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

Wednesday 26 May 2021

Wildflower lawn flowers and insects

 

My wildflower lawn is full of buttercups now.  And feeding on the pollen is Malachius bipustulatus, a beetle, which feeds mainly on grass pollen but here on a buttercup.  The larvae hunt other insects under loose bark.  Ref: Collins complete guide to British insects. 


A dozen Common-spotted orchids are pushing up their flower stems.

And a Southern Marsh orchid flower is further advanced.

Thursday 13 May 2021

No mow May: Linnet feeding on Dandelion seeds on a garden lawn

 Just lock up your lawnmower on May 1st and let the wild flowers in your lawn bloom, providing a feast of nectar for our hungry pollinators.  Ref: https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/no-mow-may

However, an unmown lawn can also become the largest bird feeder in your garden.  This morning a female Linnet was feasting on dandelion seeds, which had been allowed to flower in an unmown section of lawn.

Here is a host of photo's of this one delightful bird.





















The Linnet was in the middle of this lawn.  Green and Goldfinches also regularly visit to eat the leaves of Cat's-ear, which at https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cats-ear-plants/using-cats-ear-plants.htm is claimed to be edible.  I'll try it for lunch today.  Anything can be eaten once.





Tuesday 11 May 2021

Fairmile Bottom and Rewell Wood: Fritillaries, Grizzled skipper and other insects.

Over almost seven Km and for three and a half hours, William and I meandered around this glorious meadow and wood in near perfect weather.  It is a magical area, rich with diverse habitats and wildlife.
Click on pictures to expand them.




Treble-bar moth



Fritillary (pearl-bordered?)


Broom






Male Brimstone on dog poo bag. 

Peacock

Painted Lady



Early-purples orchids


A rare Grizzled skipper




For the route, please see this link, https://out.ac/IOzgxE  The pictures are in reverse order of the walk except for one anomaly. 

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