Great Crested Newt

Because of having to visit the vets this morning, I was not able to take advantage of the clear bright frosty morning. The light was delightful and with a touch of mist, it could have generated some nice footage. But, all I could do was wistfully look and long to be out. The cats needs were more important.

When I got back from the vets, I was tempted to go out but I knew that I would have been distracted by the
thoughts of cat. Therefore I stayed home with the cat. Once I was sure that she was happy and well, then I decided to venture out.

Just as I was preparing I saw one of the Red Kites from my front room window. I never cease to be amazed by the diversity of wildlife in this area. Also the delight I have at seeing these birds. So no matter what else I saw it already had been a good wildlife viewing day.

My intention was to go down to the breeding ponds. While I took a fairly direct route to the location I make a small detour, as I wanted to see what effect some of the felling has had on the dynamics of the bird populations. Was it going to open the range of birds that nest in the woods? It is too early to tell, but one of the impacts has been a greater number of hibernation locations for small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. In the log piles that have just been left behind.

When I got to the ponds the sun was setting, but as I was approaching I heard a pair of ducks calling. I then saw them as they flew away to wherever they are roosting. It was not as slippery as it has been, but part of the reason for going while there was still available light, was to ensure I did not take an early bath.

I looked very carefully in the water of the pools as often you can see the creatures in the water. I could not see the toads, but every now and then there was a hint of movement under the water. Then I saw the flash of bright orange in the water. It was a male Great Crested Newt in breeding colours. These are tiny, about two inches long so it was impossible to film them under the water in the gloom of the growing dusk. However I was pleased to see them. I have to be careful about not disturbing them as they are protected and to film them I must not cause any disturbance. As well as being a good philosophy to use anyway, to disturb them would be an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is something that amazes me that a law should be needed to prevent people from acting irresponsibly, but I have seen people do stupid things to get a better look at a bird, so the law exists to prevent the foolish having a higher regard for the picture than the fauna.

I waited and watched but the conditions were to dry for the toads or frogs to arrive yet. While I did spot some movements in the dark, it appeared to just be leaves in the breeze. I will keep on looking and waiting, as I would love to see the toads breeding. If I film it will that make me a pornographer?

Realising that it may just be to early in the season, I decided to head home. The farmer was still working as I took the footpath that runs through her farmyard, exchanging pleasantries I realise that I must look odd wandering around in the dark lugging my camera equipment about. Walking along the river I decided to have a look under the bridge on the off chance of seeing the otters. I was not sure if it was wishful thinking but could see a shape that looked as though there was an otter feeding. In the dark, objects like floating logs or rocks can take on a life of their own. I stood and watched all the while slowly taking off my backpack so I could get the camera out. The IR light I had put in my pocket when I left the ponds.

I then had to slowly release the camera from the Velcro binding. I wanted to avoid making to much noise. All the while I kept watching the shape, it appeared to be moving but I realised it could have just been a trick of the light combined with the moving water. As I attached the IR light to the camera, the otter entered the water and swam down stream right past me. No I did not get it on film, but what a great sighting. It is great to know the otters are about again.

By the time I got home I was hungry enough to eat a cat, but as she was peacefully sleeping I had the spaghetti instead.