Last weekend I was privileged to go on the BTO Bird Camp which is funded by the Cameron Bespolka Trust.  This is a weekend that is aimed at helping young birdwatchers to learn new skills and to get to know others with similar interests. Friday 24th May After a somewhat slow journey due to the … Continue reading BTO Bird Camp – 2019 →

The scarlet tiger is a day flying moth found locally over southern England. This species flies from May to June usually in sunny conditions. This year I have found the caterpillars on nettle and green alkanet. I reared the caterpillars through to pupation and the first one emerged early last week. The garden has produced … Continue reading More moths →

On our way to the Lake District, we decided to stop off at Leighton Moss. As soon as we arrived a marsh harrier drifted overhead and then proceeded to circle over the reed beds. It was a beautiful sunny day with a mild breeze that passed through the reeds, creating a eerie hissing sound. During … Continue reading Leighton Moss →

Nearby to us there is a large area of wet woodland. The habitat supports a limited but unusual variety of flora. The area is subject to winter flooding so is therefore filled with wild summer snowflake. The delicate summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) in its natural habitat. In spring the nettles are only just emerging, therefore … Continue reading The wild wet woodland →

During a brief spot of reasonable weather a couple of weeks ago, a stunning red breasted merganser dropped in at our local patch. Due to the great distance from the sea this was a rare sighting. The evening light allowed for great views of its metallic plumage. This male saw-bill had arrived with a female … Continue reading Puzzling merganser →

As well as the obvious change in plants, spring and summer migrant birds are arriving. During the last birding walk, I saw my first chiff-chaff of the year. Not a particularly unusual species, but it was a sign of the coming season. Another change in the avian world was a green sandpiper directly in front … Continue reading Spring bird watching →

Spring has started. The mild temperatures are just one of the indicators that the new season has nearly arrived. Similarly to last year, the current moth species consist of hebrew character, common quaker, oak beauty, small quaker, clouded drab, march moth and lead coloured drab. The plants of spring are also emerging. Wild summer snowflakes … Continue reading Spring is here →