An unmistakeable male Sand Lizard foraging for insects on the edge of Higher Hyde Heath. Outside of the mating season the green flanks are far more subdued. Interesting to note the remains of her old skin still in the process of being shed. Another female Read More …
Category: Insects
Foulshaw Moss
Male Common Darter at Foulshaw Moss, Cumbria. A few highlights from a mid-September visit to Foulshaw Moss. Unlike the Ospreys that had decided to head south still plenty of insects and especially dragonflies to be found. With record numbers of Adders on the Moss we Read More …
The Hazy Days of Summer
Peregrine on the cliffs at Durlston Country Park. A myriad of Greater Knapweed, Wild Carrots, Yarrow, Rough Hawkbit amongst the meadows. Distinctive flowers and seedheads of the Wild Carrot amongst a sea of Greater Knapweed. No shortage of Bees at Durlston. The sheer number of Read More …
Badbury Rings
Badbury Rings. A superb example of an Iron Age hillfort and a scheduled ancient monument Badbury Rings has survived as chalk downland largely unchanged for the past 2500 years. In early August the sun-drenched banks are a haven for insects with shelter to be found Read More …
Arne and the Purbecks
Female Common Darter at Arne One of the more widespread Dragonflies with a preference for small ponds and areas of stagnant water. Strong flying this one was found on the edge of an area of woodland resting on Bramble. Common Lizard, again at Arne. Found Read More …
Studland Heath
Another warm day and to begin with a walk along the Purbeck ridge running from East Creech down to Corfe Castle. Despite the fearsome looking horns the Highland cattle grazing along the top proved to inquisitive and quite friendly. On this occasion Meghan decided to Read More …
East Creech
A couple of horses at the entrance to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kilwood Coppice. Normally found grazing in an adjacent field somebody had left the gate open and the horses decided the grass is greener on the other side. With areas of coppiced woodland, heathland, bogs Read More …
Higher Hyde Heath
Meadow Grasshoppers at Higher Hyde Heath. Can’t recall seeing a bright pink grasshopper before. Apparently the vivid pink is due to a genetic mutation known as erythrism. Perhaps unsurprisingly few pink grasshoppers survive to become adults. Female Sand Lizard Basking on one of the discarded Read More …
Kenworthy Wood
Kenworthy Wood Orchard Still in lockdown, still ridiculously busy but great seeing so many people taking an interest in their local environment. Green-veined White on Lady’s Smock or as it may be better known Cuckoo flower – again at Kenworthy. A less welcome plant – Read More …