A bit of catching up from an early autumn visit to Dorset. Normally on the south coast summer tends to linger on for that little bit longer than what we’re used to in the north of England. In the past we’ve even managed to get Read More …
Category: Insects
Ramble On
A few highlights from rambling around the chalk and limestone downs of the Isle of Purbeck with Jake. A large camera, long lens and a Border Collie bouncing around on the end of a lead has never been a good idea. The majority of the photo’s Read More …
In the Mire
Despite its tiny size this unusual fungi is unmistakeable in the dark shady areas of Dorset’s mires and bogs. Feeding off the remains of mosses and algae the fruiting bodies emerge from the depths to be held just above the water. This particular group was Read More …
Rockin n Reelin
Originally I was hoping to post this update a few weeks ago but 15 days wandering around Dorset and Oxfordshire without a reliable internet connection put paid to that idea. Better late than never. Several years ago the sound of the Grasshopper Warbler reeling away Read More …
Orange-tips & Blackcaps
Orange-tip – Kenworthy Wood, Northern Moor (opposite Chorlton Water Park) A quick catch-up from St George’s Day and a sunny weekend. Despite a cool breeze a surprising number of butterflies on the wing. In addition to the Orange-tips, several Small Tortoiseshell, Brimstones, Peacocks and even an Read More …
Reed all about it
Great to find a bit of time to call up to the RSPB’s Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. At least 7 Bearded Tits showing really well on and around the grit trays close to the causeway. Plenty more calling from deep within the reedbeds along with several Water Read More …
Bucking the Trend
A Small Copper on some late flowering Hemp Agrimony. On the back of a disastrous summer for Butterflies on reflection I think we must have been lucky. Certainly plenty around Durlston Country Park in mid September. Great to see the sun really bringing out the iridescence of the Small Read More …
Sika at Arne
Hmmm…..storm clouds gathering just after dawn. Not a good sign. Silver Birch dominated woodland at the RSPB’s Arne Nature Reserve. Sika hinds (female) and a calf amongst the heath. A more unusual white Sika hind. Normally associated with domestication and inbreeding the white variation appears Read More …
Norden Heath
Common Lizard Enjoying a few rays of sunshine at Norden Heath close to the boundary with Kilwood Nature Reserve. Sand Lizard Great to see the lizard taking advantage of a south west facing banking recently cleared of Gorse. Young Common Lizard Silver Y Moth Common Earthbumball Read More …