The unmistakeable, male Keeled Skimmer catching the morning sunshine at Higher Hyde Heath. Aggressive and strongly territorial eventually I managed to approach it without spooking it. Fortunately in common with many other insects they do have a tendency to return to a favourite spots for Read More …
Category: Insects
Lord of the Rings
Ringlet, Higher Hyde Heath A quick trip up the road whilst staying in Dorset to Higher Hyde Heath. Mid July 28C we didn’t expect to see a lot however there’s always something to be found. Gatekeeper The sheer number of Butterflies was astounding with the Read More …
Fireflies
Fireflies in the Olive groves between Sorrento and Masa Lubrense, Italy Recently returned from a couple of weeks on the Sorrentine Peninsula. With it being our first visit to Campania we weren’t really sure what to expect in the way of wildlife. On the 2nd Read More …
More from Ainsdale
Dark Green Fritillary Dark Green Fritillary nectaring on Hawkbit at Ainsdale Dunes Kidney Vetch A classic plant associated with dry grasslands. Although more common on the chalk downs and cliffs the high lime content of the sand dunes allows it to thrive at Ainsdale. Meadow Read More …
Brimstone & Peacocks
Male Brimstone at Chorlton Water Park Amazing the difference a bit of sunshine can make. On the insect front plenty of Peacocks, Brimstones, Small Tortoiseshell’s and Orange Tips around with the occasional Comma.The local Blackcaps, Whitethroats and Grasshopper Warblers have arrived to join the Chiffchaffs Read More …
Mud glorious mud
Peacock butterfly nectaring on Willow catkins. In contrast to last month’s trip up north to Silverdale and Arnside on this occasion it was gloriously sunny. In fact, after 6 hrs in the sunshine I even managed to get slightly sunburnt. Great to see plenty of Read More …
The Sands of Time
Ainsdale late March 2013. A remarkable and ever changing landscape. Normally the location for a late Spring/Summer visit. On this occasion it was an opportunity to escape the maddening crowds of Formby. Red Velvet Mite One of the tiny insects normally dismissed as a “money Read More …
Parasols and Orbs
Back up north and its grim. It’s also really noticeable how quickly winter is approaching. Another 3 weeks and we’ll be back to walking around in the darkness. Great to see the Garden Orb spiders are still busy When the female has mated, her Read More …
Stinkhorns and Stumps
A beautiful, sunny early morning spent walking through the woodlands at Arne stopping to watch a Spotted Flycatcher, a group of Willow Warblers and a Sika Stag when suddenly a gust of wind carrying the unmistakeable stench of a Stinkhorn stopped us in our tracks. Read More …