Today’s Wild Nature Walk: The Highs, The Lows, and The Louds

‘I was just minding my own business when this male Pheasant dropped in like a rockstar making a surprise festival appearance. Note the Gulls and Rooks in the background acting as his very confused roadies. 10/10 for the entrance, 2/10 for the personal space.‘

Caught a mid-air snapshot of roughly 100 Rooks having a very loud, very public disagreement over the treetops. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a ‘Corvid Complaint Committee’ in full session. Pure, noisy, feathered power. 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

‘The ‘Celebrity Sneak’ shot. I managed to catch the side and rear of these two before they vanished into the hedge like they were dodging the paparazzi. Thanks to Google Lens for the identification—turns out these elusive VIPs were Red-legged Partridges! 🕵️‍♂️‘

Daily Nature Log (Template)

Date: 17 February 2026

Time: 15:30

Location: 

Recreation Ground, Cemetery, and Foxy Lane

Weather: 

4°C–5°C (Feels like -1°C); Brisk NW winds (20–22 mph)

Sightings:

Birds: 

Gulls, Rooks (~100), Wood Pigeons, Redwings, Male Blackbird, Male Pheasant, Sparrows, Long-tailed Tit, Crow, Herring Gulls, Red-legged Partridges.

Other: Friend with a white Pug.

Observations: 

Massive “rook power” display over the rookery.

Wind whistling through the five-a-side fence like an accordion.

Successful identification of Red-legged Partridges via Google Lens.

Stats:

Distance: 2.11 miles

Duration: 45 minutes

Heart Points: 20

Copyright ©️ Text, photographs and videos Written by John Yeo – All rights reserved