Jan 6 2017
I’ve pretty much abandoned this blog for no particular reason (procrastination) and it’s been dormant for over three years. I read through some of the older posts and now regret not keeping it up to date as there are some … Continued
Trip Report – Portugal 10th-12th October 2013 including crossing the Bay of Biscay on 7th October 2013.
Introduction I had the opportunity to visit Portugal which involved driving a van to the Algarve for an event run by my family’s business and as a reward I had an expenses paid opportunity to stay on for two or … Continued
Elephants and Tigers in the Garden!
A superb catch of moths in the trap this morning with over 200 moths of about 30 species. Pick of the bunch were eight hawk moths – 5 elephant and 3 poplar. There were also several garden firsts including Ruby … Continued
Common Lizard, Bowland
I snatched a few brief hours in Bowland, and given the warm weather decided to look for Adders. I didn’t get any pictures of an Adder but I did see one on the path about 3 metres in front of … Continued
Hoverflies
Several hoverflies in the garden today availing of the now abundant nectar sources, including Rhingia Campestris. Hoverflies are important pollinators and predators of aphids. Rhingia Campestris Rhingia Campestris
Swifts at last
I’ve finally seen a swift this year, with three flying north over Mellor on May 17th! I think this is the latest date I’ve ever recorded. Yet again it has been a cold week. Other late records include cuckooflower which … Continued
Overdue butterflies
The butterflies are late this year, just like everything else in the garden. In previous years, orange-tips, small whites and green-veined whites have all been seen by now, but this year there have been none. The first butterflies to appear … Continued
Moths at last
The incessant cold weather and strong easterly winds that have been ever present for most of the last couple of months have meant no mothing in the garden. The trap did go out on a couple of occasions on mild … Continued
Frog chorus
I counted over 40 frogs in the pond today and about 20 lots of spawn. About three or four weeks later than usual but better late than never. The sound of the frogs croaking (singing?) was an absolute delight when … Continued
Barn Owl
After several failed attempts I finally managed to grab some reasonable photo’s one of the Barn Owls that frequently quarters the fields next to the house. Here’s the best of them.