Gone To The Wall
Last years survey of breeding butterflies in Greater Manchester claims there are now no Wall butterflies present. It is a butterfly that thrives in hot, sunny weather and last week conditions were perfect to go looking for them. I know a secluded valley to the north of the County where I have regularly found Wall […]
The Great White Egret
Even up to ten years ago it was impossible to ever imagine a Great White Egret appearing locally. So it was a surprise when one appeared recently at Hollingworth Lake and stayed for more than ten days. Early one morning I went along to have a look at the Egret as it made the most […]
Wader Success
While some parts of the country have been suffering from drought here in the Pennines we had plenty of heavy showers in May and the moors were in perfect condition for breeding Waders. Lapwings in particular were very successful along with some Redshank and Curlews.It was only when the moors dried out in July that […]
The Glorious Twelfth
For obvious reasons I would not normally celebrate the start of the Grouse shooting season but this year was different. The moorland I visited was National Trust owned and there is now no shooting allowed. In addition the heather this year was the best I have ever seen and with perfect weather all I needed […]
Against All The Odds
One week in May my blog was all about the impending development of my only Little Owl site.The new purchasers were awaiting the planners approval to completely re-develop the old barn so the long-term residents, the Little Owls, would have their home destroyed forever. Well, the good news is that planning permission was only granted […]
An Islay Summer
Although we had less than a week on Islay recently the highlight of any July visit has got to be the show of Marsh Helleborines. Just one marsh held more than 200 Helleborines that were at their very best.Flagrant and Lesser Butterfly Orchids were also found and surprisingly two Hares were also boxing – until […]
Pipe Dream
A non-birding few days on Islay produced five sightings of Otters! The one in the blog photo came ashore with what looks like a Pipe fish that took some crunching with its powerful teeth. Other photos are on my Facebook page, which include their rat-tail dive – a view that you normally see as it […]
Keep A Grip
It always amazes me how an Osprey is able to fly off with a large trout after emerging from its high dive. Its talons are designed to grip its prey during lift-off from the water and it seldom fails to get airborne. The problem last week at Aviemore was the heat.The first fish was caught […]
Islay Miscellany
Although I go to Islay for its Hen Harriers and other exciting birds the wildlife enthusiast will find many other subjects to photograph. For the botanist there are the many Orchids to find. If your interest is butterflies then the Marsh Fritillaries are the main attraction. This weeks Gallery photos includes both the above plus […]
Dinner Time
Islay is now the third best place in Britain to see breeding Hen Harriers after Mull and Orkney. Mid June is the time when the female Harrier is required to help the male with the supply of food. Once the young are three weeks or more old the male, on his own, is not able […]