A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester One of the more colourful early spring butterflies usually seen on Cuckoo flower or Garlic Mustard (or in this case Dandelion). The bright orange tips of the males makes them unmistakable however as soon as a cloud drifts Read More …
So far it appears to have been a very good mating season for the thousands of Toads that live around Chorlton Water Park and the adjacent Mersey valley. The sheer spectacle of so many toads is one of the best wildlife experiences to Read More …
Courtship begins. A pair of Goosanders on the River Mersey opposite Chorlton Water Park. Until 4 years ago Goosanders were winter visitors departing north in late February/early March. More recently they’ve started to breed further upstream and can now be seen all year Read More …
Finally after weeks of rain it stopped for a whole day and I was able to get out once again with the camera and binoculars. Although they’re far from rare it’s always good to come across a communal nest of Wood Mice. There was around Read More …
Unusually this year Autumn seems to have arrived right on cue. Certainly no sign of an Indian summer. Several groups of Autumn Crocus are now in flower along the Mersey Valley. The most reliable spot appears to be where Chorlton Brook joins the Mersey at Read More …