of the cathedral
in the main square in Krakov, Poland, June 2007

Sky Watch Friday

Maalie selects images from his albums of travel pictures for Skywatch

Click here for a complete list
of all the participants
of this week's Sky Watch!