A blog and photo journal about the natural history of north-west England and beyond
Green-winged Orchids at Clarke’s Pool Meadow, Gloucestershire A newly emerged Small Copper Butterfly Although somewhat variable in colour the “normal” Green-winged Orchid tends to be purple complete with green veining on the “wings”. A slightly paler version Note the green veining definitely one of the Read More …
Well mid January and its the same old story of another day, another downpour. Hard to recall a more gloomy and damp winter. If the weather had been half decent I’d have headed over to Derbyshire to see the over-wintering Parrot Crossbills but a long Read More …
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 …
A young Peregrine on the sea cliffs at Durlston Country Park waiting for one of the adults to return from hunting. With many migrants passing through or leaving the park to depart across the English Channel the wait is likely to have been a short Read More …
The amazing compound eyes of a Common Darter at Higher Hyde Heath. Must be very strange being able to see in every direction all at the same time. Common Darter enjoying a few rays of sunshine. Sand Lizard (female). Although Higher Hyde Heath has Read More …
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 …