It’s been a bad few days for photographs. Today there were lots of Buzzards about but all flying too far away for any chance of an image. It’s a beautiful sunny Sunday and could well be the last good day for several months.
A friend called round for lunch and after a roast pork dinner I took her to the patch of ground where I’ve seen the newts. We sat down with the dogs tethered to a tree and waited by the cracks in the earth where they live. After sitting a while a tiny jet black frog appeared but shot into some grass before I could get it’s picture. She said are you sure there are newts here. I said definitely so she crouched down and cupped her hands over the crack; a few minutes later a newt appeared. I was impressed, just imagine what she could do if she had a whistle as well. A superb Newt Charmer.
Have a good week.
Nice little Newt, it is too late down in southern England to see them.
ReplyDeleteBob I never see them in ponds but amphibians seem to gather in this bit of set aside land. There are still worms and insects about so on warm days and if shaded they will come out to have their picture taken. I don't know where they breed as there isn't a pond for miles. There must be but I haven't found it.
DeleteThey breed in my garden ponds and each of those is only a couple of feet across so they can obviously manage with pretty small areas of water. And yes, that is a palmate newt.
ReplyDeleteThanks John, they seem to be very variable in colour. I think all amphibians change to match their environment. There were smooth newts using this bit of ground last year but I haven't seen any this year. A pity they are friendlier.
DeleteScared of any reptile small or big :0)))
ReplyDeleteRuby, these don't bite and if they did I doubt they could do any harm. They are only about 8cm long.
DeleteNewt charming that would make Ken Livingstone jealous:-) our pond on the park has both palmate and crested I managed some video courtesy of my phone. I saw on BBC SCOTLAND they have had some snow already
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult finding them when they leave the pond.
DeleteYes Cairngorme has a bit of snow.
I'd like to see your video.
You both make a good team with your newt skills.. her for calling them.. you for photographing them. They're cute little things, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHilary, yes it's a two person job. They are beautiful.
DeleteYou know what they say: No newts is good newts.
ReplyDeleteBob they do but it doesn't apply to me.
DeleteNow I've heard of horse whisperers but never newt whisperers
ReplyDeleteRed, it was a new one for me. A good trick.
DeleteYou have a great week too!
ReplyDeleteR. Mac, thanks.
DeleteThank you! I adore and have kept newts as pets!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
They are interesting little creatures.
DeleteCute little creatures, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteThey are Pauline, they take some finding though.
DeleteCool Newt. So adorable.
ReplyDeleteLady L, I enjoy watching them.
DeleteI used to go nesting on Jackson's Pond when I was a kid. They were two a penny. I thought you'd like to know that. Jackson's Pond is now somewhere under a housing estate (of course).
ReplyDeleteGraham, yes I used to see dozens when I was a child. It is amazing how much land has been built over in my lifetime. Sad but folk can't all live like gypsies.
DeleteThat's amazing Adrian. Well worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteAdam, yes it was. I have seen Smooth Newts here before but it seems to be a popular place for them to settle down before winter. I'll try for some better shots.
DeleteMeanwhile, why not get pissed as a newt? I wonder how that saying arose....
ReplyDeleteYP, in spring their courtship display involves staggering from side to side. Pity it doesn't work for humans.
DeleteExcelente registo...
ReplyDeleteUm abraço
Obrigado Fernando.
DeleteWhat an intriguing animal.
ReplyDeleteMaria, unfortunately they are losing habitat so are not as common as they were.
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