Sand Lizard (female) A few photographs from a far too brief visit to Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Higher Hyde Heath reserve in late July. Black Darter (female) One of several also plenty of the blue males around. In general compared to previous years far fewer Dragonflies Read More …
Category: Insects
Grub up
Following on from the heat of mid-week a day off work was the ideal opportunity to take a trip to the seaside. Torn between Ainsdale and Morecambe Bay we headed west to the sand dunes of Ainsdale National Nature Reserve. Upon arrival it was noticeable Read More …
Damsels and Dragons
Four Spotted Chaser – Westhay Moor NNR, Somerset. Black-tailed Skimmer soaking up the early morning sunshine on one of the droves at Westhay. Another Four Spotted Chaser with this one being close by at Ham Wall. Remarkable to see hundreds of Four Spotted Chasers sheltering Read More …
Bernwood Meadows
A spectacular display of Green winged Orchids and Meadow Buttercups in the traditionally managed Bernwood Meadows, Oxfordshire. Also 3 Cuckoos calling from the adjacent woodland. The “standard” purple form of the Green winged Orchid. Great to see that for once the Victorians chose an appropriate Read More …
Warbler and Weasel
Returning this year on the 21st April the continuous chattering song of the Reed Warbler is one of the more distinctive bird songs found around Chorlton Water Park. Whilst the song is instantly recognizable trying to get a clear view of one is a bit Read More …
Arrival from Africa
The local Whitehroats have been returning to their summer territories over the past couple of weeks. The distinctive scratchy warble is unmistakable and a real sign that summer is just around the corner. The first wave of this year’s arrivals seemed to be relatively quiet Read More …
Butterflies from the Woodland edge
Peacock Butterfly on the freshly opened Cherry blossom at the edge of the Orchard in Kenworthy Wood. Also several Small Tortoiseshells and a Brimstone. Great to see the warm sunshine has brought out many of the local butterflies. A male Orange Tip on a fresh Read More …
Autumn – but not as we know it.
Nuthatch at Leighton Moss. Blue Tit taking advantage of the remaining blackberries. At first I assumed it was after the grubs that tend to live within the berries however after watching it more closely it became clear it was plucking the individual drupelets off each Read More …
Jack Scout
Autumn Lady’s Tresses one of our more unusual native orchids growing in the limestone grassland overlooking Morecambe Bay. Tiny and very easy to overlook at least 40 spikes including several doubles hidden away in the grassland. Surprising to see several fresh male Brimstones. Still Read More …