Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: mark smyth on April 15, 2012, 03:21:29 PM
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Maybe its too early for summer?
30 swifts have been seen over Chew Valley lake which is located south of Bristol. Maybe they sre here also.
Edit by maggi : just a bit premature... edited thread title to 2012!
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A tad early for 2013 also Mark? :D
Edit by maggi : just a bit premature... edited thread title to 2012!
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Mark is the fastest man from the forum
always a year in front ;D
R
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LOL I didnt realise.
A cuckoo was calling today in Ireland
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Not wildlife but astronomy
Has everyone in the northern hemisphere seen Mars, obviously red, to the east, and Jupiter and Venus to the west?
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At last some good news for UK Lepidoptera, :) :) :)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17769868 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/17769868)
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Excellent news. At least these surveys are more reliable than the "Big Butterfly Count", which throws up ludicrous sightings, like purple emperors and white admirals in a housing estate in north east England.
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I am really excited today, as I saw my first New Zealand red admiral (Bassaris gonerilla) in the garden, feeding on the banana in my fly trap. 8) Imagine my delight when I checked the undersides of my Urtica ferox leaves to find a wee egg, which was hatching. ;D Disappointment when I checked the pics to find out it is a looper caterpillar (less than 1 millimetre long) and will eventually turn into a geometrid moth. :(
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Wonderful Anthony :) :). Is the B. gonerilla a rare species?
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It's rare in Auckland as its food plant (Urtica ferox) is considered a weed and destroyed. It is quite nasty, and people and dogs have died if they land in the centre of a bush. The butterfly is becoming scarcer over much of New Zealand because some prat introduced parasitic wasps to deal with the small whites introduced many years ago and the wasps took a fancy to the native butterflies instead! ::) A case of not doing their homework properly. :(
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An all too familiar tale, I'm afraid. :(
How are the Monarchs doing?
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Really well, now that the polistes wasps have lost interest as they have no brood to feed and the springbok mantids have not found the caterpillars on my plant, yet. There are five chrysalids in various places near the food plants, which means I have to get some more tags, as I have only four left. Crumbs, I must have tagged 21 butterflies - mostly passing through the garden? I have some pots of various Asclepias spp. seedlings, hopefully for next season. I did some guerilla gardening, planting some seedlings on waste ground nearby. Today I saw that the council had dumped several hundred tons of road-planed tarmac in piles on the place. Heigh ho! ::)
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Thats excellent news on the Monarchs Anthony. 8) The chrysalids are one of my favourites.
Not so good news on the Asclepias :(. I used to use A.curassavica in Taiwan and found its fluffy seeds spread around very nicely. ;D
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A. curassavica is one of the pots of seedlings. I also have A. syriaca which is a large leaved herbaceous perennial, so should be a more substantial proposition?
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I had to travel over the Pennines late yesterday to speak to the North Cumbria group and had some wonderful views of a Short-eared Owl flying alongside the car for over 400 metres. Even better was the fact that after I stopped the car and retrieved the camera from the boot, I manged to get a couple of (only slightly) shaky pictures of it after landing. :D
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Fantastic picture, Peter! :o
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Very, very, VERY cool, Peter!! 8)
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Back from the Northern Country suitably rusted ::)
Not much chance for photos but I did catch this little fellow walking in through the gate.
I only get to see them up yonder ;D
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Wow Fred a yellowhammer in the garden incredible.
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Yellowhammers, Emberiza citrinella are certainly not seen ( or heard) as often nowadays as they used to be. Can't rmemember when I last saw one..... :'(
Fred, were you not supposed to bring the sunshine up here with you??! ::)
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Fred, were you not supposed to bring the sunshine up here with you??! ::)
I did Maggi.... it was on Wednesday between 13:01:26 and 13:01:38
Wow Fred a yellowhammer in the garden incredible.
There was a pair and a single male Dave.
The males appeared much yellower than the photo shows, quite brilliant.
I've often seen them in winter, in numbers, but the breeding plummage is much brighter.
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Yellowhammers, Emberiza citrinella are certainly not seen ( or heard) as often nowadays as they used to be. Can't rmemember when I last saw one..... :'(
Fred, were you not supposed to bring the sunshine up here with you??! ::)
They were all shipped to New Zealand! ::)
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Fred, were you not supposed to bring the sunshine up here with you??! ::)
I did Maggi.... it was on Wednesday between 13:01:26 and 13:01:38
Thanks Fred... must have missed it .......I've got a cold and sneezed about then.... always close my eyes when I sneeze... :'(
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Happily, Yellowhammers are still fairly common in Ayrshire. We see them on a daily basis when we are out in the countryside. In January, we often have up to seven coming into the garden to feed. We are actually more pleased if they do not turn up - this means that there is still food for them on the farmland and hedgerows.
As Anthony says, they seem very common in South Island N.Z. What we noticed was that the birds there seem "bleached" compared to their UK cousins. In fact, all the UK introduced birds seem " washed - out" in colour. It seems that the high concentration of UV light may account for this - or maybe because we very rarely see our birds in direct sunlight !!
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Lovely bright bird but why Yellowhammer??
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I know only the purple hammer bird ;D
R
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Pat if I remember correctly hammer, as in the bird, derived from a German word
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thanks Roland for the laugh... hammer is the same in german (just checked my pocket German dictionary.)
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It's from the German word for buntings - Ammer. Corn bunting, Yellow bunting
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I remember walks with my Grandmother and hearing "a little bit of bread and no cheese". The Oxford Dictionary says the origin of Hammer is uncertain, but it is clearly from the German for bunting. We had one in the garden in February pinching seeds from our sunflowers.
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After a bit internetresearch I found this
... in the region Pfalz (Palatinate) this bird was (is ?) called ' Goldhammer'
from Hugo Suolahti (1901): Die deutschen Vogelnamen (German names for birds)
Gerd
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One of my bird books ("A Bird Book for the Pocket" by Edmund Sanders - 1945 copy of the 1933 3rd Edition) gives "Yellow Yowler" as an alternative name.
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I've heard them referred to as yellow yornies or maybe yarnies
I like the way short-eared owls fly
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Local name here is 'yalla yitie'
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from birdlore.net
The English name “Yellowhammer” has been in use since the 16th century. It derives from the Middle English Yelwambre – yelwe, yellow + ambre, a type of bird (a bunting) from Old English amore with the same root as the German ammer. (In modern German most bunting names end -ammer: theYellowhammer is called “Goldammer” and the Snow Bunting “Schneeammer.)
The Scientific name is Emberiza citronella, from the Old German: embriz, bunting, and Latin citreus, of the citrus tree.
Other languages
Gaelic: Buidheag-bhealaidh
Welsh: Melyn yr Eithin Yellow bird of the gorse
Czech Strnad obecný Common bunting
Danish: Gulspurv
Dutch: Geelgors
Finnish: Keltasirkku
French: Bruant jaune Yellow bunting
German: Goldammer Gold bunting
Hungarian: Citromsármány
Icelandic: Gultittlingur
Irish: Buíóg
Italian: Zigolo giallo
Norwegian: Gulspurv
Polish: Trznadel zwyczajny
Portuguese: Escrevedeira-amarela
Spanish: Escribano cerillo
Local Names
The Yellowhammer is also known as the Scribble Lark or Scribbler because of the unusual, and quite strange, markings on its eggs. In Breckland they were known as Gulers – a name thought to be derived from Gulden, a gold coin of Germany and the Netherlands.
Yellow bunting, Yellow yowley, Yellow yeldrin, Yellow yoldrin, Yellow yite, Yeldrock, Yoldring, Yoit Goldie, Yellow amber
Yellow ring, Scribble lark, Scribbler
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Did anyone watch Inside Nature's Giants last week? Aren't 'roos strange?
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Roos as in kangaroos??? Yes I guess if you have not grown up with them they are strange - some of the pretty early Colonial painters made them look stranger still! Their design seems to be pretty efficient in speed and agility. There are a few in the garden every night mainly eating the kangaroo grass and some rose leaves but not seeming to stand on the irises that are coming up well.
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When I was a child a legend grew up about the kangaroo. Captain Cook asked a local what is it. The reply was kangaroo, which I was told meant "haven't a clue" in the local language. BTW, are budgerigars good to eat?
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Seen my first Swifts (4 of them) over my local reservoir. Should see them over the house any day now.
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Lucky you Gary. Reports of swifts from across Europe yesterday with many in their nest boxes
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Heck you wouldn't get much of a feed from a budgie.
I do have a vague memory when I was very young that a relation cooked up some galahs - very vague memory from loooong ago.
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Yes, you'd need many more than four and twenty budgies to make even a small pie Anthony. ;D Kangaroo tail soup though is very good (so I'm told)
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Kangaroo tail soup though is very good (so I'm told)
You try convincing a kangaroo of that :P
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5 Swifts over my local breeding colony this evening. Well worth the wait.
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You try convincing a kangaroo of that :P
Gosh, I hadn't thought of it from the kangaroo's point of view. ???
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Part of a balance(d) diet?
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Now the swifts are back here too.
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A couple of pics taken from my garden. Starling pinching next door's olives and a kingfisher on my other neighbour's TV aerial.
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Found a recently dead hedgehog on drive the other morning, obviously attacked by something. Local naturalist suggests one of the random egg laying mallard that haunt my garden. Anyone seen anything similar?
Sad as we had never seen it before in the 10 years we have been here although I have always seen droppings.
Erle
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Here's my new set for watching 16 of my 20 swift cameras. All 16 can be viewed and recorded in real time. Motion detection can be set up also.
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Planet Earth Live has just started in BBC and already I hate it.
Why must wildlife programmes be about jeopardy.
Will Moja the lion cub live another day, he is very weak blah blah and more blah will the black bear cubs live, will the polar bear cubs live, will the meercat ..... enough already!!
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Perhaps doom and gloom is what people want, but it's not very comfortable for the cameraman, so they give you doom and sunshine?
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Did you watch Fox Live last night? The black fox made famous in March wasnt a fox. It was a Racoon dog an exotic pet that escaped or was set free
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Oh dear. It seems to be spreading through Europe. Introductions?
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Anthony the Russian fur farmers are domesticating them and crossing them with silver foxes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesticated_silver_fox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domesticated_silver_fox)
They are selecting the tamest and crossing them. Amazingly they are starting to change colour, get curly tails and other similarities with dogs.
There was a programme all about dogs on TV last year. Something that I didnt know is .. when we talk to each other we look at each others right eye mostly. When we talk to our dogs and they also look at our right eye and look at theirs.
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I beg your pardon, but a bit out of topic ... from the world of insects :)
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Not out of topic at all Natalia. I'm curious as to why the ants are there. Looking for prey?
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Not out of topic at all Natalia. I'm curious as to why the ants are there. Looking for prey?
I wondered that as well.... since there is no sign of any aphids. But Ants also collect pollen and nectar, do they not? So perhaps they are looking for flowers?
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I do not know what they're looking for, but it looks like they collect something from the edges of the leaves - as with peony buds.
Here's a little different perspective photo...
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Many plants secrete a sweet fluid to attract ants, not only from the flower parts. In payback the ants protect the plants from attacks of other insects. Some plants even have specialised glands on the petioles, like for instance many Prunus species.
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Swifts arrived here today. :) At least now it sounds like Spring/Summer even if the weather's still wintry.
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While chatting to Anne Wright this evening the first of my swifts arrived home and spent 30 minutes preening before going out again.
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and this evening another two arrived at 21.11 and 21.26
Common swifts 2012 - three new arrivals (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1LsaLFKT88#)
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Mark,
it's like Big Brother is watching you ;D
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yes it does :)
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Would the ants be harvesting the fur on the leaves for any reason? Do they have a nest that could be lined? I don't know a lot about ants. ::)
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I don't think ants would harvest fur off leaves. They would be looking for food of some sort.
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Could they be harvesting water produced by guttation?
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I don't see why not Anne. I think you'd have to spend a morning watching them to crack it?
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Whatever the ants are doing they have a few of us intrigued.
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Which bird has benefitted most ( numerically ) from the ever more popular garden feeders? (According to the RSPB)
The Goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis.
We have a constant stream coming to our Niger seed feeder. Often 'queues' form in the branches of the surrounding fruit trees. ;D ;D
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A few moments ago we had a very different ( but very welcome ) visitor to the bird feeders! ;D ;D ;D
Heavy rain not helping the pictures. :(
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the first pair of white tailed eagles to nest in Ireland in 100+ years is doing so at an inland lough in County Clare.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0501/1224315407261.html (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0501/1224315407261.html)
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Just up the road a bit from here Mark.
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Pass Bushy Island very often on our way into Mountshannon on the boat.
Unfortunately haven't gone into Mountshannon in the last four weeks. Maybe we'll take a spin past the island this Sunday. :)
I'll see if I can get pics.
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Our first swallow here today and also heard our first cuckoo ;D ;D ;D
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A friend sent me these pictures last week. She found this badger asleep in the nest box with a dead hen. She left it hoping it would go away next night but when it was still there the following morning and did not appear very well got the local SSPCA to remove it. A PM showed it had few teeth and other health problems. A local vet with an interest in wildlife told her old male badgers get evicted from the set and do not usually survive long on their own.
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If the hen was dead Roma, had the badger killed it?
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If the hen was dead Roma, had the badger killed it?
Yes the badger had killed the hen. They have had hens killed and eaten by badgers before.
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So the badger killed the hen, then itself died? That's terribly sad somehow, for both of them, the hen that it was needed so badly by an ill and perhaps starving badger and for the badger who was not strong enough to benefit from his kill, or even eat it apparently. Such is life - and death - in the natural world. :'(
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Late to dinner. :)
(http://cs301108.userapi.com/v301108879/888/AE367v1HwRc.jpg)
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A friend who studies badgers once told me most dead on the roads are males. I'm meeting her later and will ask again
Olga lovely butterfly photo. What is the flower?
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A wonderful picture of the Orange Tip butterfly ( Anthocharis cardamines ), Olga. Only the males have the orange at the tip of the upperside of the forewings. Not easy to tell but I would say this ones a female.
Thanks for showing this lovely picture. 8) 8)
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What is the flower?
Pulsatilla flavescens, Mark.
Thank you ronm especially for explaining male/female difference! I am not good in butterflies. Usually they only follow flowers.
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I saw a male orange tip on a dandelion today but it did not stay long enough for me to get my camera. It was the first I've seen this year.
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For anyone just getting interested in butterflies, here's a nice article from a while ago. ;D 8) With some great Orange Tip photos included. 8)
http://www.srgc.org.uk/monthfeature/june2004/content.html (http://www.srgc.org.uk/monthfeature/june2004/content.html)
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A few shots of maybe not so wild life.
Not as many youngsters around as I would have expected.
1, 2 & 3 Coot
4 & 5 Greylag goose
6 & 7 Canada goose
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Double page spread on what we are doing to the planet in the New Zealand Weekend Herald. The ecological overshoot meaning that we currently will need 1.5 years to replenish one year's human demand. Grimm reading about humanity's ecological footprint and the gap between that and nature's productivity, but one bullet point alarmed me:
"Birds, fish mammals and other vertebrates are taking such a hammering they are shrinking in average size - about one-third smaller than in 1970".
Confirms what I have noticed. The song thrushes in our garden do look smaller than what I remember.
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That will also be very bad news for those fishermen who like to boast of their catches and the one that got away, let alone the one they stuff and hang on the wall. ;D
Sorry, I know the subject's serious but I couldn't resist.
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I just wonder if it was meant to mean something else? Quite often key words are missed out from the original (WWF) version as the reporter doesn't quite understand it? I must admit I have to read some parts of the article several times, and even then I'm not convinced I really understand the "Global Hectares Per Capita" part.
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Another wonderful photograph Olga. Many thanks.
I saw a male orange tip on a dandelion today but it did not stay long enough for me to get my camera. It was the first I've seen this year.
Roma, here too they're very late (and scarce) this year. Nor have I seen any holly blues yet.
Anthony, garbled media accounts at second hand are frustrating or worse. If you haven't looked elsewhere already, this (http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/fighting_poverty_our_human_development_initiative/) is a good starting point with links to the original reports.
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Two of Irelands white-tailed eagles have been poisoned. A post mortum showed that had had been shot in the past and survived. It's disgusting what people can do to wildlife
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One of our bird boxes got knocked onto the ground this afternoon, the kids found it with 7 baby Great Tits inside chirping away. Jackie got the brown parcel tape out and fixed it back up. The photo shows one of the parents returning to feed the chicks. :-)
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A happy ending, but how did it get knocked down?
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There were a couple of large black feathers on the ground beneath the box so we suspect one of the crows may have knocked it down.
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My goodness. A close shave.
Last night I saw my first live possum. I was walking Heidi late last night and it fell out of a small oak tree in front of me and shot across a front garden and up and over a fence. Five minutes before I had walked past that tree, before turning back, so I wonder how I missed it. If I'd been looking up it would have been obvious as the branches and sparse leaf cover wouldn't have hidden it. These beasts are bigger than a cat!
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Plenty big enough for a pair of gloves then!
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Had a good wild life week so far this week. On Sunday I was walking down our lane and saw a hare in the distance. I stood still and it walked along the lane and to within 6 feet of me before it realised I was there. I ought to take the camera with me, but I would not have had time to get a picture of it as any movement on my part would have sent it running.
Then on the way home I was entertained by a weasel 'roller-coastering' across the road. Seen it before so it must live somewhere near there.
Last night we came back from an AGS lecture and there were three baby foxes playing on the road.
Now I am going to upset you all by remarking that I will have to tell the gamekeeper so he can dispose of them if he thinks necessary.
At present there are two buzzards just floating on the thermals above the garden and finally a Barn owl was hunting over the garden last night.
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:-X
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Now I am going to upset you all by remarking that I will have to tell the gamekeeper so he can dispose of them if he thinks necessary.
Shoot the Gamekeeper, keep the foxes 8)
Today's perambulation was around Pleasley Pit Wildlife Reserve.
The orchids will need a few weeks to get to flowering so here's a few more wildfowl pictures.
1& 2 Cayuga Duck - Anas platyrhynochos never seen this one before, it's a domesticated North American duck with a docile demeanor, very quiet ( someone is missing a pair ).
3 This Cob Swan was a big fellow indeed, very threatening hisses as he fed out of my hand ( the geese are often just as bad).
4 & 5 Canada goose goslings, five in the group at the main lake, the second gosling pictured was far bigger than the other four. ( I kept my eyes peeled for a Cookoo Swan).
6 Canada goose and gosling from a second group with four goslings on a lower pond
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Plenty big enough for a pair of gloves then!
There's a shop in Napier that sells nothing but possum products. I think I would have ventured in, but the plethora of stuffed possums put me off. Reminded me of a certain book about cats.
Shoot the Gamekeeper, keep the foxes 8)
Yeh! Unfortunately some gamekeepers adopt the attitude "I'm not doing anything wrong if I don't get caught", so poisoning, pole traps and shooting of protected species goes on. :(
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I remember back in 2000, a certain gentleman from the RBG Kew, who was travelling around the South Island with me, went into a shop at Tarras in Central Otago looking for something to take home. There were many possum products including a fabulous, big rug for several thousand dollars. But he came upon a full possum skin complete with head and tail and to the horror of everyone else in the shop, he clutched it to his throat as if it were attacking him, and proceeded to screech in apparent agony. Then he grinned and put it back on the shelf. ;D
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Our local gamekeeper is very good. We have stood and chatted on many occasions and he has pointed out all sorts of wild life which there is around here. He was as thrilled as me when we saw a Peregrine falcon flying over. The buzzards are safe from him, as are the hares. The only things he does kill are the foxes as there are far too many here for them to survive without attacking 'domestic' animals and the rabbits which are suffering really badly at present from 'myxi'.
He and the large land owner regard him as a keeper of all animals not just the pheasants and partridges.
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Newly emerged Orange Tip on Muscari botryoides - never managed to get this close before, usually a very nervous butterfly! Even allowed me to pick it up!
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Beautiful, 8) 8)
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Nice orange tip male, Stephen.
A challenge - narcissus flies are out. Caught 6 yesterday and 18 :o today.
In spite of deep frost in February which caused dremendous losses on many of my bulbs and corms it seems more flies then ever have survived.
It is quite easy to catch one with a little fish net. While the flies rest on the marguerites and eat pollen I carefully approach and slowly throw my little fishnet over the flower. I continously hold the bottom of my net with 2 fingers of my left hand to form a funnel. The flies always try to escape to the top when being disturbed. When the fly reaches the top of the funnel I turn the net by 90° and it is caught. ;D Then they make the typical sound.
A quick squeeze and they go to the happy hunting-grounds. :P
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Very well done Armin. I have not seen one here but there is still time
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Mark,
I wonder of the great amount of flies I found because in my garden only a few narcissus survived previous infestations.
I assume either they invade from other gardens or they have hatched from infestated ornithogallums?
I've noticed a quite reduction of flowering Ornithogallum nutans in my meadow. :-\
Does anybody know narcissus flies investate ornithogallums?
My galanthus clumps flowered bigger then ever and foliage is wilted already when the flies mate, so I assume this is not the main source.
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Armin I think they are in your garden for the food source nut not for the grubs. Pollen and nectar for the adults
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Whatever became of our hunting ancestors? They killed bears, wolves and deer -
and now? tiny flies! ;)
Excuse me - can`t resist :-X
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For Mark: I can report that Swifts have reached their northernmost breeding grounds! Have to find that CD and annoy the neighbours again! Come to think of it, it's a pleasanter sound than the silly strimmer thing one of them uses....I'm a scythe man myself!
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No bears and wolves left, so there are now too many deer, so no skill needed. Catching bulb flies is a great skill and confers legendary status. 8)
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One for the lepidopterists amongst us.
These moths have been around for a week now.
Their antennae are very very long.
ID please... if the photo is good enough
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Micro moths are very tricky from photographs. I'm thinking one of the Elachista sp., possibly the grass leaf miner, E. canapennella.. There are a number of moths that are similar when seen like this however. Could even be a Mompha sp., especially if Willowherbs are abundant. 8) 8)
The antennae are very long though. Have you noticed any larval webs around Fred?
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I've been googling Ron
How does Adela reaumurella grab you?
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Great call on Adela sp. Fred. ;D 8) I didn't pick up on the metallic bronze / green forewings on your original pic. but you've seen more of these than me, ;D. If it has this metallic element to the scales, then it must be A. reaumurella. A lovely micro moth, 8) 8)
Grabs me by the leaf litter Fred, ;D
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It's those antennae, looks really strange when they're dancing in a group and the sun catches them.
It's a wonder they stay upright with those things on their heads.
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The 'long horn moths'. A good number have these long antennae and not just of the Genus Adela. However, if the wings are metallic then A.reaumurella is good, although Nemophora metallica would also perhaps fit that bill, ::). I trust your original call though Fred as you can have the real thing in front of you and verify all characteristics, 8) 8).
Micro moths - ' a whole new world' 8) 8)
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Although, ..... these head attachments take some beating, but not in UK, ;D ;D
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Whatever became of our hunting ancestors? They killed bears, wolves and deer -
and now? tiny flies! ;)
Excuse me - can`t resist :-X
Gerd,
another 10 wild buzzing biests culled today! :P Maybe they are a good bait for fly fishing? ;D
Mark,
I hope you are right but I saw today one hatching from my meadow ground. I'm getting more convinced they infested the ornithogallums. :'(
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The bats are back. Living room windows all streaked with bat pee.
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Reminds me of the robin moth Ron. I've bred most of the "Moths of the Limberlost", and one or two more besides.
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To my shame, I have yet to catch a narcissus fly. Is the slow approach better than a quick swipe?
Good news - 3 swifts around yesterday, an 2 of them went into our boxes!!! We now have cameras in all our boxes, but they are not wired up yet... :-\
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Spot on Anthony, Hyalophora cecropia.
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To my shame, I have yet to catch a narcissus fly. Is the slow approach better than a quick swipe?
Hi Anne,
a slow approach is much better I found out. You can even put the fish net over the margerite flower with the narcissus fly feeding on without causing a flee reflex. :-* A bit stupid behavior luckly ;D
You can't do that with other similar looking insects i.g. Eristalis tenax. They flee immediately one approaches.
I caught another 14 narcissus flies in the todays early afternoon with the described method.
The flies are the most active in full sunshine.
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Eastern eyed click beetle
Alaus oculata
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Arnold,
an interesting looking species.
Is it common or a rare one?
Which length does it have?
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Not something I am familiar with... so I go a -ggogling... and find very contradictory information.... see the two examples below.... :-\
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek010515.html (http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek010515.html)
Click Beetles--like bees, ants, butterflies, and some other insect orders--undergo a four-stage (complete) metamorphosis that includes the egg, larva (AKA "grub"), pupa, and adult. Although adults are harmless, Click Beetle larvae cause significant agricultural and horticultural damage. Click Beetle grubs--also known as "wireworms" because of their elongated shape and hard exoskeletons (above right)--live in soil or dead wood for two to ten years, depending on the species. During that time, they chow down on roots and stems-- including those attached to corn, potatoes, tobacco, turf grasses, garden ornamentals, and a variety of legumes.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-52_big-eyed_elater.htm (http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-52_big-eyed_elater.htm)
Common Name:
Eyed Elater
Other Common Names: Big-eyed Elater and Eyed Click Beetle
Genus / Species:
Alaus oculatus
Size: Adults 1½ inch; larva up to 2 inches long
Type of Beneficial:
Insect Predator
Type of Metamorphosis:
Immature stages appear different from adults (i.e., complete metamorphosis)
Beneficial Stage(s):
Larval stages are predators
Prey:
Larva are ferocious meat-eaters that dines on many other noxious wood-boring larvae, including those of wood-boring beetles.
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The larvae of Alaus oculatus are predators of other larvae. Other 'Click Beetle' larvae, such as Agriotes mancus are serious pests of crops.
I'd say some confusion on the part of the people at Hilton pond. ::)
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Thanks, Ron
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Anytime Maggi, :) ( Negastrius pulchellus is one that you might like to know )
We have a good number of species here in the UK, and they even have their own website, 8)
Just click here, ::)
http://elateridae.co.uk/ (http://elateridae.co.uk/)
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Of the question really is who is the beetle trying to look like with those spots. Just any old snake to deter predation.
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I've got a new pet called Tulisa the tick. How do I get rid of her
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I've got a new pet called Tulisa the tick. How do I get rid of her
Drop surgical spirit on the back of her neck. That should get her to let go.
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THanks
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Eastern eyed click beetle
Alaus oculata
I caught a large click beetle in Jamaica, back in 1983, called a wallie peenie (not to be confused with a peenie wallie) that had two spots, but they glowed in the dark. 8)
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Pyrophorus noctiluca ? 8) 8)
Bioluminescent glow in the dark beetle (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVne6DCjEZw#)
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Yep, just like than one. Always wanted to see one having seen a pic in "The Wonders of Life on Earth", a large tome that has been on my book shelf for over 40 years.
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Good news for the Buzzards of the UK. ;D ;D ;D
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/315871-the-public-steps-up-for-buzzards (http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/315871-the-public-steps-up-for-buzzards)
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Begs the question, why is the Wildlife Minister advocating the destruction of wildlife? >:( Sorry, I forgot. These people regard wildlife as something to be blasted out of existence! :(
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Specially for Ron M. A 'Tiger' spotted in Gothenberg Botanic Garden last week.
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;D ;D ;D
Thank you Roma. A very bonny feline. 8)
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We were woken up yesterday by 'our' magpies, which have been nesting in a tree in the garden, making a terrific noise and attacking next door's cat. We weren't sure why until later in the day I saw this young chap sheltering from the rain on one of our garden chairs tucked under the garden table.
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No animal food comes amiss to the Magpie; young birds and eggs, small mammals and insects are devoured, but acorns, grain and other vegetable substances are not despised.The magpie has been observed taking small songbirds down, in flight, a behaviour once reserved only for birds of prey.
In country areas the bird, owing to persecution, is often shy, but in suburban areas it is common. Indeed, where it is not molested it courts rather than avoids the vicinity of humans. Also, it is known to team up in bands of two or more to "tease" cats, ;D 8) i.e. launch feigned attacks on the animals, perhaps as a general reaction against the cat as predator and egg thief.
In winter the Magpie becomes gregarious, wandering and feeding in small parties or flocks, and gathering at a common rendezvous to roost at night. Early in the year large numbers collect together for mating. Charles Darwin refers to these congregations as "marriage meetings".
If one cares to look on 'You Tube', which I suggest you don't, there are numerous posts of people taking great pleasure in shooting and mutilating Magpies. >:( >:( >:( There are some sick .............. animals out there. >:( >:(
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Given the choice between favouring the magpies and next door's cat, my vote is for the magpies ;)
At least they are a natural predator, and if they nested in our garden this year, then my experience has been that they will use another site for the next year or two.
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Don't get me wrong, I'm for the magpies too, ;D
Just wanted to point out that, whatever we think of nature, people are always capable of much much worse.
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people are always capable of much much worse.
A regrettable truth. :-\
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Given the choice between favouring the magpies and next door's cat, my vote is for the magpies ;)
Cats close to my house is reaching plague numbers +- 10. A neighbout 4 doors away has rescued 3 from the local skip yard. During the hot weather my car and bins stunk, is that a word?, from cats spraying them :P :P
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whatever we think of nature, people are always capable of much much worse.
In Ireland a seal sanctuary had a shock when they came to work. Someone or people had nailed the heads of two seals to their sign.
Before you read at the article be warned it contains photos that may and will upset
http://www.thejournal.ie/gardai-investigate-after-seals-heads-nailed-to-sanctuary-gates-in-dingle-pics-478061-Jun2012/#slide-slideshow6 (http://www.thejournal.ie/gardai-investigate-after-seals-heads-nailed-to-sanctuary-gates-in-dingle-pics-478061-Jun2012/#slide-slideshow6)
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Mark, what a horrible thing to do. I hope they catch the ones who did it.
Marianne
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There are some sick empty headed creatures out there. I to hope they nail them!
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Mark,
everywhere the same. Sad, very sad. A most cowardly criminal act.
Human is the biggest fool predator on earth.
Good that there is strong protest.
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Butterflies Aporia crataegi at the watering... :)
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Lovely photos Natalia, absolutely stunning. :o
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:o :o :o :o Natalia you have just made my day,what an incredible sight!It seems this butterfly was once a british native,now extinct. :(
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For those interested in Butterflies this chaps site is superb http://www.eurobutterflies.com/index.htm (http://www.eurobutterflies.com/index.htm)
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Thank you, Peter. :)
daveyp1970, I can not imagine that these butterflies are not in your region! :'(
When you drive past - take off - a blizzard of butterflies ...
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Wonderful pictures Natalia, 8) 8). That must be an amazing sight, one I've never seen outside of the tropics, :o
Great site recommendation Davey. 8)
One of the great mysteries concerning British butterflies, the extinction of the Black-veined White, Aporia crataegi. Larval foodplant Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, a very common plant. The butterfly remains widespread throughout most of Europe. As far as I'm aware all attempts at reintroduction have failed.
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Natalia, our butterfly populations in the UK are now very poor.
I had not realised how bad things had become until I visited Lithuania last year and saw huge numbers of butterflies. I'm sure I remember things being like that when I was young - that was before the days of really intensive farming and heavy use of insecticides. I hope you manage to keep your butterfly populations intact.
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wow they are lovely. Can you spare one or two for a reintroduction? :D
The second part of their latin names refers to hawthorn/may flower/white thorn. Do their caterpillars eat hawthorn?
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A wonderful photograph, Natalia.
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The food plant is Prunus spinosa - blackthorn
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I have reared them on hawthorn, which is a common food plant. A managed 'colony' survived for several years in Fife not so very long ago. They would have been of continental origin. Climate change in the early part of the 20th century killed it, and the gipsy moth, off. They overwinter as a colony of small caterpillars.
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Two of these arrived into our pond last week and seem to be staying.
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j49/scattery/second%20album/IMG_7691.jpg)
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I have reared them on hawthorn, which is a common food plant. A managed 'colony' survived for several years in Fife no so very long ago. They would have been of continental origin. Climate change in the early part of the 20th century killed it, and the gipsy moth, off. They overwinter as a colony of small caterpillars.
Anthony i wish i could have seen your butterflies i could have ticked soooooo many of my list,i am going to look at a white admiral colony in july,i am sooooo excited never seen one in the wild,i found out theres a colony 5 miles away from me apparently ,introduced but thats fine with me. ;D
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The food plant is Prunus spinosa - blackthorn
. . . . and Malus, Prunus, Sorbus and Pyrus; at least here in Norway.
It is rare, however, and I have never seen such gatherings like what Natalia shows.
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I have been struggling to combat OFM (Oriental fruit moth) on a Chinese Quince (psuedocydonia sinensis) for years.
It causes flagging of branch tips and can kill three inch limbs as well. I've had all the 'expert' tree companies here and the first was treating for the wrong insect and only sprayed the lower trunk.
Finally having the correct identification it has been treated with bifenthrin and still I had some die back. It seems the new growth which is untreated is targeted for it's soft nature.
I had given up because the tree was badly deformed and was considering taking it down and didn't feel the treatment was working.
I also was uncomfortable with the gallons of pesticide being dumped in my backyard.
Today I had a look and found a small wasp busily devouring one of the OFM larva.
Arnold
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Anthony i wish i could have seen your butterflies i could have ticked soooooo many of my list,i am going to look at a white admiral colony in july,i am sooooo excited never seen one in the wild,i found out theres a colony 5 miles away from me apparently ,introduced but thats fine with me. ;D
I used to get my livestock from this group: http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/ (http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/)
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Thats a fantastic link Anthony.
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I saw this little jewel today.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/moth1.jpg)
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A couple from this morning.
1. A newt ( great crested?) in the pond at the early purple site. Not seen one for years.
Several were swimming about, unfortunately no polarised lens :(
2. Ichneumon sarcitorius on the wall at home
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What's you moth, Davey?
Sadly I found a dead swift in the garden today. Not one of mine. It is an adult with a brood patch. I'll post photos later
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What's you moth, Davey?
Sadly I found a dead swift in the garden today. Not one of mine. It is an adult with a brood patch. I'll post photos later
Mark i have no idea i was hoping Ron or Anthony would tell me.
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Spotted at Cortachy Castle near Kirriemuir on Saturday.
Damsel fly
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A couple from this morning.
1. A newt ( great crested?) in the pond at the early purple site. Not seen one for years.
Several were swimming about, unfortunately no polarised lens :(
2. Ichneumon sarcitorius on the wall at home
Lovely wasp pic Fred
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The moth looks like a female Nemophora degeerella?
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Our first Moorhen hatchings at the nursery, if you look carefully at the eggs you might see that there are two other chicks on the way.
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Aren't they lovely Rob, we have some in the Meres outside us and they give me great delight, their gate is always amusing :)
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At work today I served an old dear with the same blue eye shadow
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A couple of photos of water birds from todays perambulation.
1. Another hybrid/ feral duck
2. I just love those Coot shoes ;D
3 & 4. This chappie was intent on catching lunch, didn't bother about us.
I tried to tell him there was a nice shoal aboput 30 yards behind him
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Stunning pic of the Heron Fred.
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13 Cuckoos are now carrying tags. http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking (http://www.bto.org/science/migration/tracking-studies/cuckoo-tracking)
One is already on the way to Africa. What happened to the rhyme ... in June he changes his tune and in July he flies away
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Mark, with the weather we are having I think the cuckoo made the correct decision. ;D
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If I could fly I would about these islands also
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fox/es and or badger/s have destroyed my local sand martin colony. Terrible to see it up close.
http://youtu.be/TJQlZozvNNI (http://youtu.be/TJQlZozvNNI)
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A robin's nest. Apparently there's a cherry tree nearby.
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Looks like a blackbirds nest?
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Looks like a blackbirds nest?
An American Robin is in the Blackbird family, is it not?
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So is the european Robin. ;)
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So is the european Robin. ;)
Is it? I thought with a face like that it was different!
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A couple from the garden this morning.
1. Living bird dropping
2 Shield bug ( whatever instar it is )
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OMG The first moth pic is incredible,nice one Fred.
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annuva moff = Hecatera bicolorata, the Broad-barred White. A rather lovely member of the Noctuidae. Nice catch Fred, ;D
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I don't know where to post this,but it's a fantastic watch.
"Peacock spider" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GgAbyYDFeg#ws)
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That is utterly astounding. What a fabulous creature!
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"Peacock spider"
Hmmmmmm...... too many eyes and too many legs .... BUT, he is very smartly dressed and a very nifty mover and, dare I say it, kinda cute.
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Fantastic indeed Davey, thanks for posting this. :o ;D
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How does it fit all that behaviour in that tiny little brain, and I wonder what it looks like through all those eyes?
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This may help Anne,
http://australianmuseum.net.au/How-spiders-see-the-world (http://australianmuseum.net.au/How-spiders-see-the-world)
Not one for Arachnophobes, ;D
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Great video Davey.
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Thanks, Ron!
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Had Mrs W helping me tidy the garden yesterday.untill she came upon a grass snake sunbathing in a pot :o..............................shriek and gardened no more :'(
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came upon a grass snake sunbathing in a pot
;D ;D ;D
They are very partial to slugs, 8). Would like many more in our garden :)
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The Peacock spider video was amazing - I was also amused until that poor little spider didn't get away from an unimpressed female.
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;D ;D ;D
They are very partial to slugs, 8). Would like many more in our garden :)
I've never heard of grass snakes ever eating slugs. Their diet consists of fish, newts and frogs, as well as tadpoles. Occasionally small birds and mammals are taken. Like all British reptiles, they are protected.
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I assure you they love slugs, worms and almost anything else they can fit in ( inverts particularly when the snake is young ). Fish and amphibians of course. ;)
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I saw two moth species last night and something I have never seen before
First moth seen was a Six spot burnet and then another, and another and ... Then I spotted their cocoons in the grass with pupa skins poking out of them. The site is an old metal works that closed, was bought to become a multimillion £ project - shopping, housing, relaxation ... but the builder went under and now it's about to be sold again
Budlejas have moved in and willow. Many grass species that now look like a meadow.
After dark the bat survey started and in one section I started seeing moths flying by and they began to dance. It was a Ghost moth lek and something I have never seen before. It was brilliant. I know understand why the males are white. Soon females started arriving and were flying among the males. It looked like they were chosing random males.
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I saw two moth species last night and something I have never seen before
It was a Ghost moth lek and something I have never seen before. It was brilliant. I know understand why the males are white. Soon females started arriving and were flying among the males. It looked like they were chosing random males.
Unfortunately the same species that eats Galanthus :( :(
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Really? I thought this species eats grass roots.
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RIP Lonesome George :'(
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18574279 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-18574279)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelonoidis_nigra_abingdoni (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chelonoidis_nigra_abingdoni)
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Anthony i just saw this on TV,another human feat to be proud of :-[
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Mark: I heard my first swift from home this year, so rushed inside to put on the CD you sent me of courting swifts and within 5 minutes I had a spectacular display of 7 Swifts repeatedly divebombing the eaves of the house where I have a nestbox!
...and today just as I was about to leave for work there were 2 birds back prospecting (without me playing the CD!). I only have the one box...
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Anthony i just saw this on TV,another human feat to be proud of :-[
Yes, sailors of old used the tortoises as a form of tinned food as they would live up to a year in a ship's hold. I'm afraid, even now, if the "locals" (there is no native population) are upset because they can't just do what they want, they just go and slaughter a few tortoises. I can understand why the Galápagos belong to Ecuador but why the wave of settlement by fishermen and farmers was allowed goodness knows. :( These restrictions were in place before they arrived!
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Very exciting Stephen. Cant you play the CD all day?
I'd worry about only one nest box. Last week English swifts fought over a nest box resulting in one dying.
In a Belgian nest box a new male took over a nest box and killed the chicks while the resident female was out out getting food .
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Some videos from yesterday
a chick gets fed and the parent scoops some poop to recycle. Look at the size of the food bolus/ball in the chicks neck. It contains over 300 insects made up mostly of aphids and non biting midges
http://youtu.be/-Slo_QJuu60 (http://youtu.be/-Slo_QJuu60)
nest building begins
http://youtu.be/L5ylLkTw_Gs (http://youtu.be/L5ylLkTw_Gs)
when a swift comes home it always announces its arrival "honey I'm home". With a beak full of feathers it must be difficult and it gets a brief beating. After some quiet seperation they continue as if nothing happened
http://youtu.be/JsQPljp5K-o (http://youtu.be/JsQPljp5K-o)
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and a video from this afternoon
http://youtu.be/ph-MO4M0H2k (http://youtu.be/ph-MO4M0H2k)
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On the news today at a golf course about 40km outside the city a golfer started to his first round when a cockatiel landed on his shoulder and stayed there for the next 8 holes. It was retrieved in the clubhouse where it was sent to lost and found.
johnw
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Two butterflies seen at Hatton Castle near Turriff on Saturday. It was dry till after lunchtime! In my own garden I'm rarely seeing white butterflies let alone any other kind.
Red Admiral on Libertia
Painted Lady on Catmint
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A Painted Lady! I hope some come my way this summer
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Yeh, me too ;D
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I can not tell you how happy i am,i managed to photograph a Hummingbird Hawk Moth,it's the first time i have EVER seen this moth and wow,what an incredible thing it is.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/006-6.jpg)
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/007-8.jpg)
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/013-6.jpg)
Sorry about the quality of the pics!
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Well done, Davey! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Quite extraordinary how much it does look like a humming bird, isn't it?
Don't you feel rather sad for all those folks who go through life without ever taking delight in such things? :-X
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Well done, Davey! 8) 8) 8) 8)
Quite extraordinary how much it does look like a humming bird, isn't it?
Don't you feel rather sad for all those folks who go through life without ever taking delight in such things? :-X
Maggie it baffles me how much some folk just don't get it,for me there isn't nothing like seeing a natural wonder for the first time be it plant or animal ect,two people gave me a really confused look as they walked past me lying down taking these pics not knowing that this moth has just accomplished a massive migration for an insect and i am privileged to have it feed on my garden....Does life get any better. ;D ;D
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Mark
What clearance on approach to your nest boxes do the Swifts need ?
I live in a bungalow with conjoined garages with my neighbour The height to the roof apex from the garage roof is about 10 feet and the gable ends of the buildings are about 20 feet apart.
From ground to the roof ridge is about 20 feet. Would this be enough room for Swift to access a nest box.?
I have been thinking about putting nest boxes up now for about 20 years but I always thought that there would not be enough room for the birds to get in.
However, looking at your videos, your site seems similar to the area I would have.
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10 feet is plenty. My gable nests are 2.4m uo the wall but there is good clearence from the sloped roof. My under eave nest boxes are 1.3m with a sloping roof below. I know of many nests where I can just about reach the entrance
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Anyone know this caterpillar? It was feeding on a sycamore leaf
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Tom can you post a photo to show where you want to put your nest boxes?
The caterpillar is a Four spotted footman
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The caterpillar is a Four spotted footman
Well it can't count, I counted 9 pairs of spots, that added up to eighteeen when I went to school. ;)
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Mark
The house is on the right. I would propose sighting the nest boxes roughly just below the apex. My problem is, would the birds have enough room to swoop in and land.
The concrete nest box has not been used for 3 years. When the old wooden one rotted away after 30 years, the Blue Tits used the concrete box once and have never come back. Swifts are not very common here. They fly by regularly but do not seem to hang about ast hey used to in years gone by.
We did have an Alpine Swift hanging about the garden in November over 30 years ago. It was last seen heading due west towards the island of Arran.
I don't think it would have lasted too long after this !
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Go for it Tom. Buy or make nest boxes with front entrance. The box in the link, made from exterior ply, cost under £5.
http://saveourswifts.co.uk/nest-sites-home-made.htm (http://saveourswifts.co.uk/nest-sites-home-made.htm)
A handy man could make you a nice triangular 3 chamber box to match the gable angle
Looking forward to photos on Monday :D
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It's obviously too late for nesting now so this will give me something to do in the later part of the year. I have plenty of marine grade plywood in store so that's no problem.
"Tape luring". I presume this requires an external speaker next to the boxes. At present I have no "stand alone players". A 70 foot cable from my HiFi CD deck is a non starter so I would need some form of player. CD or MP4 ? Presumably there would need to be a facility for looping the playback. How is this done ?
One concern I would have is the volume needed to attract the birds and how long it would be played. Swifts have a particularly penetrating screech which may not go down too well with the neighbours !
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By building it/them now and playing the CD lure you should be able to attract non breeders who will remember the location for next year.
I have a new pair that moved in a week ago and carrying in feathers
I use a cheap car tweeter hanging on a cup hook to play the CD. I have players in the shed and spare bedroom. Do you have plugs in the garage? I can copy my CD. The CD is a looped duet.
I can hear my CD 50 paces away. Neighbours have never asked what it is and passers by never look
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Ok so there I am doing a small repair to the front wall on the house when I noticed all these tiny red dots moving about.
What are they and what would they find to feed on on there?
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Velvet
spiders mites that eat other insects
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Maggie it baffles me how much some folk just don't get it,for me there isn't nothing like seeing a natural wonder for the first time be it plant or animal ect,two people gave me a really confused look as they walked past me lying down taking these pics not knowing that this moth has just accomplished a massive migration for an insect and i am privileged to have it feed on my garden....Does life get any better. ;D ;D
Superb Davey. 8) Not the easiest moth to net for egg laying, never mind photograph! A very easy species to breed at home though ( like many of the Sphingidae ), and I would urge anyone who has the least interest in the Lepidoptera to have a go with this species. The feeling upon release of the imagines is one of the best ;D. Usually we get plenty here on the East Coast, so far this year ....none :( :(
Fred, re: your mites, there are many species in UK. Some are predators, others involved in the processes of decomposing organic matter while some are important agricultural, veterinary and medical pests.
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The rather nice weather the last days has got the insects out, notabely the honeybees and bumblebees. But others too like different beetles and hooverflies and the predators of course!
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You might enjoy this film on The Ocean. Stop it first and allow it to fully download as it will otherwise stop and start - it's in HD.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mcbHKAWIk3I (http://www.youtube.com/embed/mcbHKAWIk3I)
johnw +26c and sunny.
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Incredible reef and such vibrant colours too. Thanks John.
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Beautiful pictures Hoy.
The Crab Spiders are so easily missed, they're very sneaky! :o
Also something very weird has taken place here I think. Seems to me that Gullbasse 2012-07-10 is Protaetia ( Eupotosia ) affinis var. pyrochroa, and Bille 2012-07-10 would seem to be a sp. of Pyrochroa, although I am unfamilar with which species. !! :o Very 8). Did you realise this when you posted, and were teasing us? ;D ;D
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Incredible reef and such vibrant colours too. Thanks John.
I'm sure you've often thought, as I have that all that stunning corals and under sea things, could well be alpine plants. OK, not the fish, they're a bonus, but the colours and shapes and beautiful construction of almost all, could be vegetable sheep, androsaces, saxifragas and hundreds of other above ground plants, if it were not for the sea. :)
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The challenge then would be to build an alpine garden mimicking a coral reef, interesting thought Lesley.
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Superb Davey. 8) Not the easiest moth to net for egg laying, never mind photograph! A very easy species to breed at home though ( like many of the Sphingidae ), and I would urge anyone who has the least interest in the Lepidoptera to have a go with this species. The feeling upon release of the imagines is one of the best ;D. Usually we get plenty here on the East Coast, so far this year ....none :( :(
Ron can i ask what food plant would i use if i can find a female?Can you also give me pointers about cage ect..i could easily search through google but you can't beat first hand experience.
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what moth was caught?
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Any of the Galium sp. are good larval foodplants Davey. Probably the easiest to get hold of is Galium aparine ( Cleavers ), but this is not the best of the genus to use as the larvae grow more slowly on this for some reason. It is still fine to use though.
I find the best way is to put the female in a small black net cage with some of the Galium. Keep in a cool spot to avoid her using up energy wastefully. If shes gravid she will lay on the plant or on the netting of the cage. I only ever keep a female in the cage for one day then release again, if she has laid or not, as these moths need to feed regularly on energy rich nectar. Please don't be tempted to keep for longer in the hope of eggs, as a) she may not have mated yet, and b) you may have a male! Its hard to tell the difference, ;D. After one day further the eggs will have hardened off and can be removed from the material / plant. Keep in a small plastic box ( avoiding condensation at all costs ) until hatching ( a few days ). Transfer larvae to growing foodplant in fine net cage ( watch out for spiders!!), or cut plant in airtight plastic box. If using box plant needs to be changed at least daily and box cleaned meticulously. When you get to this stage ... ask again ;D ;D
If you're going to have a go, start growing some Galium now. Note these guys eat amazing amounts! I'll bring you some cages next week.
This works well for all of the Sphingidae, although different foodplants are of course required. Success rate should be 80% +, obviously much much higher than in nature ( 2% ?).
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Thank you sooo much and i am 100% going to have ago,at least one of the hawk moths if i can't find a gravid hummingbird.I will start scanning willowherb ect.
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Thats great Davey, 8). Also check out Poplar, Lime, Willows and Privet. All great plants for Hawkmoths. ;D
A small amount of sunshine here today, but enough to get our garden population ( usually around 100+ adults ) of the Ringlet butterfly, Aphantopus hyperanthus, onto the wing and doing what needs to be done to maintain the species, ;D. These two were courting when I rudely interrupted.
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I'm sure you've often thought, as I have that all that stunning corals and under sea things, could well be alpine plants. OK, not the fish, they're a bonus, but the colours and shapes and beautiful construction of almost all, could be vegetable sheep, androsaces, saxifragas and hundreds of other above ground plants, if it were not for the sea. :)
My very thought too Lesley. Now I'm envious of those that can grow sheets of Lithops, Conophytums, Frithias, Oophytums and Fenestrarias outdoors in their "coral gardens". Ironic that no water would be required.
johnw
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Lestes sponsa
Seemingly unaffected by, in fact thriving in spite of, the weather so far this year, our colony of The Emerald Damselfly, Lestes sponsa, has positively boomed this year. From perhaps 30 - 50 in previous years, I have estimated an adult population of 200+ today in the 'wild garden area'. This species suffers greatly in the larval stages from predation by fish. It is adapted to the dykes, ditches and ponds drying out in summer however. Obviously this kills off the fish. Our pond has been almost dry the last two years and the Herons took all of the wild Roach and Rudd ( Fantastic ;D ;D). Obviously to the benefit of this beautiful Damselfly.
When newly emerged both sexes look very similar. A metallic Emerald colour on all segments, which appears a bright shining Bronze when the light catches the body at different angles. As the male matures though a few of its body segments take on a blue pruinescence, or bloom, which can lead the casual observer to thinking its a completely different species. ;D.
A flighty species, its a real pain to stalk and photograph, ;D
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Beautiful pictures Hoy.
The Crab Spiders are so easily missed, they're very sneaky! :o
Also something very weird has taken place here I think. Seems to me that Gullbasse 2012-07-10 is Protaetia ( Eupotosia ) affinis var. pyrochroa, and Bille 2012-07-10 would seem to be a sp. of Pyrochroa, although I am unfamilar with which species. !! :o Very 8). Did you realise this when you posted, and were teasing us? ;D ;D
Thanks ronm ;)
Regarding "gullbasse", we have 3 species in Norway: Cetonia aurata, Potosia cuprea, Liocola marmorata; but I don't know which one this is.
Regarding the other "bille" (means beetle), we have 2 species of "Kardinalbille" here: Pyrochroa coccinea and Schizotus pectinicornis. Don't know which one it is ;)
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Seems I'm wrong on the Eupotosia, .....how strange ;). ;D ;D
Still not convinced on the Pyrochroa either, but if only P.coccinea is recorded in Norway, what do I know? :-X Certainly not S. pectinicornis though ;).
Love to see more of the insects of Norway Hoy if you can manage it, 8) 8)
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I can not tell you how happy i am,i managed to photograph a Hummingbird Hawk Moth,it's the first time i have EVER seen this moth and wow,what an incredible thing it is.
These two hawkmoths are as ( more? :-X ) endearing. :o
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1982 (http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1982)
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1983 (http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1983)
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sometimes predators make me so angry ....
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The challenge then would be to build an alpine garden mimicking a coral reef, interesting thought Lesley.
Not a thought that crossed my mind when snorkelling off Low Isles near Port Douglas last week.
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These two hawkmoths are as ( more? :-X ) endearing. :o
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1982 (http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1982)
http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1983 (http://ukmoths.org.uk/show.php?bf=1983)
Ron they are right at the top of must see list,them and the deaths head.iI think i have most of the others.
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Mark
The same thing has happened locally. A large Sand Martin colony has been almost wiped out. The culprit is a Buzzard. He sits just above the entrance and picks them off when they come back,
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Something a little different, The White Plume moth, Pterophorus pentadactyla. Larvae feed on Convolvulus sp.
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wow wings made of tiny feathers
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The German name is ' Geistchen ' (little ghost).
Gerd
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A very appropriate name Gerd. I disturbed this one during the day, but they are a twilight / night time flier usually.
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The Magpie Moth, Abraxas grossulariata, was once considered a pest because many people grew the laval foodplant Ribes sp. in their gardens. As the trend away from ' Grow Your Own' accelerated from the eighties onwards, this species has declined rapidly, ( whatever the websites say! ). :-X
The larva, pupa and imago all have the same colours of black, gold (?) and white. Most unusual. 8)
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I havent seen a Magpie moth in many years
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north side of the sand martin colony
http://youtu.be/--GgLmvL_ko (http://youtu.be/--GgLmvL_ko)
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One of the most widely distributed of the British Damselflies, The Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ischnura elegans. The males are almost always this blue colour, the females however have at least five different colour forms. Always worth a closer look. ;)
If you're in Scotland and interested,
http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/naturallyscottish/dragonfly/inscotland.asp (http://www.snh.org.uk/publications/on-line/naturallyscottish/dragonfly/inscotland.asp)
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The Magpie Moth, Abraxas grossulariata, was once considered a pest because many people grew the laval foodplant Ribes sp. in their gardens. As the trend away from ' Grow Your Own' accelerated from the eighties onwards, this species has declined rapidly, ( whatever the websites say! ). :-X
The larva, pupa and imago all have the same colours of black, gold (?) and white. Most unusual. 8)
The patter of colours indicate they are distasteful to potential predators. The moths are day-fliers, so, like their larvae, pretty visible.
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The magpie moth pictured above is quite different from what we call a magpie moth here, largely black with very few white spots. Also a daytime moth, it's larvae is known by local children as a "woolly bear." Wrong time of year to photograph it but I will when I see one. The woolly bears eat Senecio species mostly, anything from ragwort to one's precious S. magellanica (S. candicans) with it's beautiful white felted leaves.
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The NZ magpie is a tiger moth (Arctiidae) whereas the European species is a geometrid, with a 'looper' caterpillar.
Ron, I see Sympetrum scoticum has lost its status, if it ever had such. :(
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Ron, I see Sympetrum scoticum has lost its status, if it ever had such. :(
The Black Darter. Afraid so Anthony, its become a syn. of S. danae. A particular favourite of yours?
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Firstly i have to say a great big thank you to a fantastic chap and insect encyclopaedia Ron,for a brilliant day.
This first pic pulled on my heart strings.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/052-1.jpg)
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/053-1.jpg)
And now some dragonflies,Ron can tell me the names again please.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/dragonfly1.jpg)
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/036-2.jpg)
A cockchafer.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/002-9.jpg)
good looking beetle.
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A truly memorable day Davey, ;D
I thought on the day that the parasatized larva was the Sallow Kitten, Furcula furcula, early instar. Would have been your first. Seeing the pics I'm back to thinking early instar Puss Moth, Cerura vinula. Afraid the eyes aren't as good in the field as they once were. ::) Still a very graphic example of the more grotesque side of nature.
The Dragonflies are, first a female Ruddy Darter, Sympetrum sanguineum, and second Black-tailed Skimmer, Orthetrum cancellatum a pair in copu. The other Dragonflies we saw were Common Darter, Sympetrum striolatum, and Brown Hawker, Aeshna grandis.
Damselflies seen were Blue-tailed Damselfly, Ischnura elegans, Emerald Damselfly, Lestes sponsa, Azure Damselfly, Coenagrion puella, Common Blue Damselfly, Enallogma cyathigerum and one Demoiselle, The Banded Demoiselle, Caloptryx splendens. The latter led us to marvellous things!! ;D :o
I don't know if we managed to picture any of the above?
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I only managed one Davey. A female ;) Lestes sponsa
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Good pic though Ron i will go back and try and get some Banded Demoiselle pics for you.
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i will go back and try and get some Banded Demoiselle pics for you.
And if it leads you to some more unusual orchids ........ ;D ;D
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D..They are my good luck charm now!
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They certainly are your 'truffle pigs' . :o
I'm thinking mine may be Troglodytes troglodytes or perhaps Vanessa atalanta. ;D ;D
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The Black Darter. Afraid so Anthony, its become a syn. of S. danae. A particular favourite of yours?
Yes. At a duck flight pond made from two remodelled curling ponds at Kilmahog, just outside Callander it was the commonest dragonfly.
Those parasites on the puss moth caterpillar looked like the external type. Would removing them have saved the caterpillar?
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Those parasites on the puss moth caterpillar looked like the external type. Would removing them have saved the caterpillar?
......... and killed the parasites :o. Not something I would ever do Anthony.
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......... and killed the parasites :o. Not something I would ever do Anthony.
Alas many species, the success of parasites has tipped the balance. Climate change probably reduced the numbers of large tortoiseshell butterflies in England to critical levels, but the species suffered huge losses to parasites and it's now gone.
Addition: many years ago I was sent a dozen Bassaris gonerilla pupae from New Zealand. 11 of them produced parasitic wasps.
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A pair of lovely skippers on a thistle.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/028-4.jpg)
Can somebody confirm this as a leopard slug.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/014-10.jpg)
i managed to get a shot of some swallow chicks on the nest.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/013-10.jpg)
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"Can somebody confirm this as a leopard slug.?"
It certainly is, Limax maximus. each individual has its own unique skin patterning. An incredible creature in so many ways, and its mating behaviour, well... :o :o
Great pics Davey. 8) 8)
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Unusual colour for swallow chicks?
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Unusual colour for swallow chicks?
I really couldn't say Anthony.
I think this is a banded demoiselle
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/035-3.jpg)
A black tailed skimmer
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/045-2.jpg)
and a mating pair
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/039-2.jpg)
a mating pair of green veined whites
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/021-10.jpg)
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Unusual colour for swallow chicks?
They seem very normal to me ??? ???. Why are you thinking they are unusual for SWALLOWS Anthony? The one on the right is just beginning to show the pink breast. Are we missing something??
Thanks for getting a Banded Demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens, Davey. Was this from the same site? The one you show is the male.
Fantastic Skimmer pics and the much persecuted ( wrongly ) Green Veined White. 8) 8)
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Same site Ron and i found another epipactis so that makes it 21 plants in totall.
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;D ;D ;D What an amazing area. I really don't know anywhere else with such a diversity of habitats and associated flora and fauna in such an accessible locale. :o :o
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They seem very normal to me ??? ???. Why are you thinking they are unusual for SWALLOWS Anthony? The one on the right is just beginning to show the pink breast. Are we missing something??
Just very subdued colours.
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Most baby birds are quite subdued in their colouring though, aren't they? Not getting their bright suits until maturity for the most part.
"Eric" the young wood pigeon, who fell out of his nest in the Acer nearest our back door, was the dullest creature last week. I must say I didn't think he would manage out of the nest, since he was only able to flutter in hops. He has also had to survive some very wet and windy weather- but he's doing well so far!
This week, with his fledgling feathers being replaced at a rate of knots, he is barely recognisable for the same bird. He's sitting on the neighbour's roof right now with one of his parents. The contrast between them is still striking though.
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I'm sure someone can identify this cute little bat for me. We have bats, type undetermined, under the boards of our dormer most years for a few weeks but this little chap is currently nestled under the sill of the kitchen window fast asleep. Seems a little unusual.
Several shots including one with a ruler to help scale
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Very difficult from pictures Martin. ??? May I suggest you use the virtual key in the link below? ;) It is very good and should put you right without too much trouble ;D ;D ;D ::)
http://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/bats/britishbats/ (http://www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/bats/britishbats/)
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Thanks Ron, but without the necessary knowledge and licence to handle it and make detailed measurements impossible to use :'( :'( :'(
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A guesstimate will probably get you through. For instance I can't tell if it has a horseshoe nose or not, but you could peep. Then it gets easier and easier. You don't really need to pick it up, and probably shouldn't. Don' t be put off by lack of specialist knowledge. Go on ... have a go. We won't laugh if you you key it out as a 'flying fox'! :-X :-X ;D
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I think it might be a bat ???
;D
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it's a pipistrelle tho it does look a week but like a Leisler's/Noctule. Can I see a photo of it in your hand or on the curve of your thumb
Dont feed it cows milk. Water will be OK for now.
Never worry about the law and licence to handle it. You are allowed to handle it.
Lift it in your bare hand and if anyone mentions the r word I'll go funkin nuts. Keep it there until it is very awake. Now is the time to give it some water. Can you get to the roost? Never worry about the law - you're saving a bat. Once it is very active in your hand time to put it back in the hole or let it walk the last 12 inches.
I have a licence
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Too late mate. It's flown off, or at least it's disappeared.
The roost is 15 ft off the ground so I wouldn't have been putting it back there :P
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I think with bats flying is good. The huge bat roost I saw in Cairns round the corner from our hotel was a sight to behold and be heard!
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Alas, the tiny bat had only got a few feet. Following Mark's advice an attempt was made to revive it but the poor wee soul didn't make it. Thanks for your help Mark.
A couple of photos attached, not great but the best I could get, showing the face and ears. Hopefully they might enable an identification.
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It's not a Leisler's or Noctule anyway but on the large side to be a Soprano or Common pip.
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I thought there was something in the first photos, on the wall, of the wee bat that made me think he looked either very old or very young..... now from the close-up photos I see why I thought that.... he's very short of hair, isn't he? Wonder if he had a skin problem, which might have been either cause or effect of being poorly.
Now, I know less than nothing about bats, but that would be my take on him if he were some other kind of beastie....
Sweet little thing, shame to lose him.
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Baby bats called pups are born without hair. How did you know it was a male? Its usually males that get in to trouble. Martin did you look?
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Baby bats called pups are born without hair. How did you know it was a male? Its usually males that get in to trouble. Martin did you look?
So was it a pup, then? I somehow just felt it was a "he" ... he'd got that rather dopey expression when we saw him on the wall, and it's boysthat do usually get into bother............... ::) ;)
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Baby bats called pups are born without hair. How did you know it was a male? Its usually males that get in to trouble. Martin did you look?
Eh!!!! I'm not particularly experienced in bat anatomy, especially not the naughty bits!
There was a relatively long appendage on its lower abdomen, say 3mm long. I thought it could be either a penis or umbilical cord.
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males always get in to difficulties - enter a house, fall, get caught by a cat ...
Martin yes it must be a male. Male bats have for their size are well endowed
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So was it a pup, then? I somehow just felt it was a "he" ... he'd got that rather dopey expression when we saw him on the wall, and it's boysthat do usually get into bother............... ::) ;)
And usually boys that have a "dopey" expression. :)
I wish we had bats in NZ they seen fascinating and delightful. We have a couple of natives but they don't frequent populated areas, strictly remote bush places I think.
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We seem to have a lot more bats this year than in the last few years. They are in the wall behind my desk so I can hear them chirping and scuffling all day if I am sitting at the computer. They come out above the sitting room window and a new hole round the corner at the top of the wall. They start going out about 9.30 just now. I sit here and watch them. There is a bit of chattering
and scuffling then half a dozen or so fly off one at a time then it is quiet for a short time then more noise then a few more go out.
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No need for her to go to Specsavers!! ;D ;D
Sympetrum striolatum, the Common Darter ( female ). The older females tend to take on the males colours of red abdomen! ::)
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Vanessa cardui, The Painted Lady, nectaring on a well known plant ;D.
This is our first of the year, and it looks in remarkable condition. Almost a full month later than the one seen by Roma,
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8945.msg250664#msg250664 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8945.msg250664#msg250664)
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No Painted Ladies here but many of the Arran Brown (Erebia ligea).
[attachimg=1]
Another mothlike, which I don't know.
[attachimg=2]
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No Painted Ladies here but many of the Arran Brown (Erebia ligea).
(Attachment Link)
Another mothlike, which I don't know.
(Attachment Link)
Hoy Arran Brown WOW thank you posting the pic,stunning butterfly.
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:o Erebia ligea, such a long time since :( . Great picture Hoy. An all time favourite. 8)
The moth is probably of the Genus Xanthorhoe ( we call them Carpets! ), but I'm not sure of the sp. Finding any information on the insects of Noway is not easy. Any advice please Hoy?
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Could be Xanthorhoe montanata?
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Ronm, sorry I can't help but I think Anthony has:
http://www.lepidoptera.no/arter/?or_id=5596 (http://www.lepidoptera.no/arter/?or_id=5596)
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Could be Xanthorhoe montanata?
Yes. If its not it must be its twin! ;D
[attachimg=1]
This perhaps shows it better,
http://norway.observado.org/soort/photos/2238 (http://norway.observado.org/soort/photos/2238)
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;D
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Can anybody put a name to this little jewel,excuse the dirty fingers i was potting at the time i found it.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/002-10.jpg)
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/006-10.jpg)
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me, me , me!! It's a Footman but thats all I can say
Are all of you who are seen butterflies recording them for the Big Butterfly Count? They really need your records
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Many of the Eilema look very similar at first glance, but the way this one has its wings folded flat over its back, and not rolled around its body, leads me to say its the Common Footman, Eilema lurideola. Its larvae feed on lichens. Nice moth 8)
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That Arran Brown is just so rich and velvety. Positively sumptuous. Never seen a butterfly so velvet looking. :o
Thanks for the wonderful pics everyone.
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What a pity it was never found on Arran. 8)
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That Arran Brown is just so rich and velvety. Positively sumptuous. Never seen a butterfly so velvet looking. :o
Thanks for the wonderful pics everyone.
Yes, maybe it's for heating up quickly in the chilly early mornings here ???
Anthony, where does it live then apart from at my place?
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sometimes predators make me so angry ....
Mark, an idea for you?
(http://gfx.nrk.no/sykvKupOIR7UbyIhrs8vbQQMHKoq8GDQlI0oYNeY4Q0w.jpg)
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.8259712 (http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/nordland/1.8259712)
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Yes, maybe it's for heating up quickly in the chilly early mornings here ???
Anthony, where does it live then apart from at my place?
This is from Tom Tolman's 1997 book "Butterflies of Britain and Europe" (Collins).
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A home made sand martin colony - wow
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pest of our forests >:(
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A very elegant pest though. 8)
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Anthony, thank you.
Here's another one, the Scotch Burnet. Does it exist in Scotland ;D
[attachimg=1]
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OMG WOW Hoy that is stunning,i have never seen that sp before.Keep them coming please.
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Mountains in Aberdeenshire. Feeds on crowberry. I have (?) a SNH publication on burnets in Scotland somewhere? :-\
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I have (?) a SNH publication on burnets in Scotland somewhere? :-\
http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-action-framework/species-action-list/ss-burnet-moth/ (http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-action-framework/species-action-list/ss-burnet-moth/)
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Anthony, where does it live then apart from at my place?
At my place - it's the commonest butterfly here (at least at this time of year). I had also assumed it was named on Arran...anyone know why it was called Arran Brown? A different Arran?
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That Arran Brown is truly a lovely creature. Never seen such a thing - indeed all butterflies are proving very scarce here this year.
I found this quote from a UK butterfly website : http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk (http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk)
Arran Brown Erebia ligea
The presence of this butterfly in the British Isles has long been disputed. However, there are several historical records that would suggest that it was once found in Scotland. The first record is from the Isle of Arran, Scotland, in 1803, from where this butterfly gets its name. Any confusion is not helped by the close similarity with the Scotch Argus – to the extent that some specimens of Arran Brown were discovered within series of Scotch Argus in old collections.
British specimens of this species are few and far between. There is certainly insufficient evidence to conclusively determine if the species was ever resident, a migrant, or accidentally or deliberately introduced.
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I doubt it was ever found. 100 or so years ago Erebia ligea was a better known continental species and may have been misidentified and then linked with some erroneously 'labelled' specimens purported to have been caught on Arran. Erebia aethiops, the Scotch argus, is similar and found on Arran, so there could have been a mix up? Victorians were famous for not labelling specimens and then just producing them like a rabbit out of the hat and saying with conviction what they think is true but in actual fact can't be.
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Not really wild of course...
(http://cs411018.userapi.com/v411018879/a7a/uyy-jcdNhNI.jpg)
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Lovely picture Olga - is it a young Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)?
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OMG WOW Hoy that is stunning,i have never seen that sp before.Keep them coming please.
Thanks davey, I'll do my best ;) However I'm not looking for these creatures but occasionally I come acrosse some interesting ones.
At my place - it's the commonest butterfly here (at least at this time of year).
Not a big surprise, Stephen!
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One little bearish moth - without name although it is quite common ;)
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Have found this moth in the garden a couple of times recently. It has a really cool hairdo, don't you think.
Probably the Burnished Brass (Diachrysia stenochrysis)
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One little bearish moth - without name although it is quite common ;)
Scalloped oak (Crocallis elinguaria).
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Thanks Anthony. I was sure it was a Lasiocampidae but it is a Geometridae ;)
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We are getting spoilt fantastic moths!
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Totally agree. 8)
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Sorry to disappoint you: No fantastic moths this time but a scarce copper (Lycaena virgaureae) ;) However, it is not scarce here but common. Have seen just the males so far. They seems to fight for territory.
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Had a Scalloped Oak and Burnished Brass in my loaned trap last week
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Just bit the bullet and bought my first hawk moth larvae Deaths head hawk,really looking forward to raising them.Nice Copper Hoy such a pretty butterfly,beautifully orange.
Mark i need a moth trap,i think Ron is going to show how to do it.
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Thanks, daveyp ;)
As I told above yesterday the Copper males fought over some square meter of meadow. Today a female suddenly appeared, and here is the winner with his trophy sitting on my finger! Guess who is the male!
[attachimg=1]
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WOW you lucky devil Hoy WOW again.With the lack of butterflies this summer you have made mine two sp i have never seen before.
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Davey I'm getting this box made for me but thicker than 4mm
http://www.meades.org/moths/moths.html (http://www.meades.org/moths/moths.html) scroll to the bottom
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Davey I'm getting this box made for me but thicker than 4mm
http://www.meades.org/moths/moths.html (http://www.meades.org/moths/moths.html) scroll to the bottom
Thank you Mark,what has been your best capture?,i might see of one my friends will knock one up for me,Ron was telling me they(when i say they i am not sure who governs this) are trying to pass a law,that you have to have a licence to Moth trap :(
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I get all my moth trap supplies from Paul Batty pwbelg@clara.co.uk, http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/index.html. (http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/index.html.) I wish I hadn't sold my Robinson MV trap (got over £200 on Ebay for it), which had done me proud since 1971.
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I get all my moth trap supplies from Paul Batty pwbelg@clara.co.uk, http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/index.html. (http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/index.html.) I wish I hadn't sold my Robinson MV trap (got over £200 on Ebay for it), which had done me proud since 1971.
Thank you Anthony you are a star.
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I can understand that Davey. Some people I know are trapping 100s of moths a night. Nothing specatular in my trap so far
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What do you do with the trapped moths except filing the observations?
A friend of mine in the youth was out every night with a butterfly net. He used a small boat and visited all the lamps on the piers. He had an excellent collection.
BTW here's picture of the female. She had to rest a while after the coupling that lasted several hours. She is resting on a Solidago virgaurea ;)
[attachimg=1]
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A large caterpillar of Luna moth.
Actias luna
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Hui, excellent photo!
ArnoldT, very interesting
This young toad-alpinist on stones tops in shady garden.
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Visited the RSPB reserve at Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire today, home to the largest colony of Gannets, Morus bassanus, on mainland UK. We like to visit at least a couple of times per year and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife. Access to view the seabird colonies is easy and because of the sheer cliff faces, incredibly spectacular. Huge numbers of birds can be seen including Puffins, Fratercula arctica, at the right time of year.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/index.aspx (http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/index.aspx)
Some of what we saw -
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To round off a 'big smiley' type of day, we got home to find this male Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos major, helping himself to peanuts. We find these are shy, nervous birds. Apologies for the poor picture, but I was at full zoom with our little camera. ::)
The numbers have been growing in our area recently, ;D. Such a beautiful bird. 8) 8)
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A large caterpillar of Luna moth.
Actias luna
Arnold do you raise Lunas?
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A few minutes ago, the local Crows were going crazy and mobbed this bird viciously. But it wouldn't be put off seeking a bed for the night on our island in the pond ;D ;D.
They often visit us during the day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's the first time we've noticed one roost with us 8) 8).
The Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea.
What a great birding day we've had ;D ;D
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Superb birding day Ron. ;D Grey heron in the garden incredible.
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A few squirrel pictures. Some were taken early July and the rest in the last few days. Their tails are interesting just now. Most of them have blonde tails in summer but they are getting in their winter tail hair now and most are very dark. Image 19 is a young squirrel. The tail hair is evenly short and looks much tidier than the adults.
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More pics
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The squirrels are SOoooooooo cute!! ;D I love the Puffins as well. Must be amazing to see them in real life rather than on a nature programme. 8)
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After our Geese were taken by the foxes this past winter, I've been taking down the fencing we used to keep them at least a little controlled. Fence is still coming down but we're going to retain the posts as these birds love to use them as vantage points for seeing mice, voles etc. in the wild area of our garden. Usually we see them doing this very early morning, but 1 hour ago this one graced us with an evening presence. Good hunting! ;D
A Barn Owl, Tyto alba.
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What do you do with the trapped moths except filing the observations?
(Attachment Link)
Let them go when it gets dark.
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Ron your years getting better and better.
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Lovely picture Olga - is it a young Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)?
Thank you Peter! I'm ashamed I don't know. :-\
Downy horns. :)
(http://cs308218.userapi.com/v308218879/337/ImYixxw7gZM.jpg)
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What a stunning picture. 8)
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I agree - beautiful!
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Breathtaking picture, Olga. Well done!
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A beautiful picture Olga, really very beautiful, 8) 8)
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Well, I got a scare tonight. Went to feed my koi which are housed in my polytunnel and what was sitting staring at me, two pine martens. I hope they won't eat my koi. Anthony can you help.
I thought at first it was cats and they weren't scared of me, ust turned and jumped out the window. Please say they don't like fish.
Angie :)
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Mating Robber Flies, Asilidae sp.
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Well, I got a scare tonight. Went to feed my koi which are housed in my polytunnel and what was sitting staring at me, two pine martens. I hope they won't eat my koi. Anthony can you help.
I thought at first it was cats and they weren't scared of me, ust turned and jumped out the window. Please say they don't like fish.
Angie :)
Crikey Angela, I think pine martens will eat just about anything tasty and I'm prepared to bet that includes fish. They're not so very different from mink and they eat fish.
But how exctitng to have them there, so close to Aberdeen! 8)
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Crikey Angela, I think pine martens will eat just about anything tasty and I'm prepared to bet that includes fish. They're not so very different from mink and they eat fish.
But how exctitng to have them there, so close to Aberdeen! 8)
I first thought they were cats. I have never seen pine martens before and I have now closed the polytunnel doors just incase they fancy a fish supper. Typical I build the pond undercover to save the heron eating my fish then I get these four legged friends arriving. Last night I watched the badgers playing in the field just as it was getting dark. The night before I had to chase a deer out of my strawberry patch, my strawberries have been disappearing I wonder if they have been pinching them. They weren't scared of me at all.
Derek just laughs at me as I go out with the torch at night to round up my slimy creatures and I still jump when I come across a frog, what a coward.
Angie :)
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Not a coward - a reflex reaction against the unknown. I don't mind touching slugs at all, but if I accidentally touch an unseen one while weeding, I jump a mile.
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how cool to have Pine martens in the garden. I would train them to come to a windowsil by putting out jam butties. While in Fermanagh last weekend I saw the poop shown below. A Pine marten has been gorging on Damsons
About 15 minutes ago a saw a small deer on the side of a road. A quick jump and it was gone
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Just the thought of seeing Pine Martens and Badgers in my yard would be amazing. So very cool.
Mark,
I want to know what anyone watching you photograph the poop was thinking. ;D
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Just the thought of seeing Pine Martens and Badgers in my yard would be amazing. So very cool.
Mark,
I want to know what anyone watching you photograph the poop was thinking. ;D
Paul I would have prefered to see a nice slice of chocolate cake whilst I am having my morning coffee. My husband laughs at me as I really would like a hedgehog in the garden and I am always looking at the deposits in my garden. We have our garden all fenced of to keep the rabbits out as they were a real problem but its now been 10 months and I haven't seen a rabbit :) so I haven't been closing the main get in the hope that a hedgehog family appear.
Not a coward - a reflex reaction against the unknown. I don't mind touching slugs at all, but if I accidentally touch an unseen one while weeding, I jump a mile.
I am exactly the same, once I was pulling the dead leaves of my Clemisa and I was pulling a frogs leg, what a scare I got when I saw it. Will look out for the pine martens tonight, it was just after 9pm when I saw them, watch this now that I will have the camera I won't see them again.
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If you're successful, please post a pic. That goes for the Badgers too. 8)
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Paul it was a toff who asked what I was doing so just imagine a posh English voice
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On a return visit to Site 3 today I spotted something hanging onto the bottom of a leaf in the middle of the pond. I took a shot at full zoom and hoped for a result.
Whooooooo! :o :o :o
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The exuvium of a Dragonfly, :)
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My swift babies are getting ready to go :'( They are doing press-ups on their wingtips!
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hard working babies
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They do that for a week or two. I reared a fledgling once. Its intake increased 10 fold once it started exercising its wings. Had to resort to feeding it "Minced Morsels" as I didn't have a moth trap in the caravan in Norfolk!
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Well, I got a scare tonight. Went to feed my koi which are housed in my polytunnel and what was sitting staring at me, two pine martens.
Angie :)
Wow, Angie lucky you with pine martens. I'm sure conservation societies, eg RSPB, Deeside Field Club etc. would love to know how close to the City they have been seen. Stayed at a B&B once in Glencoe and the pair there bring the youngsters to feed on half-coated digestive biscuits! (You'd rather eat the chocolate, Angie, and breathe on the martens!!) Netta in Craigellachie curses the pine martens because they kill her red squirrels. Haven't been on the forum for ages, - you know why, but when I got your email, I just had to find the time to look in.
Davey and Ron - My only slot in the near future to go an check up on the bing Helleborines is this coming Sun. am. Timing should be about right. Will report back.
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Looking forward to the update Maureen, thanks. :)
Sadly one of the rarest British insects I'll see this year, :( :( :o. Aglais urticae, The Small Tortoiseshell. OK, somewhat tongue in cheek, :P but should be one of the most common, but seems to be declining in numbers rapidly :(
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Welcome back Maureen. 8)
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A sudden 'explosion' of these in the garden today. Sympetrum sanguineum, the Ruddy Darter.
From one seen a few days ago we had 22 individuals today. Five couples were pairing and three laying eggs.
This is not a rare species but still nice to see the flashes of red as the males chase the 'mozzies' through the garden ;D ;D
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100s or maybe 1000s of Green-veined whites in a field in County Fermangh
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=471832182835496&oid=161033603993234# (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=471832182835496&oid=161033603993234#)
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Paul I would have prefered to see a nice slice of chocolate cake whilst I am having my morning coffee. My husband laughs at me as I really would like a hedgehog in the garden.
If I had known you wanted a hedgehog Angie, I could have given you one before I left Aberdeen. I had to eject 2 (or the same one twice!) to the field at the back, because they got tangled in the fruit nets which were there to keep the birds and grey squirrels out. You can't win. Yes, I guess deer would eat your strawberries.
Thanks for the welcome back, boys, - I'm not really back full time. Have been away, and am up to my eyes with internal house alterations. Too much catching up after the workforce go home at night, and too tired by then to do anything besides.
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No doubt Anthony and Lesley will be out in their rowboats just about now.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191)
johnw
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Wow! I wonder if they'll find the source of it?
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I think they have a suspect. Would the eruption not have registered on a seismograph?
If it washes ashore on the west coast I'm tempted to rent an truck and drive out to BC. ;)
johnw
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No doubt Anthony and Lesley will be out in their rowboats just about now.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191)
johnw
I thought that kind of things only happened in the Universe of Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge? Small bits I've found even at the beaches at our summerhouse, but floating islands? Has anybody raised his flag yet?
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Looking forward to the update Maureen, thanks. :)
Sadly one of the rarest British insects I'll see this year, :( :( :o. Aglais urticae, The Small Tortoiseshell. OK, somewhat tongue in cheek, :P but should be one of the most common, but seems to be declining in numbers rapidly :(
I've not seen many here either. They used to be common.
100s or maybe 1000s of Green-veined whites in a field in County Fermangh
The population of whites dropped 90% here when I stopped growing broccoli in the kitchen garden ;)
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No doubt Anthony and Lesley will be out in their rowboats just about now.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191 (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/undersea-eruption-creates-pumic-raft/story-fn3dxix6-1226447601191)
johnw
Don't fancy being out at sea in a rowing boat at the moment. Very windy and wet, and anyway, we have a volcano of our own blowing off at the moment. ;D
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Don't fancy being out at sea in a rowing boat at the moment. Very windy and wet, and anyway, we have a volcano of our own blowing off at the moment. ;D
Pumice delivered to your doorstep?
johnw - +20c at 21:37, drizzle, dense fog.
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I had three lovely pieces from the beach in Bali, grey, brown and pink. Left them in sunny D. :( Will look for more when next we go to Muriwai with Heidi. I've collected some titanomagnetite sand from the beach there, some of it sticking to the magnetic clips of my Clark's sandals. ::)
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Here such caterpillars now eat Gálium in our garden.
Caterpillar Hyles galii_9677
Caterpillar Hyles galii__9680
Caterpillar Hyles galii__9679
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Gorgeous caterpillars, Natalia. Are the butterflies as beautiful?
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Paul, thank you :)
Butterflies are not bright, the color is mainly brown. Butterflies in the twilight, so I have not been able to make good photos. But I hope and watch for and take pictures :)
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@ Natalia and Paul it the caterpillar of the Bedstraw Hawk Moth aka Gallium Sphinx moth. I would love to see both
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Mark, thank you
By all indications it is the caterpillar of Hyles galii from family of butterflies Sfingidae.
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My two swift chicks flew the nest last night 15 minutes after we took down the camcorder trained on the entrance because it became too dark. I took my eye off the ball because I watched the Olympic ceremony!
Farewell babies, safe journey. :'(
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Here such caterpillars now eat Gálium in our garden.
Caterpillar Hyles galii_9677
Caterpillar Hyles galii__9680
Caterpillar Hyles galii__9679
Bedstraw Hawk Moth WOW!!!!!!!!!
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My two swift chicks flew the nest last night 15 minutes after we took down the camcorder trained on the entrance because it became too dark. I took my eye off the ball because I watched the Olympic ceremony!
Farewell babies, safe journey. :'(
You just brought back a nice memory of when my mum stayed with me. We bought one of those boxes with the camera in and because my mum was housebound she watched these blue tits day and night. She watched them so much that the inside shape of the nest box was burned onto the tv screen and yes after god knows how many hours of her watching them she missed them leaving the nest, I remember how disappointed she was. At least for a few days after she was able to watch them in the back garden.
Angie :)
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The Comma, Polygonia c-album.
Often seen , but usually never abundant. Outstanding from all other British butterflies ( except maybe The Wall Bown, at distance ), but when they settle on your French Marigolds ...... 8) 8) 8)
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Spectacular colour combination, Ron. 8)
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Ron fantastic pic .
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Definitely need the sunglasses for that combination, Ron. Saw a Small Tortoiseshell on bright yellow creeping Lysimachia yesterday in my garden but it flew away before I had time to get my camera.
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One of my favourite butterflies, especially since it has spread throughout the country. I never thought I'd ever see one in Dunblane!
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That really was a hot combination, ronm!
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Scientists Discover New Cave Spider Species… with Claws!
http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=1AC9C7D1-F12B-0179-DF7FE9529D8EF93D (http://www.scientificamerican.com/gallery_directory.cfm?photo_id=1AC9C7D1-F12B-0179-DF7FE9529D8EF93D)
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Scientists Discover New Cave Spider Species… with Claws!
Heard about this on the radio this morning - I won't be following the link :P
I was "brave " last night though, and persisted in my pursuit of a HUGE
spider until I finally captured it to take outside. It was one of those long legged jobs.... body about half the size of the end joint of my little finger and legs approx 6cm span :o
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Today i had a real treat while sorting plants out i saw a male and female Brimestone on one of my chive flowers.
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/DSCF1143.jpg)
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The Edinburgh Butterfly House, several years ago, tried to mass plant buckthorn in and around the Lothians to introduce the Brimstone to Scotland. I think, once the publicity waned, they gave up? :-\
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The Edinburgh Butterfly House, several years ago, tried to mass plant buckthorn in and around the Lothians to introduce the Brimstone to Scotland. I think, once the publicity waned, they gave up? :-\
What a shame Anthony because this is a butterfly that sets the heart racing a bit(for me but then so does the large white ;D ),there seems to be quite alot on the wing at the moment.Ron has seen in it on the wing in his neck of the woods.
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We had a couple of "Gardener's Question Time" programmes recorded in the Cathedral Halls, Dunblane a few years back. One local asked what hedge he should plant. He was advised to plant Buckthorn to attract Brimstones! The nearest population is over 100 miles from Dunblane, south of Carlisle. I suppose in fairness, it is a national broadcast, but not really sound advice for a Dunblane resident. Needless to say, I did have one of each species of buckthorn in my hedge in Dunblane, courtesy of Martin Feather, the then Manager of the Butterfly and Insect World in Edinburgh.
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Pine Hawk-Moth Hyloicus pinastri larva
(http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae121/davep1970/DSCF1159.jpg)
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Great find Davey. 8) 8)
One of the most difficult larvae to find in the field, I think, due to its striping amongst the needles. Usually where there is one there are many. This is an early instar ( or is it now called a stadium, ??? ) larva.
We have always had them in decent numbers in the garden, on our Scots Pines, Pinus sylvestris. I haven't looked specifically this year yet, but must do immediately ( thanks for the reminder ), as I didn't see any moths this year that I remember. Now I'm panicking !! ::) ::)
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That is one smart stripey suit, Davey!
We get caterpillars on one or two pine bracnches every year, but that's not what they look like... might they be Pine Beauty moths we have?
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That is one smart stripey suit, Davey!
We get caterpillars on one or two pine bracnches every year, but that's not what they look like... might they be Pine Beauty moths we have?
Very possibly Maggi, as the Pine Hawk doesn't ( per the records ) get as far North as you. The Pine Beauty, Panolis flammea, is fairly widespread, and is certainly in your area. Interestingly though, the larva of the 'Beauty' is similar to the early stages of the 'Hawk'. So if your caterpillars aren't looking stripey along their length they are probably something else.
You're becoming quite the keen bug lover, Maggi. ;D ;D
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I'm only interested, Ron, I never said I loved the little perishers!
I don't think it can be the Pine Beauty moth we get.... it must just be a "familiar" name that I've latched onto. See this Bulb Log for photos of the critters ( well, the wrigglers, not the moths) http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2010Aug211282423043BULB_LOG_33.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2010Aug211282423043BULB_LOG_33.pdf)
See also the lovely photo of my favouriter little rhodo, R. saluenense chamaeum , in full flower, for a second time of the year, in August... which it has done again this year, just got the flowers battered by the last storm.
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Sorry to say Maggi but they are Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer. These can do a lot of damage to even fully grown healthy trees. Tapping the branch causes them to fall to the ground. P.S. we have them too, ;D ;D ;D
If a group of caterpillars rear back like this when touched, chances are they are in fact sawfly larvae. ( some moths do it too, but these aren't usually found in groups, :) ).
We also have Urocerus gigas, another sawfly, in the garden, but I'm not sure you're ready for that one yet Maggi, ;D ;D. I'm not that sure I am either, when it lands on me !!! :o :o :o ;D
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Pine Sawfly : .. yes, I should have known that. I do know they can strip a branch in only a few hours- shudder to think what they can do in a forest.
I have "met" one of the great wood wasps, Ron - it was then I discovered just how fast a small fat woman can move if the need arises......... ::) :o
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I have "met" one of the great wood wasps, Ron - it was then I discovered just how fast a small fat woman can move if the need arises......... ::) :o
;D ;D ;D. First time I met one 'face to face' I would have made Mr. Bolt look like he was indeed buffering, but training kicked in and I remained still and calm!! ( Glad I don't do the washing though, :o :o). Although the common name is Great Wood Wasp ( or Horntail ) as Maggi says, they are of course NOT wasps ( for those who may not be aware), but sawflies, and are totally harmless.
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Can anyone tell me what this spider is? I have found quite a few of them living in my cellar and it is not one I have seen before.
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Looks a bit like Theridion blackwallii>
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Phew! I was worried I was being overrun by 'False Widows'
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You should be so lucky :D
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They have sturdier legs. 8)
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There I was, had my lunch, sat down for 10 minutes to let it go down, switched on the telly to check the news and lo...an episode of Hands on Nature on the BBC. So what you ask? Well they were in Northern Ireland talking about bats. Who was the guest expert who kindly captured a Pipistrelle to show to the presenter? Our very own Mark Smyth!
Don't know when this was filmed but 10/10 Mark, you were brilliant.
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I just watched the relevant on I Player BBC. Jolly well done Mark, an excellent piece. 8) 8) 8)
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blush - thanks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0078zb0/Hands_on_Nature_Parks/ (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0078zb0/Hands_on_Nature_Parks/) 12 minutes 30 seconds in
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I'd watch it if I could, Mark. Unfortunately I am not in the UK so I can't! ::)
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Ditto :'(
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Bee, on Eucryphia x intermedia 'Rostrevor'
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With antennae like that it must be a male?
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Spotted this handsome chap on my wheely bin the other day.
Shield bug
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The squirrels are in full burying mode now. Getting through the peanuts fast. I had noticed signs one had been in the greenhouse. Pots knocked over and compost scraped. I was busy at the potting bench on Tuesday and thought I saw something go past. I looked round and saw one sitting looking at me from the other end of the greenhouse. It ran out fast when I approached it. I tipped out one pot of Narcissus bulbs and found Four peanuts. I'm so glad Narcissi tend to be at the bottom of the pot. When I leave the greenhouse door open I cover it with a piece of shade netting to keep out insects. I closed the door last night but a squirrel was there this morning . It nipped out through the open louvre which is at the bottom of the glass. I don't mind them burying nuts in the garden but in the frame or greenhouse it is a nuisance when they tip over pots especially if they are newly planted seeds or seedlings.
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Even worse when it's my own precious hazelnuts they're burying with my bulbs!
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Please see here : www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9527.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9527.0)
For a chance to see Crocosmias in a National Collection, and buy plants to help an animal charity! 8)
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Mike
What can you say about the scent of the Eucryphia. I've enjoyed leatherwood honey for years ( Eucryphia lucida)
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RIP Lonesome George :'(
Maybe so...maybe not... let us hope not! :-\ :-\
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/nov/22/scientists-lonesome-george (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2012/nov/22/scientists-lonesome-george)