tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70752992215893518612024-03-09T00:40:54.763+00:00One Step BeyondIan Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-48863720457813872162012-07-20T08:51:00.000+01:002012-07-20T08:51:00.103+01:00A Familiar, Slipper and Birds Eye<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FUHaspMl3zk/T-wNIXADWXI/AAAAAAAABUU/5ifCq_D-BZs/s1600-h/P10603595.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060359" border="0" alt="P1060359" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pJXogfh9Gto/T-wNJBKza0I/AAAAAAAABUc/V9V3h8FQ_4k/P1060359_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="900"></a><br><em>Lady’s Slipper Orchid (part of the reintroduction programme)</em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left">Officially declared extinct in 1917 due to over zealous Victorian collectors a single plant was rediscovered in the craven district of Yorkshire in 1930. Since then the location of the last of the Lady Slipper Orchids has remained a closely guarded secret. In 2007 the RHS began to micropropagate and clone the craven plant. Gait Barrows was chosen as one of the first reintroduction sites. Whether or not they’d survive without Rob the Natural England site manager fighting a battle with the slugs and snails is debateable. </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HpkqIN9RYRo/T-wNJqORHTI/AAAAAAAABUk/1rofYoZIAOk/s1600-h/P10603805.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060380" border="0" alt="P1060380" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M3TqRiHgt5M/T-wNKOIUhMI/AAAAAAAABUs/i5dNpcmz3_s/P1060380_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U7f4PW9GH4E/T-wNKk5ATLI/AAAAAAAABU0/DwkpAlckujY/s1600-h/P10603826.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060382" border="0" alt="P1060382" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43sagpdCNOM/T-wNLDdpAXI/AAAAAAAABU8/SfXEqxO8k8c/P1060382_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><em>Birds-eye Primrose</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600">Another nationally scare plant the Birds Eye Primula is native to the limestone hills and damp pastures of north Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire. Sadly the unimproved pastures it depends upon has become increasingly uncommon leading to its decline. The common name is derived from the yellow “eye” of the flower and it’s resemblance to the eye of a male Blackbird.<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vEUohJ00CpE/T-wNMLsftfI/AAAAAAAABVE/H0AV69MLI6o/s1600-h/DSC_19596.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1959" border="0" alt="DSC_1959" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZZyNmqSKdLM/T-wNMuegKPI/AAAAAAAABVM/LiGGIEbeh50/DSC_1959_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>Brown Hare</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600">Look at those ears twitching! Certainly not your average bunny. Introduced from Europe in the iron age I came across this one feeding on the grass next to Challon Hall. </td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-34591496693200431102012-07-16T18:53:00.000+01:002012-07-16T18:53:00.189+01:00Kimmeridge Bay<p>One of the very few designated marine nature reserves within the country and another part of the Jurassic Coast. Although fossils can be found within the shale cliffs the cliffs are constantly crumbling away. With a layer of limestone directly above the shale collecting fossils from Kimmeridge appears to be rather foolish.</p> <p>The diversity of the marine life is staggering. Underneath the clear, shallow waters a reef extends out into the bay. Glass-bottom kayaks and snorkelling equipment is available to hire but if you’d prefer to stay dry a visit at low tide reveals some of the sights.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--xc2l7rRrKo/T-HhKiWHH2I/AAAAAAAABLw/-HGaq9M5xWQ/s1600-h/P10600449.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060044" border="0" alt="P1060044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5iWXBkAww-4/T-HhNt5w1BI/AAAAAAAABL4/qAxTrUab2Sc/P1060044_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jhcGtOzj-5s/T-HhOp9nmvI/AAAAAAAABMA/lo9BzWwzjgU/s1600-h/P10601105.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060110" border="0" alt="P1060110" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XvAwZ2rBnhY/T-HhPPfkxnI/AAAAAAAABMI/UZgq38xfecw/P1060110_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kf-P_iMJ2Po/T-HhP6xrLiI/AAAAAAAABMQ/501JqihAm5A/s1600-h/P10601435.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060143" border="0" alt="P1060143" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WGdNJma-0I4/T-HhQonYF2I/AAAAAAAABMY/Zqk8h_jkwZ8/P1060143_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AyeSJ74G7gA/T-HhRUn57cI/AAAAAAAABMg/u3ITqtRydxc/s1600-h/P10601595.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060159" border="0" alt="P1060159" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u0VcFQl0X8o/T-HhRozkoCI/AAAAAAAABMo/2CyO3wV95DA/P1060159_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2zwSKnIVClM/T-HhSTVVswI/AAAAAAAABMw/BZpIs-2yRSA/s1600-h/P10600035.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060003" border="0" alt="P1060003" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RFrtmFXbLbs/T-HhTDYiG0I/AAAAAAAABM4/CK0BjB-jAIw/P1060003_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S2sMreSHrpY/T-HhT_vyEmI/AAAAAAAABNA/7zBh7cBMb2c/s1600-h/P10600075.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060007" border="0" alt="P1060007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UpGg_4TX9Dg/T-HhUZPhtII/AAAAAAAABNI/eYoi9uBR5I4/P1060007_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zc0Xo36BeL0/T-HhVDoNzgI/AAAAAAAABNQ/foy8vmN6iKE/s1600-h/P10600286.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060028" border="0" alt="P1060028" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LmCq3Xye8XU/T-HhVlKWscI/AAAAAAAABNY/NJf9ibOZiOo/P1060028_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fVraBrlEECM/T-HhWZE-wZI/AAAAAAAABNg/2auiSYKV9VM/s1600-h/P10601115.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1060111" border="0" alt="P1060111" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oP2r8x2qRLs/T-HhW9-1GXI/AAAAAAAABNo/R9L7RGeLgQ0/P1060111_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z2vfEftmpDE/T-HhZzFx24I/AAAAAAAABNw/UEzWq9mFL9Y/s1600-h/P10509545.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050954" border="0" alt="P1050954" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qeFlU61xv1c/T-HhaQbTfkI/AAAAAAAABN4/OmcSi1-zDU8/P1050954_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a></td></tr></tbody></table></p> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-72840357989588658762012-07-12T13:00:00.000+01:002012-07-12T13:00:06.413+01:00A Touch of the Mediterranean<p>Amongst the terns and Black-headed Gulls on Brownsea Island we came across one of the 450 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls that are thought to have made Britain their home since the first breeding attempt in 1968. </p> <p>With the blue sky, temperature of 80 degrees, sun block, shorts and tee shirt it even felt like the Mediterranean. Although superficially similar to a Black-headed Gull the Mediterranean Gull appeared to have more of a predatory instinct constantly flying over the terns looking for unattended eggs. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uS4-SzCCkl0/T-BqpQwivLI/AAAAAAAABKA/fLBqBMvB5C8/s1600-h/DSC_14365.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1436" border="0" alt="DSC_1436" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E8CJM9U0PTM/T-BqpmA5ZuI/AAAAAAAABKI/vyUr4adzGIE/DSC_1436_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-36BNeXSXJjY/T-BqqevZ1cI/AAAAAAAABKQ/VKVGUF-J6uI/s1600-h/DSC_13635.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1363" border="0" alt="DSC_1363" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Low9jEo_4Y/T-Bqq90Ez0I/AAAAAAAABKY/MRwNTveo5k0/DSC_1363_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KA92uvvkhko/T-BqrgBCC6I/AAAAAAAABKg/rZEvDIMYuh4/s1600-h/DSC_14305.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1430" border="0" alt="DSC_1430" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qOxu3umwSmw/T-BqsmDRZjI/AAAAAAAABKo/KWADcnHp8Kg/DSC_1430_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eeWG_U_EaPU/T-BqtOgHXaI/AAAAAAAABKw/i2ueN80u4TA/s1600-h/DSC_13715.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1371" border="0" alt="DSC_1371" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EnacVF7O_qY/T-Bqto0ElvI/AAAAAAAABK4/cU-ktX4ftEQ/DSC_1371_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bwVXxol71jQ/T-BquNHKU5I/AAAAAAAABLA/wdvP-04pVAE/s1600-h/DSC_14025.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1402" border="0" alt="DSC_1402" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-liIfhuq1H68/T-Bquggh2iI/AAAAAAAABLI/wSMiI1-lv4I/DSC_1402_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Hopefully next time we visit a Hoopoe or a pair of Bee-eaters will drop in <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile" alt="Surprised smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yMT8wuJUb5w/T-Bqu0DBQqI/AAAAAAAABLQ/iJhnyErMZys/wlEmoticon-surprisedsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-7464855558921805202012-07-08T18:06:00.000+01:002012-07-08T18:06:00.166+01:00Sandwich Terns<p>A few photo’s from a brief visit to the Sandwich Tern colony at the DWT reserve on Brownsea Island. The noise and non-stop action certainly helped to make it a memorable visit. In addition to the Sandwich Terns there’s was also several pairs of Common Terns and a single pair of the rare Roseate Terns. Unfortunately the Roseate’s were too far away to photograph. Perhaps one for next year if there’s still a few pairs on Inner Farne.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eb-0hSXQ9VY/T-CxqGnmDCI/AAAAAAAABLc/14yqykxqKcI/s1600-h/DSC_1414%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1414" border="0" alt="DSC_1414" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jw-K2sypV6c/T-CxqvzvVpI/AAAAAAAABLk/1YVR9RRLeDA/DSC_1414_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WBGHiVRh5Jc/T-A1CP8y96I/AAAAAAAABIk/QXSge_Ct64I/s1600-h/DSC_1354%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1354" border="0" alt="DSC_1354" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MFjWhGaxKys/T-A1ChU227I/AAAAAAAABIs/DCynfXB3p5g/DSC_1354_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZZeL_m5-iO0/T-A1DBffjfI/AAAAAAAABIw/sUiWRGInCxs/s1600-h/DSC_1261%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1261" border="0" alt="DSC_1261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6iQqJYP4MeA/T-A1GbAe0SI/AAAAAAAABI4/C-DKrjLim0Y/DSC_1261_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>Sandwich Tern bringing in a Sand-eel</em> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-R4M9CkJk6ek/T-A1G90wtoI/AAAAAAAABJA/eOPk14-Zpag/s1600-h/DSC_1303%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1303" border="0" alt="DSC_1303" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VTd1OFzwv8g/T-A1HbOXLeI/AAAAAAAABJI/sHehhUgLoMI/DSC_1303_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br><em>and another one</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-17rz-GE_MNU/T-A1H2tK3XI/AAAAAAAABJQ/q-8ZTVx0RnI/s1600-h/DSC_1281%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1281" border="0" alt="DSC_1281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tiD7ix0MEZ8/T-A1JOs5I_I/AAAAAAAABJY/hALcScDYXfI/DSC_1281_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br><em>and yet another</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1jBxlKtI0Q/T-A1LhVvgiI/AAAAAAAABJg/sOJnIzGvbaA/s1600-h/DSC_1350%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1350" border="0" alt="DSC_1350" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h4nqY31yl_I/T-A1MJbdYqI/AAAAAAAABJo/yiBjRFzswjM/DSC_1350_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="906"></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p>Apparently the day before our visit a Nightjar had spent all day roosting on one of the posts holding up the screens at the edge of the causeway to the MacDonald Hide. Would have been good to see but fortunately we were lucky enough to experience them flying over us at Arne.</p> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-18148569270152245382012-07-06T20:43:00.000+01:002012-07-06T20:43:00.515+01:00Garston Wood<p>An amazing area of woodland historically managed as hazel coppice and now part of the RSPB’s Dorset estate. </p> <p>Until recently it was one of the few areas left that was reasonably reliable for Turtle Dove and the Hazel Dormouse. Whilst Dormouse can still be found legally I think we’d be on dodgy territory checking the numerous “nest boxes” so we decided to let sleeping dormice lie. </p> <p>Mammals seen included Hares and Fallow Deer. The birdlife included most of the normal woodland species. Undoubtedly the highlight of the woodland in mid May was the spectacular ground flora.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kudJ7uNroSU/T9zi1p065YI/AAAAAAAABDY/u4s6Z9drNkc/s1600-h/P1050703%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050703" border="0" alt="P1050703" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vB9ZxDdvU2Y/T9zi28gC_NI/AAAAAAAABDg/vv9vszLyiKw/P1050703_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="900"></a><br><em>Birds-nest Orchid</em></p> <p align="left">A rare saprophytic orchid that lives off a fungi that has a symbiotic relationship with the roots of Hazel – no wonder its rare !</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LvrWI5bo6bU/T9zi3nVUqAI/AAAAAAAABDo/El-dUR5rpYY/s1600-h/P1050668%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050668" border="0" alt="P1050668" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZmPyxn8A1s0/T9zi4SCrFsI/AAAAAAAABDw/fMxyGv4R6KE/P1050668_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>An unusually pale Early Purple Orchid</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jxK5iENI-5s/T9zi48Ps2EI/AAAAAAAABD4/o7DjMEY-ty4/s1600-h/P1050693%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050693" border="0" alt="P1050693" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D72sD5XbtYE/T9zi5dc2xmI/AAAAAAAABEA/jv_IHQUzx54/P1050693_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>Common Twayblade – another woodland orchid</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YxxX8oBuo08/T9zi52ZlmLI/AAAAAAAABEI/zQwV83bApRU/s1600-h/P1050687%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050687" border="0" alt="P1050687" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BGyuC8dOH3Q/T9zi6mgjtfI/AAAAAAAABEQ/dIROBc1MVWM/P1050687_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="900"></a><br><em>Sanicle – a favourites of the herbalists in the Middle Ages</em> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mUtruGkRECI/T9zi7MNu6ZI/AAAAAAAABEY/BIPAOpbf0Sc/s1600-h/P1050666%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050666" border="0" alt="P1050666" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RyqKpVoVEAw/T9zi7h2S-hI/AAAAAAAABEg/5tiQal7LxR8/P1050666_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>Yellow Archangel</em> </p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7cNdhknoR9g/T9zi-Gwzy2I/AAAAAAAABEo/L2-h6o0tP6s/s1600-h/P1050724%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050724" border="0" alt="P1050724" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q5cYWqkE_Xs/T9zjAbRy0MI/AAAAAAAABEw/0B07jClbYoI/P1050724_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>Toothwort - another saprophyte occasionally found on Hazel</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-49434894918582005322012-07-04T09:13:00.000+01:002012-07-04T09:13:00.381+01:00Fossil Forest<!-- made by www.metatags.org --> <meta name="description" content="Fossil Forest, Lulworth Cove, Jurassic Coast, One Step beyond a natural history blog on the wildlife found around south Manchester, north-west England and .....beyond"> <meta name="keywords" content="Fossil Forest, Lulworth Cove, Jurassic Coast, One Step beyond"> <meta name="author" content="metatags generator"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow"> <meta name="revisit-after" content="3 month"> <p>Located just to the east of Lulworth Cove inside the military firing ranges the fossil forest is one of the highlights of the “Jurrasic Coast.”</p> <p>Towards the end of the Jurassic period the sea level dropped creating a group of islands surrounded by salty lagoons. For a short period of time a tropical forest of giant cypress and ferns flourished before the sea rose again. The forest was then flooded under a shallow lagoon. Thick mats of algae grew across the forest floor and around the base of the trees and fallen logs. Sediments stuck to the algae and built up over time to form large doughnut-shaped ‘burrs' around the trees and wood. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CKJAw5RkZwE/T974HwDtFrI/AAAAAAAABHQ/zvyqAIC6VEM/s1600-h/Untitled-15.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-1" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XfZ2maHIPoI/T974I7dPa0I/AAAAAAAABHY/fBK_afGrRfk/Untitled-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>approximately 144 million years ago</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3n7Ocr3eahA/T974MULhmFI/AAAAAAAABHg/-wWyelsLBEM/s1600-h/DSC_09356.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0935" border="0" alt="DSC_0935" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9-pzVzjbWd8/T974NncsA2I/AAAAAAAABHo/_PrxN-Q2QN4/DSC_0935_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-08c1uBbwMbY/T974OFBAwcI/AAAAAAAABHw/L9l5MDFSCSo/s1600-h/DSC_09595.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0959" border="0" alt="DSC_0959" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kJnve5fd1to/T974O1n0XrI/AAAAAAAABH4/uEEiWkKq_GI/DSC_0959_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7fVZiVr7VKE/T974PhucHPI/AAAAAAAABIA/eyno2_ua5RY/s1600-h/DSC_09775.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0977" border="0" alt="DSC_0977" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jba56Zz3Ff0/T974QYTOEyI/AAAAAAAABII/XwwKT2Q5424/DSC_0977_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <p>The Fossil Forest is now the most complete fossil record of a Jurassic forest in the world. </p> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-63787283679838835082012-06-29T11:00:00.000+01:002012-06-29T11:00:02.211+01:00Durlston Country Park<p>Another very impressive National Nature Reserve and country park to the west of Swanage town centre overlooking the bay. To date it’s the best public park I’ve been to in this country it really is a superb area. Even if you can’t visit the park their <a href="http://www.durlston.co.uk/index.php?id=3&dry_id=2&nid=66" target="_blank">website</a> knocks spots off most others. Every time we’ve visited there’s been something different to see.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-riZPrOOKKkw/T93uA7N3cOI/AAAAAAAABE8/nYINI51M5Ew/s1600-h/DSC_09035.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Black Redstart" border="0" alt="Black Redstart" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UoS5a2w4i00/T93uBfSAN8I/AAAAAAAABFE/UCldKFQTFZI/DSC_0903_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>A rare Black Redstart (male). One of the circa 30 pairs that breed in Britain each year</em></p> <p align="right"> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r5rdKfk6ZYs/T93uB3WJk3I/AAAAAAAABFM/o7fgb3VPmPI/s1600-h/DSC_09205.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Black Redstart" border="0" alt="Black Redstart" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A2qiDr0gAvA/T93uCWtm3ZI/AAAAAAAABFU/D5_I89HbR9A/DSC_0920_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>Black Redstart with a small caterpillar on it’s way back to the nest site</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u5-mdIHQnG8/T93uDGPl4yI/AAAAAAAABFc/6ovocTD5VmA/s1600-h/P10508007.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sainfoin" border="0" alt="Sainfoin" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jfNIMpZUt6k/T93uDqjZEhI/AAAAAAAABFk/R2-0_xh3SMA/P1050800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="208"></em></a><br><em>Sainfoin</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AcbWyWIrRQk/T93uEH9Ju2I/AAAAAAAABFs/R03czkFDugs/s1600-h/P10508666.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Early English Gentian" border="0" alt="Early English Gentian" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mkau8MoaW24/T93uEki-A_I/AAAAAAAABF0/eeScFQttHZI/P1050866_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="208"></a><br><em>Early English Gentian</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4LL6lRIyUzc/T93uFSgrQwI/AAAAAAAABF8/dkUOxgsBk_s/s1600-h/P10508865.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Early English Gentian" border="0" alt="Early English Gentian" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o09MhQ1ZLac/T93uF9iQphI/AAAAAAAABGE/z7oh3SiyBQE/P1050886_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></em></a><br><em>The rare Early English Gentian growing amongst the short grass close to the lighthouse.</em></p> <p align="right"> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hpb68Sv9RyI/T93uGZhEtdI/AAAAAAAABGM/bgh0XBG87BI/s1600-h/P10602429.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Adders Tongue Fern" border="0" alt="Adders Tongue Fern" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zZSBfJFNLbM/T93uG5Y-MWI/AAAAAAAABGU/dRtmzLyUEw4/P1060242_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>Another easily missed uncommon plant – Adder’s Tongue Fern</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W__HfFpY7NU/T93uJLp6XCI/AAAAAAAABGc/J0NpXyuQs6M/s1600-h/P10508045.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Early Spider Orchid" border="0" alt="Early Spider Orchid" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GWHK6mwJ4CU/T93uJhc1SPI/AAAAAAAABGk/-yD0xGg1lew/P1050804_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="447"></a><br><em>One of the rarest Orchids in Britain – the Early Spider Orchid</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XD7pphUNMJ0/T93uPswR1kI/AAAAAAAABGs/xzcfm3oT8Lg/s1600-h/P10603155.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Durlston Head" border="0" alt="Durlston Head" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HMkHqPEli5A/T93uQDUzHKI/AAAAAAAABG0/12szzylk6R4/P1060315_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><em>Looking west towards Peveril Point from Durlston Head</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sH30nPFJe7o/T93uQ8KN7SI/AAAAAAAABG8/Ah-UcPwxaqs/s1600-h/P10603105.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Kidney Vetch" border="0" alt="Kidney Vetch" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G9dEZRc3D30/T93uRfpYHGI/AAAAAAAABHE/k3YukCj2y8s/P1060310_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><em>Kidney Vetch an important food source for the Adonis Blue growing on the seacliffs</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-66067244497099925252012-06-21T22:11:00.000+01:002012-06-28T15:02:46.639+01:00Higher Hyde Heath – part 2In addition to the Dragonflies, Butterflies, Birds and heathland flora the main attraction at Higher Hyde Heath is the healthy population of the elusive Sand Lizard. Although I’ve been fortunate enough to see them before at Arne and closer to home at Ainsdale, they’ve been in so much cover its proved difficult to get a decent photograph. <br />
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<i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8yScnRypQJY/T9kCAuLkkjI/AAAAAAAABB0/esFr3nt2RLg/s1600-h/DSC_0718%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0718" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eVry6lOuaVM/T9kCBNhnKAI/AAAAAAAABB8/Jue6y9k9pZw/DSC_0718_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0718" width="600" /></a>Sand Lizard (male)</i></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HnAK9vy0K34/T9kCCaj1N8I/AAAAAAAABCE/sNsUwjwCFB4/s1600-h/DSC_0691%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0691" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uP_G0zIlmg8/T9kCDNf6JXI/AAAAAAAABCM/MSmD3pD4eQE/DSC_0691_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0691" width="600" /></a><br />
<i>Sand Lizard (male)</i></div>
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<i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9i9sPrgA3ic/T9kCECXF_HI/AAAAAAAABCU/gwyw0aqlWzg/s1600-h/DSC_1159%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1159" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uxtEMswoOvo/T9kCEzkJFsI/AAAAAAAABCc/w3RX4lKMI1E/DSC_1159_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1159" width="600" /></a>Sand Lizard (female)</i></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6KsfWffd8mI/T9kCGL0IorI/AAAAAAAABCk/7hbYurJS7C4/s1600-h/DSC_0583%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0583" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-44DsxzNZWbY/T9kCG8J31jI/AAAAAAAABCs/lP0sOek5IhM/DSC_0583_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0583" width="600" /></a><i>Sand Lizard (female)</i></div>
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As well as the Sand Lizards Higher Hyde heath also has plenty of Common Lizards. Grass snakes, Adders, Slow worms and even the rare Smooth Snake can also be found.<i> </i>A very impressive reserve hopefully next time we’ll have a bit more time to explore it. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6ZnOe_qwE7M/T9kCHo_quVI/AAAAAAAABC0/F20iwhSdSbw/s1600-h/DSC_1141%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_1141" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pgFL4pVOrW8/T9kCIej1HEI/AAAAAAAABC8/BslgAZyj6pI/DSC_1141_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_1141" width="600" /></a><br />
<i>Common Lizard doing its best to control the horseflies</i></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7bvB0Nhaaqk/T9kCJcuWrdI/AAAAAAAABDE/SZ6e4_mrJcI/s1600-h/DSC_0559%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_0559" border="0" height="398" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rh9rL8634po/T9kCKJZobJI/AAAAAAAABDM/1Y8qPywQ-L0/DSC_0559_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_0559" width="600" /></a><br />
<i>Basking Common Lizards (larger pale one is the female)</i></div>
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</tbody></table>Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-57210707963984190052012-06-16T22:08:00.000+01:002012-06-19T08:20:42.037+01:00Higher Hyde Heath – part 1<div> <p> </p> <p>An exceptional nature reserve managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately at the time of our visit the tails around the heathland and bog were impassable due to the heavy rains and high water table. Therefore we explored the area around the bird hide, pond and what looked like a former builders yard. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yt2HpRetyz8/T9kBfmZpqOI/AAAAAAAABA0/n1KeB9CDUhc/s1600-h/P1050605-18.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050605-1" border="0" alt="P1050605-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AXBRadMGhnM/T9kBgoUumTI/AAAAAAAABA8/9sUoZnMnFIw/P1050605-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="404"></a></em><em>Entrance sign to DWT Higher Hyde Heath (click and view larger photo for clearer text)</em></p> <p align="right"><em></em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><em><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4fegOVms9RU/T9kBhr_VW3I/AAAAAAAABBE/13gN-DGNKUM/s1600-h/DSC_05175.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Green Hairstreak" border="0" alt="Green Hairstreak" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uVY9zb1DQCw/T9kBid5aojI/AAAAAAAABBM/2hFdufhjR7o/DSC_0517_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a>Green Hairstreak</em></p> <p align="right"><em></em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SMgFLfb95oY/T9kBjQP6s8I/AAAAAAAABBU/RSrSbuVQ8DY/s1600-h/DSC_1183-15.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1183-1" border="0" alt="DSC_1183-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6QH3N3WdSbE/T9kBkBbnRgI/AAAAAAAABBc/rMirfL0zQCM/DSC_1183-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>Green Hairstreak (female) egg laying)</em></p> <p align="right"><em></em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rsHNTl6zcmk/T9kBlJq2ReI/AAAAAAAABBk/RtBAhffcFsU/s1600-h/DSC_06179.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0617" border="0" alt="DSC_0617" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y4RoDk3mdcU/T9kBl7U0YgI/AAAAAAAABBs/3v6i0FlaHnM/DSC_0617_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a>Female Downy Emerald Dragonfly drying its wings after recently emerging</em></p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><br>Due to the flooded trails unfortunately we had to give the tiny <a href="http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/sitefolders/wildlife/wildflowers/orchids/bog/bogorchidpage.html" target="_blank">Bog Orchids</a> a miss (not that we would have found them), likewise the Sundews and the pale Butterwort. One of the locals did advise against exploring the heathland at this time of year because of the phenomenal number of ticks. One day we’ll return - armed with a bottle of Deet.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-3719951880793550852012-06-13T15:45:00.000+01:002012-06-13T15:45:00.041+01:00Dancing Ledge<p>A great area of chalk downland managed by the National Trust next to the SW Coast Path -close to Langton Matravers.</p> <p>Beneath the downland this part of the “Jurassic Coast” has a long history of quarrying. Although originally this must have been an incredibly destructive nowadays the former quarries are now valuable for their wildlife.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8EdzrcXZAiM/T9NisgZ1hCI/AAAAAAAAA7k/r_mabGfhepk/s1600-h/P1050528-15.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050528-1" border="0" alt="P1050528-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tz2va93RByg/T9NitZBy-kI/AAAAAAAAA7s/bJ47yQBdw1c/P1050528-1_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Wall Brown</em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pR6ZP568V7g/T9NiutG_W_I/AAAAAAAAA70/POhQglbayIQ/s1600-h/DSC_04605.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0460" border="0" alt="DSC_0460" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YHAmG8D4tIw/T9NivW_B88I/AAAAAAAAA78/NlAdB5yzj_o/DSC_0460_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="398"></a><br><em>Adder (male</em> </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left">Somebody once told me they can jump, as per a coiled spring. Although I wasn’t convinced I decide not too get too close – just in case.</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4_2Z63tBZlI/T9NiwtkJy4I/AAAAAAAAA8E/97a_OqtST94/s1600-h/DSC_04615.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0461" border="0" alt="DSC_0461" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Um659h1jm18/T9NixNpPVfI/AAAAAAAAA8M/fDlTGn8IvKE/DSC_0461_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br>If you select the photo you may be able to make out the Adder tasting the air.</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bw9D0iBulGQ/T9NiyZFWUBI/AAAAAAAAA8U/Z-adGe3kpus/s1600-h/DSC_04635.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0463" border="0" alt="DSC_0463" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x36UdLWXOPc/T9Niy9eMUnI/AAAAAAAAA8c/S7EckCu5EZk/DSC_0463_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br>Fortunately the Adder decided I didn’t “taste” like a mouse or vole so it lost interest and slithered away.<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E_maSarEIsU/T9Niz_zu3VI/AAAAAAAAA8k/YUh1JnuJ5sI/s1600-h/P10505785.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050578" border="0" alt="P1050578" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZyXc094u0qg/T9Ni0QCqeKI/AAAAAAAAA8s/jlMV7K2qx9U/P1050578_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Nothing lasts for ever - Old quarry machinery, Langton Matravers</em> </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cP-Wx3jbKyA/T9Ni1df2Z5I/AAAAAAAAA80/q0y0MTSK71o/s1600-h/P10505335.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050533" border="0" alt="P1050533" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YETccZhGtfE/T9Ni15BfgxI/AAAAAAAAA88/lbE-87Bl4oE/P1050533_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br>Normally this field is home to the largest colony of Early Spider Orchids in the country. This year there wasn’t any to be found. Hopefully this was down to the lack of rainfall rather than the presence of Daisy<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j55n_nVhJ3k/T9Ni4zLj1_I/AAAAAAAAA9E/STQl1PhZdHo/s1600-h/P10505415.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050541" border="0" alt="P1050541" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ncCtcUOTY0g/T9Ni5f8TOqI/AAAAAAAAA9M/aG8HE_0j8xY/P1050541_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Dancing Ledge</em></p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left">Note the quarries cut into the side of the cliffs. Historically boats would have been loaded up with the Purbeck limestone and and floated off the ledge at high tide. Most of the stone was used in the expansion of London. </p> <p align="left">The quarries are now roosts for Greater Horseshoe Bats. Above the cliffs the numerous rabbit holes form part of the most southerly colony of Puffins in the UK.</p></td></tr></tbody></table> <p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-er6FBdDKkzc/T9Ni8d01emI/AAAAAAAAA9U/sYIsgM4oCZQ/s1600-h/DSC_04785.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0478" border="0" alt="DSC_0478" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NqEmLCebIiw/T9Ni9QeBHRI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/PwYLILiLZpY/DSC_0478_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br><em>Rockpool on Dancing Ledge</em></p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J6pWt-Y6i3w/T9Ni-W6_TjI/AAAAAAAAA9k/MhlKSBCaoS0/s1600-h/DSC_04695.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0469" border="0" alt="DSC_0469" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ImNsNZwSVa4/T9NjAJYbK4I/AAAAAAAAA9s/yfqe2pwRDAc/DSC_0469_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="197"></a><br><em>Snakeslock Anemones in a former post hole</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></p> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-33170774088051260052012-06-09T10:37:00.001+01:002012-06-09T10:37:51.352+01:00Green-winged Orchids<p>Not many posts recently due a 2 week break down south based just outside Corfe Castle, Dorset. The sheer diversity of wildlife in such a small area is incredible. Hopefully I’ll be able to illustrate some of the highlights over the next few posts. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RqHqt1pqtpI/T9MZOY_oSkI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/VbiMD3OC-Sk/s1600-h/P1050430%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050430" border="0" alt="P1050430" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FrLYysKFEkM/T9MZPoqJItI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Vt5o_rIl7zY/P1050430_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="900"></a><br><em>Green-winged Orchid at Corfe Mullen Meadow, Dorset <br></p></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zbaj_4PbxoE/T9MZRYYuzPI/AAAAAAAAA6g/oMhJKRW93Rs/s1600-h/P1050450%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050450" border="0" alt="P1050450" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sIF1SlWC1bU/T9MZSlZO2YI/AAAAAAAAA6o/ZrH2D4NDetM/P1050450_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Cowslips at Durlston Country Park, Dorset<br></p></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t2QuB65Bi-4/T9MZTUADfsI/AAAAAAAAA6w/d6xkZ_RMISk/s1600-h/DSC_0350%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0350" border="0" alt="DSC_0350" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tY08oeNWz80/T9MZUxpcpkI/AAAAAAAAA64/PI-lB_K20Es/DSC_0350_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="906"></a><br><em>Another Green-winged Orchid at Corfe Mullen<br></p></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Aek2ny78hqc/T9MZWwLD8TI/AAAAAAAAA7A/IVD_a0sETrc/s1600-h/P1050468%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050468" border="0" alt="P1050468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7rKrU6pNw20/T9MZYA6JKhI/AAAAAAAAA7I/9K37J1BpaY8/P1050468_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Bluebells and Ramsons at Kilwood Nature Reserve</em><br></p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="right"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sl-brKKwA9I/T9MZaPE0tLI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/1sIog1VoG3c/s1600-h/P1050478%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050478" border="0" alt="P1050478" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kn_5u0RcvuA/T9MZbSp6DAI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/iowS74-5Maw/P1050478_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Woodland floor at Kilwood</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-41442966989605344602012-05-08T22:39:00.001+01:002012-05-08T22:39:36.924+01:00A Woodland Walk<meta name="description" content="Photos from a woodland walk at Marbury Country Park. A photo diary based upon wildlife in north west England and beyond. Please feel free to add a comment. Location: Chorlton, Manchester"> <meta name="keywords" content="Bluebells, Ramsons, Wild Garlic, Cuckoo Flower, Lady's Smock, Marbury Country Park, Kenworthy Wood, Barlow Tip, "> <meta name="author" content="metatags generator"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow"> <meta name="revisit-after" content="3 month"> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X5ZGRziso4I/T6mSZkRCz-I/AAAAAAAAA4w/p7cAsn475qg/s1600-h/DSC_0227-Edit-35.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Bluebells" border="0" alt="Bluebells at Marbury Country Park" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNpnt9wxrNk/T6mSarwCdjI/AAAAAAAAA44/F97h1eOZa3E/DSC_0227-Edit-3_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></em></a><br><em>Bluebells – Marbury Country Park, Northwich<br><br></em></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6bikGYMuMLs/T6mSbyVZ-CI/AAAAAAAAA5A/4Sm-HhkWYww/s1600-h/P1050408-611.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cuckoo Flower" border="0" alt="Cuckoo Flower growing on Barlow Tip, Chorlton" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mvl8jvoirP8/T6mSc4yAFDI/AAAAAAAAA5I/3_IpXrFCeVY/P1050408-6_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></em></a><br><em>Cuckoo Flower (Lady’s Smock) <br><br></em></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EyzhxD4CVSQ/T6mSd84m3rI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/d4GT6ubaV3I/s1600-h/P1050398-511.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Cuckoo Flower" border="0" alt="Cuckoo Flower" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4OTQV7_qBU8/T6mSes11dkI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/5gyiQeD7c00/P1050398-5_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="444"></em></a><br><em>Cuckoo Flower at Barlow Tip, Chorlton<br></em></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-coU4qNmxDrY/T6mSfnaYicI/AAAAAAAAA5g/TH6y_TE77Rg/s1600-h/P1050389-Edit-111.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ramsons" border="0" alt="Ramsons or Wild Garlic in Kenworthy Wood, Northern Moor" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZiFt7AjBl1U/T6mSi3_PDFI/AAAAAAAAA5o/_d6P0oQTbsY/P1050389-Edit-1_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a><br><em>Ramsons (Wild Garlic) Kenworthy Wood, Northern Moor<br><br></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iKGPbm7D58U/T6mSkZj_NqI/AAAAAAAAA5w/5wKpzLEg934/s1600-h/DSC_0243-2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Jake" border="0" alt="Jake amongst the Bluebells at Marbury Country Park" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HydCVZH_xro/T6mSldDNVnI/AAAAAAAAA54/tacooxmFVBM/DSC_0243-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a><br><em>A grand day out</em></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-9184776586733725422012-04-30T23:11:00.000+01:002012-04-30T23:11:00.176+01:00The Orange-tip<!-- made by www.metatags.org --> <meta name="description" content="Orange-tip Butterfly - One Step beyond a natural history blog on the wildlife found around south Manchester, north-west England and .....beyond"> <meta name="keywords" content="Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester, River Mersey, Chorlton Water Park"> <meta name="author" content="metatags generator"> <meta name="robots" content="index, follow"> <meta name="revisit-after" content="3 month"> <p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7MoAtPS9apg/T5xrJjUkfsI/AAAAAAAAA38/DP3fYleweCk/s1600-h/P1050300%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050300" border="0" alt="P1050300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wBM4WWfWV4o/T5xrKXrNC9I/AAAAAAAAA4E/BOzu_bSEg58/P1050300_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a><br><em>Male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester</em><br><br>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 unmistakeable however as soon as a cloud drifts across the sun the butterfly disappears into the background. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q-ZzS7OasV8/T5xrLoBLagI/AAAAAAAAA4M/ceEUuL5jwdU/s1600-h/DSC_0203%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0203" border="0" alt="DSC_0203" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-velg21CpQ/T5xrMitKL5I/AAAAAAAAA4U/-gwHCFuuWkk/DSC_0203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a><br><em>Underwing of a male Orange-tip Butterfly, Chorlton, Manchester</em><br><br>Notoriously difficult to photograph, especially on a sunny day when the males spend most of the time patrolling the hedgebanks looking out for newly emerged females, the best approach is to wait until there's a bit of cloud about. Once they’ve found somewhere to rest they will rely upon their camouflage and allow close up views until the sun reappears.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-23xaIrQU2vU/T5xrNk2H3uI/AAAAAAAAA4c/WoSbg-kqNDY/s1600-h/DSC_0203-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0203-2" border="0" alt="DSC_0203-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z0NVEXYe-uo/T5xrOdR2wxI/AAAAAAAAA4g/DRurQ2tILJQ/DSC_0203-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-38260574444321483352012-04-26T22:56:00.000+01:002012-04-26T22:56:00.086+01:00The Great Morel<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wgYiIrot4Ts/T5XQK-chg5I/AAAAAAAAA2s/z5g2i2Fl8Pw/s1600-h/P1050214.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050214" border="0" alt="P1050214" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yeBS18AFqGk/T5XQMIzWuYI/AAAAAAAAA2w/is55lPRSLb0/P1050214_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Common Morel – South Manchester<br><br></em> <p>The bizarre honeycomb like cap makes this one of the easier mushrooms to identify. Quite a rare Mushroom the Morel prefers a sandy, lime rich soils complete with high humidity. After spending many years wandering around ancient woodlands, meadows, river valleys, moors, heathlands and some of the finest nature reserves in the country a small group of Morels appeared less than half a mile away from home. <br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0HIMVCBc9tA/T5XQNGD9mLI/AAAAAAAAA24/I2cwDQ5ssM8/s1600-h/P10501655.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050165" border="0" alt="P1050165" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2nDRio0aPCI/T5XQOeCU8_I/AAAAAAAAA3E/QLObft7YN4g/P1050165_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="900"></a><em>Close-up of the Morel<br><br></em>In France, Italy and North America the Common Morel is considered to be a delicacy hunted by thousands of people every year simply for their taste and the joy of the hunt. Traditionally the favoured cooking method is gently sauteeing them in butter, cracking pepper on top and sprinkling with salt. Morels do contain hydrazine an ingredient of rocket fuel therefore perhaps better to avoid eating them raw. Even cooked morels can sometimes cause mild intoxication. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0HBlr02QbLA/T5XQPrZJIcI/AAAAAAAAA3I/08qss8GozM4/s1600-h/P105019816.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050198" border="0" alt="P1050198" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EWxBlBqGVKc/T5XQQ0wrJTI/AAAAAAAAA3U/idTjNPlgO4Y/P1050198_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a>There appears to be a bit of a debate upon whether or not foraging for wild mushrooms is harmful to the environment. Many foragers argue that once the cap of the mushroom opens up the spores are released therefore picking them doesn’t affect their long term survival. Others argue that Fungi play a vital role in the ecology of all natural habitats. They are nature's recyclers, as they break down organic matter from plants and animals. Many creatures feed on fungi, and they are host to some rare invertebrates.</p> <p>Personally it does seem a bit selfish to pick them and prevent the next visitor and possibly future generations from being able to enjoy the fascinating shapes, forms and colours the fungi world has to offer.</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TnsDRr-1Yt0/T5XQRzPd11I/AAAAAAAAA3c/Ll6gfICr0go/s1600-h/P10502345.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050234" border="0" alt="P1050234" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ri3wlZF5RCQ/T5XQTFufXUI/AAAAAAAAA3k/xbTYJvwg6rc/P1050234_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>St George’s Mushroom<br><br></em>Another edible mushroom prized as a delicacy and named after its habit of appearing around St George’s Day (23rd April). In Italy its known as marzolino, where again its popular fried in butter.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N8s4QWIdEdA/T5XQUJvALiI/AAAAAAAAA3s/lw3S-feEYmA/s1600-h/P10502335.jpg"><em><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050233" border="0" alt="P1050233" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wUf8ZxWK02k/T5XQV01znTI/AAAAAAAAA30/oi8klloqzvA/P1050233_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="899"></em></a><br><em>St George’s Mushroom in a large characteristic fairy ring around a tree</em></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-43385964554764581032012-04-20T08:50:00.000+01:002012-04-20T08:50:00.324+01:00Formby and Ainsdale<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JJuRP6V3DRE/T4k6Ov8TMgI/AAAAAAAAAzs/B_j_fNIH88Q/s1600-h/DSC_9988_04%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9988_04" border="0" alt="DSC_9988_04" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rxajdSetsMY/T4k6Pt6XM3I/AAAAAAAAAz0/e7ZmJOcBS88/DSC_9988_04_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Red Squirrel – Formby<br></em><br>Highlights from a trip to the seaside. It was actually our first visit to Formby since the devastating outbreak of Squirrelpox in 2008. Great to see the Red Squirrels are still around and have remained relatively easy to find. Since the National Trust stopped selling bags of food the squirrels appear to be acting more natural and whilst still taking food from feeders (located high in the trees) they seem far keener on pine cones. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HC0mLyNzLMc/T4k6Qy1hMnI/AAAAAAAAAz8/zK8fjwLd16o/s1600-h/DSC_9977_03%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9977_03" border="0" alt="DSC_9977_03" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7BkIP2hx7gk/T4k6SjxunBI/AAAAAAAAA0E/w96Zrt82Qls/DSC_9977_03_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="900"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-doF2aHhum4M/T4k6Tg_9d5I/AAAAAAAAA0M/JWEbiF75rW4/s1600-h/DSC_9970_02%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9970_02" border="0" alt="DSC_9970_02" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--GWk8am2CqI/T4k6Um3aJWI/AAAAAAAAA0U/g1AsfLXEpjc/DSC_9970_02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><br>In addition to the squirrels, despite it being a relatively cool 9C I was also hoping to find some Sand Lizards. Therefore we decided to walk north through the dunes and along the beach to the National Nature Reserve at Ainsdale.<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4F95RrZ8hwA/T4k6V4BoPcI/AAAAAAAAA0c/eQg8K70YJsk/s1600-h/P1050121-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050121-2" border="0" alt="P1050121-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d9h3KmEHcKE/T4k6Wxf0yyI/AAAAAAAAA0k/s0POyxOF2rU/P1050121-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Note the 3 rows of recycled Christmas trees on the right presumably being used to stop the sand blowing away</em>.<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-86TxbmRhtuQ/T4k6X0BK9aI/AAAAAAAAA0s/AoT9hv4S4Nk/s1600-h/P1050083-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050083-2" border="0" alt="P1050083-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EJob71RSRPU/T4k6Y_sNEQI/AAAAAAAAA00/9DEEc6zijA8/P1050083-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>The preferred habitat of the Lancashire Sand Lizards</em>.<br><br>In Dorset and Surrey the only other areas of the country to have small populations of Sand Lizards they’re quite happy living on sandy, lowland heaths. In Lancashire they are restricted to the Marram Grass on the seaward, mobile dunes of the Sefton coast. In 2 hours of searching I managed to find 2 of the bright green male lizards. Trying to get a clear photo of the first through the stalks of grass proved impossible. The 2nd one was being held in the talons of a male Kestrel last seen flying off towards the Pines. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxDvo9wzbVE/T4k6aFhnUtI/AAAAAAAAA08/azRD8GsMh4c/s1600-h/P1050088-2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050088-2" border="0" alt="P1050088-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c-CNwoczG_s/T4k6bMTDwKI/AAAAAAAAA1E/y1pWrGgbY7g/P1050088-2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Webcap toadstool</em> <br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xsT8dGAdt3w/T4k6clqwyyI/AAAAAAAAA1M/zNMrgeh0WWs/s1600-h/DSC_0016%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_0016" border="0" alt="DSC_0016" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n7hPC5tHDGk/T4k6drAPfYI/AAAAAAAAA1U/gMl263i9TR8/DSC_0016_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br><em>Sanderlings stopping off and feeding amongst the surf before continuing their journey north to the Arctic</em>.<br><br>Also the first Comma butterfly of the year, a group of 19 Sandwich Terns fishing just offshore on the incoming tide, countless Oystercatchers, 5 Red Breasted Merganser and some large groups of Common Scoters.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> </td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-84817861859888292152012-04-14T10:36:00.001+01:002012-04-14T20:38:14.794+01:00Daughter of the Wind<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ikbmdrd8xiY/T4lE1bKwU6I/AAAAAAAAA1c/mBDtz88sygY/s1600-h/P1050049.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050049" border="0" alt="P1050049" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wOBipeKgEz4/T4lE2it-KNI/AAAAAAAAA1k/43VgYp65oA4/P1050049_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><em>Wood Anemone – Marbury Country Park<br><br></em>After the dark days of Winter the banks of Wood Anemones to the west of Budworth Mere are always a great sight. In common with a lot of our plants <i>Anemōnē – is derived from Greek. Literally means "daughter of the wind", from <i>ánemos</i> "wind" and the feminine suffix –<i>ōnē.<br></i></i><br>Next up at Marbury will be a spectacular display of English Bluebells. Whilst the first are just beginning to open it’ll be the end of April before the woodland floor is really carpeted with Bluebells. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to call in however this year we may be heading up to north Lancashire to look for Green Hairstreak butterflies and Green winged Orchids.</p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="300"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="150"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rY-R2km43_A/T4lE3iQNxlI/AAAAAAAAA1s/vWQ0OPaofhs/s1600-h/P1050070-23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050070-2" border="0" alt="P1050070-2" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SXcHC7KlxaM/T4lE4LVpBnI/AAAAAAAAA1w/u2MkfPgTfRk/P1050070-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="446"></a></p></td> <td valign="top" width="150"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XxFZ8BNyA5Y/T4lE5ElPueI/AAAAAAAAA18/3EUL0wMJZ1M/s1600-h/P1050074-23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050074-2" border="0" alt="P1050074-2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mEtBerSWbpA/T4lE7q66enI/AAAAAAAAA2E/MqHZaEVwoF8/P1050074-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="446"></a></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xh3VkUhx5SI/T4lE80dYJ-I/AAAAAAAAA2M/0q54MTj1ytg/s1600-h/P1050068-25.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050068-2" border="0" alt="P1050068-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qBXSm0FXuhA/T4lE-ifu8eI/AAAAAAAAA2U/OaoIo__cJag/P1050068-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="600"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left"><em>Coltsfoot flower – Marbury Country Park</em></p> <p align="left">Locally the first Coltsfoot flowers began to open up during late February however trying to find a day when its not been raining or overcast has been a bit of a problem. In common with many other spring flowers they’re photo sensitive. The first sign of cloud and that's it the flowers close up. </p></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9N9aEEaN3OE/T4lE_33Si8I/AAAAAAAAA2c/6FDFdG6MGQ8/s1600-h/P1050022.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1050022" border="0" alt="P1050022" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eoSXKkoZxRU/T4lFA_9Zc0I/AAAAAAAAA2k/Ez5EKWgcaFs/P1050022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="600"></a><br><em>Wild Cherry/Gean – Chorlton Water Park</em><br><br>A favourite of the local Bullfinches. Also a valuable source of pollen for the local insects that help to attract the Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps, Pipistrelles and larger Noctule Bats out hunting in the evening. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> </td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-64057327827442515982012-03-31T21:48:00.000+01:002012-04-01T09:47:17.729+01:00The Mersey Dippers<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9qTjYVBSlKI/T3gV_kx7BWI/AAAAAAAAAzM/EY_fKlKRuZ0/s1600-h/DSC_9951_002%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9951_002" border="0" alt="DSC_9951_002" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p-5CGeROUKk/T3gWBlrJoJI/AAAAAAAAAzU/_qZwkt6G8LM/DSC_9951_002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><em>Dipper on the River Mersey downstream from Cheadle Bridge, Manchester <br><br></em>As recently as 30 years ago the Mersey was considered to be the most polluted river in Europe. In 1983 the then Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Heseltine stated<em> “…the river is an affront to the standards a civilised society should demand of its environment. Untreated sewage, pollutants, noxious discharges all contribute to water conditions and environmental standards that are perhaps the single most deplorable feature of this critical part of England.” <br><br></em>The efforts that have been made to clean the river up have been remarkable (<a href="http://merseybasin.org.uk/archive/assets/176/original/Who_Saved_the_Mersey.pdf">more info</a>). The Spring 2011 return of Dippers for the first time since the Industrial Revolution is a clear sign of the improving water quality. Sadly although there’s been a huge biological improvement in the water quality there’s still far too many people dumping rubbish along the river bank only for it be carried away and washed up further downstream. </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ONA5PirHBwA/T3TK8WJ1SkI/AAAAAAAAAyc/tdYLv_50a5M/s1600-h/DSC_9922-26.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9922-2" border="0" alt="DSC_9922-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5AIHCK6cQBI/T3TK9JTKKII/AAAAAAAAAyk/_e6XU4qdXiY/DSC_9922-2_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-snTd6eO5_oI/T3gWDNplRKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/gUZkM2igYzw/s1600-h/DSC_9942_01%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9942_01" border="0" alt="DSC_9942_01" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VCh-TKrHi44/T3gWE60lBOI/AAAAAAAAAzg/RdEEgqY_PVo/DSC_9942_01_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="404"></a><br>Good to see how adaptable nature can be. Makes a change from balancing on the edge of a rock surrounded by a babbling brook. <br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UTd_H3VGnvk/T3TLATbMvAI/AAAAAAAAAy8/fRbrFOvpwn4/s1600-h/DSC_9926-35.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9926-3" border="0" alt="DSC_9926-3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lRzWtoIfJOY/T3TLCvU4AwI/AAAAAAAAAzE/jWJuHl0sA38/DSC_9926-3_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br><br><a href="http://www.benhallphoto.com/bwpa-2011/">One</a> for the traditionalist (even though its been copied and recreated by many aspiring photographers Ben Hall’s photo is still superb) <br></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-64566136658959651372012-03-25T09:57:00.001+01:002012-03-25T09:57:27.890+01:00Warts and All<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-of6_zLvfrzI/T27doJYZIyI/AAAAAAAAAv8/ShRPCQeyDNo/s1600-h/DSCF2038-16.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2038-1" border="0" alt="DSCF2038-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uDKU3fnTlEE/T27dpJCPYHI/AAAAAAAAAwE/9FNq51si-t0/DSCF2038-1_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450"></a><br><em>Common Toads – Chorlton Water Park</em><em><br></em>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 be seen within the area and yet remarkably few people are even aware of it. </p></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7ngdT6Bys5g/T27dqkPdO9I/AAAAAAAAAwM/CJrTC1-Fk1g/s1600-h/DSCF2066-46.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2066-4" border="0" alt="DSCF2066-4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SOPpe6qGafE/T27ds4o8qXI/AAAAAAAAAwU/Cf1fOMKaoRk/DSCF2066-4_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a>Male toads on the lookout for a mate</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LFlCbQ-_ANE/T27dvPxmV4I/AAAAAAAAAwc/d4E2_DJ1aYs/s1600-h/DSCF2056-35.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2056-3" border="0" alt="DSCF2056-3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hdjk6vUd6xo/T27dv0HoWnI/AAAAAAAAAwk/jkG1LK1uxU4/DSCF2056-3_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PMPHBB0RVNg/T27dw83uQYI/AAAAAAAAAws/4loONC3_tso/s1600-h/DSCF2094-910.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2094-9" border="0" alt="DSCF2094-9" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QA04qJCWZrU/T27dxmd0JyI/AAAAAAAAAw0/3fS5hD_UI30/DSCF2094-9_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a><br>The larger female carrying around the smaller male</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PCQ_kN6I_1g/T27dzGNTGdI/AAAAAAAAAw8/hW5Dx-ucEuw/s1600-h/DSCF2088-85.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2088-8" border="0" alt="DSCF2088-8" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n-L7bzCphQ4/T27dz9YUoUI/AAAAAAAAAxE/MqfiduU6xLc/DSCF2088-8_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a><br>Remarkably the toads can stay in this embrace for several days</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DKMlb93G1fI/T27d08IPchI/AAAAAAAAAxM/8YlYGtMMJ3w/s1600-h/DSCF2074-59.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2074-5" border="0" alt="DSCF2074-5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PWPZ4LBj4qE/T27d15cx6bI/AAAAAAAAAxU/OB-O0l4XJ2Q/DSCF2074-5_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450"></a><br>When attacked (on this occasion by a camera), the common toad adopts a characteristic stance with its hindquarters raised and its head lowered. As a defence against <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predation">predators</a>, the paratoid glands and the warts secrete a toxic, foul tasting substance, a bufotoxin called called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bufagin">bufagin</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vqbdLEdPpHc/T27d3_LqmJI/AAAAAAAAAxc/RPHm5LAI164/s1600-h/DSCF2077-65.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2077-6" border="0" alt="DSCF2077-6" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F1GwD7_7mYQ/T27d4ueQfsI/AAAAAAAAAxk/ekYs7qhf3zA/DSCF2077-6_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a><br>Toads can live for up to 40 years and despite rumours you can’t catch warts off them.</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--tWzfxUp3xM/T27d5xSNUtI/AAAAAAAAAxs/zSfYGFIBvrg/s1600-h/DSCF2084-75.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2084-7" border="0" alt="DSCF2084-7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gXc8bwNPHCU/T27d6jeT9LI/AAAAAAAAAx0/HMEyrMzbCtc/DSCF2084-7_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="224"></a><br>Likewise the myth they possess magic powers such as the ability to change its shape is untrue. </td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mL89YdpAWmc/T27d8Vc6VDI/AAAAAAAAAx8/kplfksOxjtQ/s1600-h/DSCF2043-25.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSCF2043-2" border="0" alt="DSCF2043-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VsD9cXvXpnc/T27d9SJbwhI/AAAAAAAAAyE/KuRkMf-XaOw/DSCF2043-2_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="450"></a><br><br>Adults use the same pond year after year. The males arrive first and remain in the location for several weeks while the females only stay long enough to mate and spawn. The males mount on the females' backs, grasping them with their fore limbs in a grip that is known as amplexus. The males are very enthusiastic and will often mount on the backs of other males. Sometimes several toads form a heap, each male trying to grasp the female at the base. A successful male stays in amplexus for several days and, as the female lays a long, double string of small black eggs, he fertilises them with his sperm. As the pair wander piggyback around the shallow edges of the pond, the gelatinous egg strings, which may be 3 to 4.5 metres in length, get tangled in plant stalks. They absorb water and swell in size, and small tadpoles hatch out of the eggs after a fortnight to three weeks</td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-22626590595008275032012-03-19T22:53:00.001+00:002012-03-20T21:01:38.505+00:00Awakening<p>I was fortunate to get out for a couple of hours on Sunday. After the long cold, dark days of winter the local wildlife is quickly responding to the arrival of Spring. First stop an early morning visit to the Heronry at Chorlton Ees followed by a walk through Kenworthy Woods and finally an evening stroll around Chorlton Water Park.</p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nChyvJxgZnQ/T2ju0iWwjxI/AAAAAAAAAvs/2O1XHMGULRA/s1600-h/DSC_9823-2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9823-2" border="0" alt="DSC_9823-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TcBcoi-a_fs/T2ju129rLEI/AAAAAAAAAv0/FYt9WvQYq5U/DSC_9823-2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="602" height="904"></a><em>Grey Heron Chorlton Ees</em><br>On the lookout awaiting the arrival of her mate.<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fGNG_Uvbxys/T2e4wfGLEZI/AAAAAAAAAuM/-hDOs6IRlFw/s1600-h/DSC_9790%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9790" border="0" alt="DSC_9790" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NJlQmgK4-x4/T2e4xEXcMRI/AAAAAAAAAuU/KHE_OiEk0TE/DSC_9790_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="398"></a><br>Touching up the nest.<br><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CV5CfX6nCS8/T2e4yKOVwcI/AAAAAAAAAuc/Clh2_UanZSA/s1600-h/DSC_9809%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9809" border="0" alt="DSC_9809" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FBVSzOu5g4U/T2e4zIZWKtI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Y7C-o9OHxFs/DSC_9809_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="398"></a><br>A few repairs required from last year<br><br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YIAz4ksFJN8/T2e40JIuO0I/AAAAAAAAAus/i8lfTyP16Zg/s1600-h/P1040856%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040856" border="0" alt="P1040856" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-goLWirbbIIY/T2e41PKBC9I/AAAAAAAAAu0/OaK-4yx8AhQ/P1040856_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="896"></a><br><em>Branching Oyster – Kenworthy Woods</em><br><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zPiRMNb--1Y/T2e4153z5jI/AAAAAAAAAu4/VTQ7VQYMoj8/s1600-h/P1040852%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040852" border="0" alt="P1040852" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aDLRA3jKivk/T2e42kwURMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/1xQaefgZ2TY/P1040852_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="197"></a><br><em>Branching Oyster</em> <br></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ve9QUAH9w8c/T2e43aHwTSI/AAAAAAAAAvI/Y7F6SUydFEE/s1600-h/P1040864%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040864" border="0" alt="P1040864" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w9Hq7t4VFhE/T2e43wT3JtI/AAAAAAAAAvU/T5Z2lIdzusg/P1040864_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="296" height="197"></a><em>Common Toad - Chorlton Water Park</em></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OhuGr2zjklU/T2e45T0R0TI/AAAAAAAAAvc/VpXnmIy5eDA/s1600-h/P1040881%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040881" border="0" alt="P1040881" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MBSOMGoTADQ/T2e46H1qjMI/AAAAAAAAAvk/ZfM4eynlnzA/P1040881_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="399"></a><br>Another male Toad on the search for a mate. Hopefully he’ll be lucky later on this week - the females aren’t too keen on cold, frosty evenings.<br></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-57576387575706360922012-03-12T21:38:00.001+00:002012-03-12T21:38:18.777+00:00Sawbills and Butterbur<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HOpMYvkFYNE/T15snh6H-GI/AAAAAAAAAsk/9u2z-O2LBVI/s1600-h/DSC_9701%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9701" border="0" alt="DSC_9701" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pfW6gJRryRM/T15soleku_I/AAAAAAAAAss/oTDiGMSZ5FY/DSC_9701_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><br>Courtship begins. A pair of Goosanders on the River Mersey opposite Chorlton Water Park. <br><br>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 round. A definite sign of improving water quality.</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tCAhUNdmRCg/T15sp1ENHFI/AAAAAAAAAs0/W3tMUPEW5jM/s1600-h/DSC_9720%252520rev%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9720 rev" border="0" alt="DSC_9720 rev" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-igEJGcwKgdU/T15squsF97I/AAAAAAAAAs8/f9c6As7jYKg/DSC_9720%252520rev_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><br>Note the female’s backcombed hair. Good to see her fitting in with the locals.</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NMIODonEjtU/T15srqUSrfI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Qocxt3BjvU4/s1600-h/DSC_9726%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9726" border="0" alt="DSC_9726" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TYB-h8EvDKg/T15ssY0vdiI/AAAAAAAAAtM/AsaahIU6MQ8/DSC_9726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><br>Meanwhile the drake has gone for a smart black and white number with a deep glossy green head that appears to be almost black</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yRZshpTtxIM/T15stKjNFRI/AAAAAAAAAtU/TfL9hnVYs88/s1600-h/P1040834%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040834" border="0" alt="P1040834" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-diACvea6Lnw/T15suU1PeMI/AAAAAAAAAtc/1g1Ws2zljAk/P1040834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><br>The first flowers of the Lesser Celandine on the banks of the Mersey.</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JmJWeSCNX-Q/T15svP7Ij2I/AAAAAAAAAtk/ztytE-se6dI/s1600-h/P1040838%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040838" border="0" alt="P1040838" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-57QhRpYar48/T15sv_CsAsI/AAAAAAAAAts/zK71AfpSYZQ/P1040838_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><br>The first rose narrowly beaten into flower this year by the Butterbur</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YUgkRuRlyIE/T15sxMdIvmI/AAAAAAAAAt0/heSmUKPSACM/s1600-h/P1040828%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040828" border="0" alt="P1040828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QFtz7Yunih0/T15sx145zlI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Xx-1H72dj6c/P1040828_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br><br>Nothing delicate about this one. If any plant is as tough as old boots surely the Butterbur is the one. Reputed to be named after the large Rhubarb like leaves that historically were used to wrap butter. Also responsible for the clouds of Butterbur moths that erupt in late summer along the banks of the Mersey (much appreciated by the young Swallows, Pipistrelles and Noctules). Medicinally Butterbur has been used as an anti-histamine however whilst effective unfortunately it’s also carcinogenic. Not one to try at home.</td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-68805119398198952252012-02-26T19:45:00.001+00:002012-02-26T19:45:36.599+00:00Snow Geese<p> </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600">In this country the Snow Goose is a rare vagrant arriving in the Autumn with Pink Footed and Barnacle Geese. However to further complicate things in addition to the arrivals from the Canadian Tundra there’s also a small feral population normally living in Scotland. <br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rvx7UbjI2EE/T0qLx5h2LrI/AAAAAAAAAr0/hwLjawaSzlU/s1600-h/DSC_9672%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9672" border="0" alt="DSC_9672" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qBKIQ1iGyNE/T0qLyzW2q-I/AAAAAAAAAr8/zY7todWZuzI/DSC_9672_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="397"></a><br>Originally 4 Snow Geese turned up close to Leighton Moss in October 2010. In March they disappeared. In October 2011 3 of them returned. The fact that they’re following a migratory pattern and lack any rings suggests they are wild birds however nobody seems to know for sure.<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BM8C40Vxxew/T0qLzxxpvsI/AAAAAAAAAsE/eFJICqpYWk0/s1600-h/DSC_9693%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9693" border="0" alt="DSC_9693" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gz7jZRx8nRs/T0qL1-LpuoI/AAAAAAAAAsM/UkMY2lmdUtA/DSC_9693_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="397"></a><br>Whatever their origin they’re certainly attractive birds and as of mid February 2012 they were still at Leighton Moss.<br></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NgPswkXw8cE/T0qL22jTNEI/AAAAAAAAAsU/zmbzmSdHBwM/s1600-h/DSC_9676%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9676" border="0" alt="DSC_9676" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XWGhRqRm0sU/T0qL35oWKDI/AAAAAAAAAsc/4eNLx00rZ7o/DSC_9676_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="598" height="398"></a><br>Safety in numbers. Snowgeese with the resident Greylags at Leighton Moss February 2012.<br></td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-6695337067944514702012-02-19T21:33:00.001+00:002012-02-20T19:37:41.599+00:001st day of Spring<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><br>Whilst officially Spring doesn’t begin until mid March over the past couple of weeks its finally started to slowly arrive. In fact after spending a day walking around in the sunshine close to Morecambe Bay we’ve decided that this year Spring arrived on the 19th February. With the temperature forecast to reach the dizzying heights of 15C later on this week it might even be overtaken by summer.<br><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AL3MwR9AyvU/T0Kg3pAm-GI/AAAAAAAAAqU/U1arLG9Jvds/s1600-h/P1040758%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040758" border="0" alt="P1040758" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T-qkRkiPOVI/T0Kg4hDFxnI/AAAAAAAAAqc/tlyzVFqihcc/P1040758_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="446"></a><br><em>Snowdrops at Gait Barrow NNR</em></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HszSe8tPkDY/T0Kg5X8TwTI/AAAAAAAAAqk/DiTbomBMP00/s1600-h/P1040663%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040663" border="0" alt="P1040663" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PRi4Tuy4icE/T0Kg6GzvsWI/AAAAAAAAAqs/SHdD_3SXrGg/P1040663_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="446"></a><br><em>Pollen bearing Hazel catkins at Kenworthy Wood</em><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><br><em> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="392"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-P57hTgZWLMo/T0Kg6222ATI/AAAAAAAAAq0/_LOzxnRA0y0/s1600-h/P1040661%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040661" border="0" alt="P1040661" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fyQfuk9PezU/T0Kg77F3dZI/AAAAAAAAAq8/zypE-6uj6xI/P1040661_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="446"></a>The far smaller and almost insignificant female flower of the Hazel again at Kenworthy Wood</p></td> <td valign="top" width="300"> <p align="left"><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gnmy-EpOGwM/T0Kg8ic74KI/AAAAAAAAArE/XPwPvz7lHoY/s1600-h/P1040714%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040714" border="0" alt="P1040714" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MNGxV1M9xaQ/T0Kg9juOl9I/AAAAAAAAArI/OQEn0cButTg/P1040714_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="446"></a>Scarlet Elfcup at Leighton Moss found between the causeway and lower hide on rotting Elder.<br><br></p></em></td></tr></tbody></table></em> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="611"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="609">There’s also a similar Green Elfcup fungi that can be found in the limestone woodlands around the Silverdale area. Historically due to the green colouration it gave to timber it was highly prized by cabinet makers and other craftsmen. Fortunately the insensitively named Jews ear fungi has been rechristened as Jelly Ear in the more recently published reference books.</td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><br><em><br><br></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody></tbody> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AV-9-tQpxVI/T0Kg-c7tBOI/AAAAAAAAArQ/OzklHc2_Btc/s1600-h/P1040708%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040708" border="0" alt="P1040708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--nqSfb24pDc/T0Kg_Eg9BMI/AAAAAAAAArc/RMmQw6SuPn0/P1040708_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><em>Scarlet Elfcups at Leighton Moss.</em> <br><br></td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d06UU7NGxzg/T0KhADrEQFI/AAAAAAAAArk/k-AX41IjXlg/s1600-h/P1040672%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1040672" border="0" alt="P1040672" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ia0g6zRRfm0/T0KhA4Ng0mI/AAAAAAAAArs/3WWAHv6zNwY/P1040672_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br><em>Jews ear fungi on Elder at Leighton Moss</em></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-82104842308858131952012-01-28T22:14:00.002+00:002012-01-29T18:11:42.475+00:00Rose-ringed and Amazons<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><div align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bjszJhBr3fY/TyRzPNaULVI/AAAAAAAAAnk/zT4C0GrkYas/s1600-h/DSC_95564.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9556" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Tj0SI8boBlk/TyRzP4KHd1I/AAAAAAAAAns/_mr7nS8hGHY/DSC_9556_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9556" width="600" /></a><br />
<i>Ring-necked Parakeet at Fog Lane Park, Didsbury.</i></div><div align="left">Currently there’s thought to be up to 20 of these Parakeets around the south Manchester area with Fog Lane Park, Alexandra Park and Southern Cemetery being amongst the more regular haunts. In contrast to the situation in London the number of birds up here have been fairly steady over the past 10 years. Even when it dropped to –15C last winter they didn’t seem to be affected. Originally within this country they were referred to as Rose-ringed Parakeets however the RSPB and BTO seemed to have adopted the less exotic name of Ring-necked Parakeet. <br />
</div></td></tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6VA0M63tQw8/TyRzQtDl12I/AAAAAAAAAn0/zgDsv50sKqk/s1600-h/DSC_95714.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9571" border="0" height="399" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fyuXvMrGdC0/TyRzRSnIbkI/AAAAAAAAAn4/ZeFQaBYN_BM/DSC_9571_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9571" width="600" /></a><br />
<i>Home is where the hole is<br />
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QZQmufTIoAY/TyRzRmll2fI/AAAAAAAAAoA/iKoyB_uc9CI/s1600-h/DSC_94989.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9498" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V6HDnxmg5M8/TyRzSJk8-XI/AAAAAAAAAoI/99isHko7ur8/DSC_9498_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9498" width="298" /></a><br />
Unmistakeable and normally heard before they’re seen.</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hrU8aObihwk/TyRzShuIMSI/AAAAAAAAAoU/uuDG7eeddZU/s1600-h/DSC_9661_0055.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9661_005" border="0" height="446" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rncJWTzQK2s/TyRzTba8wgI/AAAAAAAAAoc/6eLS9lA2ysU/DSC_9661_005_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9661_005" width="298" /></a><br />
<i>The Orange winged Amazon. <br />
</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MBTqvyCzVtM/TyRzUP_NgEI/AAAAAAAAAok/9Mtf3E0ppqQ/s1600-h/DSC_96064.jpg"><i><img alt="DSC_9606" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w9gb3Vy_iv4/TyRzU3152AI/AAAAAAAAAos/gCDr5PtcmwE/DSC_9606_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9606" width="600" /></i></a><br />
<i>Orange-winged Amazon at Fog Lane Park, Didsbury</i><br />
<br />
This particular bird has been roosting with the parakeets for the past couple of years. Again primarily a tropical species originating from South America and the Caribbean it appears to have adapted to life within south Manchester’s suburbs. Unfortunately the related Crimson Rosella another member of the south Manchester flock of parrots didn’t make it through last winter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-45318805809916713002012-01-18T22:25:00.001+00:002012-01-18T22:25:58.161+00:00A Winter’s Day<p> </p> <p>Again took the opportunity of another break in the weather and headed up to WWT Martin Mere. I’d almost forgotten how busy it gets on a Sunday afternoon. Although its encouraging to see the sheer number of people with an interest in the environment trying to get a good, close up view of anything is far from easy. </p> <p>Undoubtedly the highlights were a Willow Tit from the Janet Kear hide and approximately 8 Tundra Bean Geese from the Ron Barker hide. Unfortunately the geese were too far out to photograph. </p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aZwhyN3UZYw/TxdGrd8NZAI/AAAAAAAAAlE/X3Zic2PTKvA/s1600-h/DSC_93254.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9325" border="0" alt="DSC_9325" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NEqgjYIS8Qk/TxdGsHhtvWI/AAAAAAAAAlM/zOvj4lYVnOc/DSC_9325_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br>Willow Tit<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zwBPpr5BskM/TxdGtEtPPYI/AAAAAAAAAlU/6nYKkDu-ibg/s1600-h/DSC_93247.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9324" border="0" alt="DSC_9324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ythpWgGwttY/TxdGvHUgncI/AAAAAAAAAlc/FvQSKJadXBg/DSC_9324_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="198"></a><br>Willow Tit</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8WJlF9gMU6o/TxdGvyRqpiI/AAAAAAAAAlk/6r8DpdUOlgo/s1600-h/DSC_93213.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9321" border="0" alt="DSC_9321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yuboOrOed34/TxdGwvT5XeI/AAAAAAAAAlo/szpG3VdqmJE/DSC_9321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br>Tree Sparrow (one of the Mere’s specialities)</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kNDGLDIQM-s/TxdGzRUtCgI/AAAAAAAAAl0/GRL6CRVp6wQ/s1600-h/DSC_92694.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9269" border="0" alt="DSC_9269" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5HxBOTdO7vA/TxdG0wjB_ZI/AAAAAAAAAl8/CYk7sBlzzY0/DSC_9269_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="400"></a><br>Ruff</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tew1wWhRjcs/TxdG1WAJ3ZI/AAAAAAAAAmE/GjcmnCuCfKE/s1600-h/DSC_92823.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9282" border="0" alt="DSC_9282" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-olYK2MV7now/TxdG2ENVRrI/AAAAAAAAAmI/O5SFqR7E9tk/DSC_9282_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="198"></a><br>Whooper Swan</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x8C7-2d9ElA/TxdG2voloQI/AAAAAAAAAmU/zRR2nr7nnvU/s1600-h/DSC_93643.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9364" border="0" alt="DSC_9364" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y91he0_bw_0/TxdG3R3JA2I/AAAAAAAAAmY/UDiGtdvBRHY/DSC_9364_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="198"></a><br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6pLFZ-3wTK8/TxdG32csOpI/AAAAAAAAAmg/mgMCAOwNBoM/s1600-h/DSC_92784.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9278" border="0" alt="DSC_9278" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iYhKaje_zRY/TxdG4tpgPFI/AAAAAAAAAms/tqGK6eorvZ4/DSC_9278_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br>A smart looking Drake Pintail. <br><br>On the way back we made a quick detour off the M6 to Lowton, parked up in the Traveller’s Rest and walked down to Highfield Moss. Plenty of Golden Plover, a few Lapwings and Fieldfare in the fields. On the moss itself at least 7 Snipe at dusk followed shortly by a great display from 2 Short eared Owls.<br></td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_7An1gLFrzo/TxdG5tHi6vI/AAAAAAAAAm0/iqXADcgGqhc/s1600-h/DSC_93934.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9393" border="0" alt="DSC_9393" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f4ZoIDgQ8eo/TxdG6bv_JgI/AAAAAAAAAm8/sE4CZBWfUMo/DSC_9393_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="399"></a><br>Highfield Moss at dusk</td></tr></tbody></table> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a0ccPBth2Pc/TxdG7HtIKhI/AAAAAAAAAnA/14Tggb7Un-s/s1600-h/DSC_9416-Edit-23.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9416-Edit-2" border="0" alt="DSC_9416-Edit-2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6jd2OHlosmo/TxdG7rbniNI/AAAAAAAAAnI/1HCTlzj5Ae8/DSC_9416-Edit-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="199"></a><br>A distant Short eared Owl</td> <td valign="top" width="300"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_3oC0l6GEvQ/TxdG8TgucFI/AAAAAAAAAnU/fPCcjiNogtI/s1600-h/DSC_9193-Edit_filtered3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_9193-Edit_filtered" border="0" alt="DSC_9193-Edit_filtered" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S4eLd6q2Nm0/TxdG83pYkdI/AAAAAAAAAnc/epFXAIL24j0/DSC_9193-Edit_filtered_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="198"></a><br>Quartering the moss in near darkness</td></tr></tbody></table> Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7075299221589351861.post-53267759480950659622012-01-02T18:21:00.002+00:002012-01-04T20:17:35.981+00:00Wood Mice<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><div align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Wh_Af46VEc/TwH1m23GahI/AAAAAAAAAkU/avs0RixC_oM/s1600-h/DSC_9178%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9178" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QI2WznD4Cpw/TwH1nQi3XCI/AAAAAAAAAkc/6tGxPeuBoQ0/DSC_9178_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9178" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
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 10 individuals in this particular nest unfortunately they’re far too fast for a precise count. <br />
<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><div align="right"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y1gZMhAHLRc/TwH1oKxQ_gI/AAAAAAAAAkk/LxEsNtRSyY0/s1600-h/DSC_9174%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC_9174" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fiib1lrPw-s/TwH1o-lRkQI/AAAAAAAAAks/RO4JWK5qCDE/DSC_9174_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="DSC_9174" width="600" /></a><br />
Wood Mouse near Chorlton Water Park, Manchester<br />
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<tr> <td valign="top" width="600"><div align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_00Qxafq1Sc/TwH1p4GK_oI/AAAAAAAAAk0/hQHvcsfsUqk/s1600-h/P1040526%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1040526" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OkGymrWxMUg/TwH1qu3O8PI/AAAAAAAAAk8/AA-SKTDQFFw/P1040526_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1040526" width="600" /></a></div><div align="left">Fairly typical food remains found close to the nest. It’s always seemed a little strange that they tend to leave the flesh of the various fruits and berries preferring to eat just the seeds.<br />
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Over the past couple of months the local Kestrel has been out most days with the occasional siting of the Foxes and Weasels. It’ll be interesting to see how many wood mice make it through to Spring.</div><br />
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</tbody></table>Ian Keithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001041628157952916noreply@blogger.com0