Today's Wildlife Encounter

[IanDarkpeak]

I found some frog spawn on a path when I was out running today. No eggs in it just the jelly ? Did the poor frog miscarry or did it just accidentally follow through ?

I think they can lay all year round, hasn't the spawn got some form of antifreeze in it so can survive in frozen ponds, That's how they survive in the far north of Scotland when the season is shorter. we saw some last week on Bleaklow, it wasn't star jelly

You may find that is in fact a mystery substance known as Star Jelly. Look it up, strange stuff!

I've seen this before but didn't know what it was.

possible ring ouzel sighted on Longdendale Trail, not too far down from Reaps layby heading east on Saturday early afternoon. can't think what else it could have been, if it was then that's the first I've ever seen

If it was smallish it could have been a dipper, I've mistaken them until I've got a bit closer, similar habitat rocky cloughs/streams

[cyclops]

If it was smallish it could have been a dipper, I've mistaken them until I've got a bit closer, similar habitat rocky cloughs/streams

no, definitely not a dipper, I know those ones

[wharfeego]

possible ring ouzel sighted...

Quite a possibility - some Ring Ouzels have lingered on much longer than usual this year.

[noel]

Quite a possibility - some Ring Ouzels have lingered on much longer than usual this year.

Can I say global warming before anyone else does.

[wharfeego]

The Eye Has It

The Eye Has It by Andy Holden, on Flickr
Juvenile Sparrowhawk hunting birds in the back yard at home

[William Clough]

I don't think it could. Aren't captive birds normally imprinted (ie, raise from chick by hand)? So they think a human is their mum and they have no fear of humans.

Any falconers on here who can correct my half-informed opinions?

Hi Noel, I used to have a pet Kestrel when I was a lad living in Barnsley. I got on really well with it. Unfortunately soon after a school football match (during which my PE teacher insisted on being Bobby Charlton) my step brother Jud strangled the bird and chucked him in a bin.
I hope this is of help to you.

[noel]

Hi Noel, I used to have a pet Kestrel when I was a lad living in Barnsley. I got on really well with it. Unfortunately soon after a school football match (during which my PE teacher insisted on being Bobby Charlton) my step brother Jud strangled the bird and chucked him in a bin.
I hope this is of help to you.

What a touching and tragic story WC. You must have found real solace in that friendship that probably provided a thought provoking counterpoint to the grainy backdrop of a typical 1960s coal mining town.

[Richard Shlong]

I spotted a greater spotted newt whilst out trying to spot some spots on a spotted tree, located close to a quite little secluded spot, not far from spotted lane, near Spot Town, Cumbria.

#VoteShlongForFOTY

[wharfeego]

...located close to a quite little...

Quite

[Sam W]

Spotted a mountain hare yesterday on Bleaklow & another today on Kinder, both resplendent in full winter coat. For me, a city dweller, this is a rare treat & was the antidote for two not particularly successful recces.