The magic tree

1963bus · #1 (**permalink**) 19-03-2010, 09:34 PM

I have a friend who owns quite a large house in Charing Kent, he has a few acres of orchard/woodland attached which consists of quite a few old Oaks.

I visit my friend once or twice a week for a natter and a cup of tea which we always have in the kitchen near a window that faces an old Oak some 20'-25' away.

About four weeks ago I saw my first ever Treecreeper in this Oak, running up and dropping back down to start his upwards search again. Obviously really exciting as I'd never seen one before, shame I never had a camera.

A later visit [some two weeks ago] sitting there with my cuppa we spotted what at first we thought was the Treecreeper but turned out to my amazement to be a pair Lesser Spotted woodpeckers. I know "what's the chance" I got up and ran to the window and it did everything a normal GSW would do only they were much smaller and the colours didn't seem to contrast as much but I was some distance. Both Connor and myself photograph GSW regularly so are very aware of what they look like from most distances and this pair were definitely smaller [perhaps 2/3 the size] and behaved just as Woodpeckers do, again no camera but even if I had the pics would have been through a closed window

.

Today sitting in the same place with a fresh cup of tea [we drink lots of tea

], looking at the same tree we got a pair or two Greater Spotted Woodpeckers on the trunk then on a lower bow before flying off and some 20 minutes later a pair of Nuthatches which again are something we only saw for the first time a few weeks ago

I never take my camera [well it's a friends house] as I think if I have it with me nothing will turn up but this tree's really amazing, my friends off on his hol's soon so I will be spending some time in his garden camera at the ready

Whats the chances of the LSW's turning up again?

Jim Ford · #2 (**permalink**) 19-03-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963bus

Both Connor and myself photograph GSW regularly so are very aware of what they look like from most distances and this pair were definitely smaller [perhaps 2/3 the size]

I saw a LSW some years ago in the garden where I used to live. It was _very_ much smaller than a GSW - nearer 1/2 the size rather then the 2/3 you mention.

Jim

1963bus · #3 (**permalink**) 19-03-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I saw a LSW some years ago in the garden where I used to live. It was _very_ much smaller than a GSW - nearer 1/2 the size rather then the 2/3 you mention.

Jim

I was about 25' away and looking through a window, knew I shouldn't have bothered posting

Dan Salter · #4 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 12:29 AM

I dont think you should feel like that? it could well have been LSW and you just estimated the size wrong...but they are considerably smaller than most people ever imagine they would be...pretty much sparrow sized! (so not much bigger than the nuthatches?)

caernerch · #5 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 12:47 AM

all oaks are magic, they've been around as a native for centuries. a big oak has its own micro climate and is a mini ecosystem.

next time you think you see LSW look for white scapular patches (shoulder blades) if it has them its a GST (or MSW outside britain). LSTs only have stripes and they're tiny.
caernerch

1963bus · #6 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 07:52 AM

It's all right, I'm obviously a liar and an idiot.

Now I feel a jerk for bothering to share what I thought was a wonderful thing, it won't happen again

AshLee · #7 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 08:41 AM

The lack of contrast in colours is something that I would have predicted from looking at pictures. I'm glad you posted your observations. Believe me, this is a wonderful thing that you saw.

Didn't you know that they were thinking of renaming the LSW "Never Spotted" instead?

Well done!

Sincerely,

Ash

Claire Fifi · #8 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963bus

It's all right, I'm obviously a liar and an idiot.

Now I feel a jerk for bothering to share what I thought was a wonderful thing, it won't happen again

Don't be daft! I "think" I spotted a Marsh Harrier at west wittering a few weeks ago. I posted on here and people were very helpful. Obviously, without benefit of an expert on hand, with MASSIVE telescope and the mystery bird sitting still for at least 10 minutes on a brightly lit branch 5ft away, we can never be 100% positive!!

Quite often you just have a "hunch" that it is something different from usual - and I respect those instincts. As you say, you know how a GSW behaves.

Keep on posting!

caernerch · #9 (**permalink**) 20-03-2010, 11:51 PM

just read your response. I wasn't implying for one minute that you were an idiot or anything else derogative. not knowing your ammount of experience i was trying to give you a pointer for a quick I.D. next time you saw the little chap. as to the oak its good to know other people are apreciating them as well. my apologies if I was the one who ruffled your feathers.
caernerch