Sunday 29 July 2012

Return to the Ock

Due to the weather, holidays, but mostly complete apathy, the river and this blog have been neglected for nearly two months.
So it is interesting to return to see what has changed - the most obvious is the wooden footbridge has been for health and safety reasons. 
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Another  obvious change is the growth of the river fauna - the sedges, reeds and nettles making access to the river very limited.
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The plants alongside the river aren't the only ones that are growing, back in May the Ock Meadow was under water, now the barley will soon be ready to be harvested
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With the increase in the river plants and the closure of the footbridge, it can be difficult to see any wildlife.  But the banded demoiselles are out in force, including this female:
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And a pair of swans have also moved in, but do not appear to be trying to establish a nest.
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And where it is possible to gain access to there are evidence of nocturnal activity, including this intriguing five toed footprint - a visiting otter perhaps?
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4 comments:

  1. Martin Gulliver30 July 2012 at 06:27

    Welcome back Richard!

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  2. Hi Martin,

    Thanks - it's always good to know someone actually reads the blog. As a former blogger, I'm sure you appreciate how difficult it can be continue to find things to write about, there are only so many times I can find something to write about water voles.

    Richard

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  3. Martin Gulliver30 July 2012 at 23:53

    I check every day and yes - I know what you mean! However the wildlife details you post are always interesting. By the way - I've built my own insect "hotel" for the back garden - I'll let you know if I get any inhabitants!

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  4. Hi Martin,

    Great to hear my blog has inspired you to build an 'insect hotel' and look forward to hearing what has moved in.

    Richard

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