This fine female dragonfly and others were flying around my garden today.
Do you know clubs or societies interested in speakers on the wildlife of S.E. England?
Then please see http://www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk/product02.html for my illustrated talk on Dragonflies and Damselflies.
For illustrated talks on natural history and history see www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk
For illustrated talks on natural history and history click here for www.peterlovetttalks.co.uk
Monday, 31 July 2017
Saturday, 29 July 2017
Ichneumon wasps today in Sussex.
In the UK we have approximately 2,500 species of ichneumonid. Making up almost 10% of all British insects. They are notoriously difficult to identify. Ref: Beginner’s guide to identifying British ichneumonids
What an diverse range of insects. There were also lots of Chrysops caecutiens horseflies attempting to bite me, which was quite unpleasant today in the Loder valley.
Friday, 28 July 2017
The Dundas Aqueduct, Bath: a short walk to the Kennet and Avon canal from the Combe Grove Hotel.
This is the view from the magnificent Combe Grove Hotel looking southwards over the river Avon valley.
From the hotel you can walk to the canal in a half an hour.
Take the steps in front of the lawn and walk to the driveway to Brassknocker Hill,
You walk through delightful mature woodland of ash, oak, beech and laurel.
Turn left at the busy road for 30 metres or so and cross the road to the milepost where the footpath descends steeply down the hill.
There had been torrential rain before our walk on Saturday 22 July 2017 and the path was slippery.
Stout boots or shoes are essential. After such rain the ground was a little muddy in places: nothing compared to Sussex though.
Sheep are in the fields and there far-reaching views of the Avon valley.
Now the canal aqueduct comes into view. And the main road.
Leave the field gingerly: traffic seems to pass within inches of the gate!
Cross the road and a narrow path runs from the beginning of the lay by steeply down to the canal.
Off this basin is the entrance to the narrow coal canal below.
Click on the pictures to enlarge them and read all the information.
This short walk is just delightful and the aqueduct is inspirational.
We must come back and make more time to explore this canal network.
From the hotel you can walk to the canal in a half an hour.
Take the steps in front of the lawn and walk to the driveway to Brassknocker Hill,
passing under the stone arch.
You walk through delightful mature woodland of ash, oak, beech and laurel.
Turn left at the busy road for 30 metres or so and cross the road to the milepost where the footpath descends steeply down the hill.
There had been torrential rain before our walk on Saturday 22 July 2017 and the path was slippery.
Stout boots or shoes are essential. After such rain the ground was a little muddy in places: nothing compared to Sussex though.
Local enthusiasts have installed kissing gates on the path. There are no awkward stiles to climb over.
Sheep are in the fields and there far-reaching views of the Avon valley.
Now the canal aqueduct comes into view. And the main road.
Leave the field gingerly: traffic seems to pass within inches of the gate!
Cross the road and a narrow path runs from the beginning of the lay by steeply down to the canal.
Off this basin is the entrance to the narrow coal canal below.
Click on the pictures to enlarge them and read all the information.
A walkers' and cyclists' heaven. |
We must come back and make more time to explore this canal network.
Tuesday, 18 July 2017
Butterflies in my garden in Cuckfield today
A hot, sunny day brought out a fine display of butterflies, including Silver-washed Fritillary,
Gatekeeper
Ringlet
and Meadow Brown.
A Red Admiral, Peacock and Large White were also on the wing.
Gatekeeper
Ringlet
and Meadow Brown.
A Red Admiral, Peacock and Large White were also on the wing.
Emperor dragonfly laying eggs in a garden pond, West Sussex, UK
Wishful thinking but if her larvae attacked baby newts, then maybe there might be some frogs next year.
Thursday, 13 July 2017
Spectacular display of Fifteen Butterflies species, beautiful "Pride of Sussex" and other flowers, and other amazing insects on Wolstonbury Hill today
Comma |
As he says, "It is always a great pleasure to sing at Glydebourne -- and my joy is enhanced on days off by walking the Sussex Downs and photographing the many rare orchids, flowers and butterflies.
Today was very special with so many lovely things to see topped by "The Pride of Sussex" the county flower of Sussex.
Marbled White |
Meadow Brown & Marbled White |
François photographing "The Pride of Sussex" |
Six-spot Burnet moth on "Pride of Sussex" flower. |
The view to Chanctonbury Hill looking westwards. Click to enlarge to see "Pride of Sussex" flowers |
Chalkhill blue |
Knapweed flower bud bursting open into an exotic flower loved by butterflies |
Greater Knapweed |
Pyramidal Orchid |
Mating Six-spot Burnet moths on a chrysalis from which a third Burnet moth is emerging |
Small Skipper |
Gatekeeper |
Clouded Yellow |
Small Purple & Gold moth |
female Common Blue? |
male Common Blue |
A large Skipper |
A Fritillary |
Ringlet |
Meadow Brown |
Large skippers |
Small copper |
Red Admiral |
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July
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- Migrant Hawker female, Aeshna mixta today in Cuckf...
- Ichneumon wasps today in Sussex.
- The Dundas Aqueduct, Bath: a short walk to the Ken...
- Butterflies in my garden in Cuckfield today
- Emperor dragonfly laying eggs in a garden pond, We...
- Spectacular display of Fifteen Butterflies species...
- A wolf loose in Marstakes Common, East Sussex this...
- Butterflies and moths on Wolstonbury Hill today
- Five species of Damselfly and Dragonflies observed...
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