Happy new year to everyone, hope it's a good one for you.

The nature report this month is a little on the short side I'm afraid due to a combination of factors: work, the weather and other commitments.

While the weather has not been particularly wet, boy has it been dull and overcast. The odd days we had sunshine coincided with work which only added to my frustration. The worst being when I received a call from Phil to say that he had been contacted by the archaeologists from Manchester Metropolitan University who had arranged to come an conduct a survey of the structure I found in being exposed in the River Dane. (see the Sept 05 report for details)

Unknown wooden structure being exposed by erosion
of the bank of the River Dane

As well as the survey they took samples of the wood for dating and analysis, so hopefully we will at least know how old it is even if as yet we have been unable to determine what it is - anyone any suggestions?

What ever it is time is not on its side. Erosion of the river bank is a continuous process and waits for no one.

The photograph on the left show the current state of the bank. The arrow indicates where a small collapse has fallen onto part of the structure. It may not be a bad thing as the soil will provide a little temporary protection from the river. More information as and when I receive it.

This female mallard made a bit of a splash as I surprised her just as she was landing on the water.

She seemed to hit the water rather heavy before taking off again. Now I am not a speaker of "duck" but from the sound of quacking she made as she departed, I don't think she was paying me a compliment :-)

Another member of the duck family that did not appreciate my presence was this Teal.

These are a small duck almost half the size of the mallard above.

This one is a male as can be seen by its distinct markings.

One bird that could do with a dip in the water was this blue tit (left).

From the looks of it, it must have been wading in the mud.

Unlike the pristine plumage of this Great tit in an adjacent bush. It was very vocal , maybe it was expressing its disgust at its smaller relative :-)

Finally look closely at this photograph of some lichen.

Can you make out the little face in the middle of the picture!!!

No the photograph has not been altered, the "face" is... well what do you think???

 

See you next month Andy.

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