A Wall Lizard enjoying the remains of a discarded barbecue. Released many years ago this colony has become naturalised and appears to be thriving in one of the many quarries found on the Dorset coast. Wall Lizard distracted by a fly before dashing into a Read More …
Category: Reptiles
Higher Hyde Heath
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 …
Dorset Heath
Male Sand Lizard at Higher Hyde HeathAlways great to see these wonderful lizards. It’s just a shame that the Kestrels appear to be far better at finding them than me. Plenty of debris for the lizards to hide in. Also a few Slow-worms and Common Read More …
Brownsea Island
Thought I’d seen it all but this is a new one. 28C and gloriously sunny. Next year it’ll be Pimms and Iced Teas. More unexpected cargo being transported across the Millionaire’s playground of Poole harbour. White Admiral Again, another unexpected sighting. I didn’t really expect Read More …
Dragons and Peacocks
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 …
More from Italy
Ivy Broomrape, Sorrento The parasitic Ivy Broomrape in the hills above Sorrento. Amazing how common this particular Broomrape is. It can even be found growing within the centre of Sorrento outside one of the more exclusive hotels. Naturalised Prickly Pear and Morning Glory, Capri Prickly Read More …
Italian Wall Lizards
Italian Wall Lizard – Sorrento, Italy Strange to recall that the last Wall Lizards we’d seen were on the outskirts of Bournemouth. Great to finally catch up with their Italian relatives. In actual fact it was difficult to avoid them. Every wall and patch of Read More …
Dragons and Lizards
Keeled Skimmer (female)A real specialist of pools in wet heathland and bogs. This particular female had just emerged and was surprisingly approachable. Unfortunately none of the bright blue males were around. Sand Lizard (male)Definitely the most spectacular of our native lizards especially when the Read More …
Shapwick Heath and Westhay
Shapwick Heath is a superb National Nature Reserve but ridiculously busy – even during the week. A bit of local knowledge would have been useful I suspect its one of those areas that rewards regular visitors who’ve got the time and knowledge to escape the Read More …