Elizabeth Mills

Sika Deer

2012-01-27T01:43:00.000-08:00

Walking in Gisburn Park and walked into a group of deer feeding, all charged up the slope into the woods but keep peering out. Lived here 12 years and first time I've seen a herd. Not an expert but I think they were a group of adult and young male Sika.

Barn Owl Rimington

2011-11-25T03:27:00.000-08:00

Just before we drove into Rimington last night we saw the pale outline of an owl in a tree. Reversed as thought it looked odd - owl sized but skinny! Reversed and could clearly see it was a Barn Owl with a lovely heart shaped face. It looked very indignant to be spotted and took off gracefully flying low over the field. Also nearly ran over a tiny weasel that ran into the road.

Tree Sparrows and Buzzards

2011-11-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

We have recently started getting Tree Sparrows in the garden, usually about four at a time. They are quite striking with their chestnut crowns and black cheek patches. We got a Brambling too but I think it was just passing through. On a recent walk we saw some odd but spectacular behaviour by Buzzards. We heard one calling and spotted a pair, but as we watched more flew in until there were at least twelve all wheeling on the thermals, calling and having the occasional light skirmish. Birds would fly in and then out again seemingly in pairs, so wondered if it was juveniles pairing off. We have never seen so many Buzzards all at once and they looked stunning against the bright blue sky with the sun on their feathers.

Tree Sparrow

Goldfinches regularly visit for Niger Seed

Woodpeckers are regular visitors

Brambling, just seen it the once

Browsholme Hall and Lakeside Walk

2011-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Went to the farmers market at Browsholme Hall and had a walk around the lake. Got some lovely photos of Common Darter Dragonflies basking in the sun near a marshy area and stream.

Lake at Browshome Hall

Female Common Darter

Male Common Darter

Autumn Changes

2011-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

I think its the time of year for all teenagers to be told to make their own way in the world, some go off to University and some just get told to spread their wings and find their own territories. Watched a Short-eared Owl hunting at dusk below Pendle. It would hover, then circle off to a new spot, hover again and suddenly drop. It must have impinged on another Short-eared owls territory however as one came in low and fast, there was a short tussle in mid air, then both flew off to continue hunting, though keeping a very definite buffer zone this time. Then today I watched two Tawny Owls fighting, one was sat quitely in the hedgerow and another flew in and literally knocked it off its perch, there was lots of calling and a very short fight in mid air. The winner didn't get to enjoy its victory however as the racket brought in Rooks and Jackdaws who mobbed it till it left. Hares are really spooky, I watched one feeding under a beech tree and it seeemed to be able to go from hare to "I am a log" by flattening its ears and rearranging its features, really amazing. Two Grey Squirrels were also chasing round and round the trunk of a Beech tree occasionally stopping to feed on the mast. Bramblings, Siskins and Goldfinches are all back on the birdtable eating the niger seed.

Leighton Moss

2011-09-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Went to Leighton Moss late Tuesday afternoon - Barrie was being interviewed about the Lancashire Wildlife website for Diversity FM who are running a series of programmes called Wild Autumn. The rut seems to be starting although the stags are still eating between short bouts of roaring. Saw one stag and one hind at the Tim Jackson hide and two stags at the Grisedale hide both lying down, chewing the cud and occasionally insulting each other. Overhead large flocks of honking geese were coming in to roost. On the way home just before we crossed the motorway we saw a spectacular sight that we've never seen before. Gathering in and wheeling around the top of one tree were about 100 Jackdaws, all calling and seeming to be pairing off. Then as we drove on there were at least a couple of hundred more sat on electricity cables and whirling above it mostly in pairs and some having to see off challengers - the noise was incredible. Small flocks kept forming and flying off, silhouetted against a magnificent fiery orange sunset. Reminded us of the film The Day after Tomorrow when all the birds fly off to escape the impending mega storm - still here though!

Autumn accessorizing for the well dressed stag.

Little Egrets roosting.

Greylags coming in to roost.

Autumn mists and spiders

2011-09-15T02:45:00.000-07:00

Pulled back the curtains to reveal a very romantic, misty scene with the sun's halo low in the sky. After the stormy winds and rain of the last week it was very welcome. A few diseased branches have fallen with only one tree in the field showing major damage, split completely in two, though again you can see where the rot was starting in the heart of the trunk. The fields and hedgerows are ornamented by countless silver, moisture jewelled spiders webs, the world it would seem, belongs to spiders. In the stubble fields, Gulls, Terns, Rooks and Jackdaws are feeding, some rooks always sit on lookout on the fence posts ready to caw a warning to their families, setting off all the birds in noisy flight. On a rotten log there were some spectacular eruptions of honey coloured fungi and from high in a tree overlooking the lane a robin was singing sweetly proclaiming his territory.

Hodder Show

2011-09-12T02:37:00.000-07:00

The Hodder Show was held in Dunsop this year and even though the skies looked a bit grim and we had one downpour the clouds cleared to a lovely sunny afternoon. There was the usual scarily high standard of exhibits in the craft and produce classes and lots of delicious local produce for sale in the food tent. Motorcycle stunt riding was held in the main ring and later there was a display of birds of prey by Cuerden Birds of Prey. Hardier souls than us took part in the fell race - one lady was running in wellies making us feel complete wimps.

Cuerden Birds of Prey - Barn Owl

Cuerden Birds of Prey - Tawny Owl

Alpacas

The beautiful setting for the show

Sheep shearing competition

Start of fell race - note lady in wellies!

Browsholme Hall and Dragonflies

2011-09-06T02:00:00.000-07:00

We visited the Farmers Market and Craft Fair held on the first Sunday of each month at Browsholme Hall, with food and craft stalls inside and plant stalls outside and a Gardeners Question Time with Peter Foley. It was a gorgeous summers day so we tool a walk around the grounds and the lake. Lots of fungi were popping up all over the place, with some stunning ones near the top pool.
We also enjoyed watching dragonflies mating. Males seemed to patrol territories, darting aggressively at any intruder, seeing off any males and grasping any females. When they caught any female, they flew high in the air holding the back of her head with her curled round underneath him. It seemed it didnt last very long or they disappeared into the rushes, but males seemed to be back patrolling very quickly. We saw a female laying eggs, she would land on a rush by the water or a damp mossy trunk then back down, till her tail was in the water.

Browsholme Hall Farmers Market and Craft Fair

Fungi by Browsholme Halls lake

Fungi at Browsholme Hall

Dragonfly egglaying

Male Dragonfly patrolling

Hoverflies

2011-08-24T03:06:00.000-07:00

I got really excited (sadly) when I saw what I thought were loads of hoverlies feeding on some grasses. However when none of them took off I realised they were all dead. I don't know whether they have become stuck on the flowering grass heads or they have been parasitised. All of them were head down with their bums in the air so perhaps its a fungus. I did notice lots of miniscule grubs and cocoons on the head of another grass so maybe its something to do with them. Very strange. Found a Painted Lady caterpillar (I think) in the grass near thistles and nettles. There are lots of Ladybirds and larvae around too and there were lots of large flies which I think are a type of Flesh Fly hanging around - hope they weren't after the ladybirds. They give birth to live young apparently. Wasps have been coming into my kitchen so I have been throwing apples out as a bribe, (though a friend suggested I check the nest isn't actually in the kitchen!) they can eat a whole one in a day- you can hear them chewing!

Hoverflies

Tiny caterpillars

Painted Lady Caterpillar?

Ladybird larva

Flesh fly - its got suckers on its feet

Wasps

Hints of Autumn

2011-08-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

Sunny so got up and out early. All the plants are either setting seed or forming fruits, with the Hawthorn berries, Rose hips and Crab Apples well developed. The urge to shout " Stop it, its only the middle of August" is very strong, I still have baby sparrows in the garden and every year summer feels too short and before you know it its Autumn. The crops in the fields are starting to ripen gold and the green Hazelnuts are looking very fat and tempting - I bet the Jays and Squirrels get to them before I do. There are lots of Sloes too, so I think it'll soon be time to make some Sloe Gin for Christmas.

Harebells are flowering in profusion on sunny banks.

Crab Apples food - food for Fieldfares and Redwings.

Food for me if I get a chance.

Haws

Pendle

Small White

Dew on feather - just looked pretty.

Common Knapweed.

Wet Walk in Wellies.

2011-08-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

Did circular walk around Gisburn, how quickly things have changed since my last walk. Threatening leaden clouds filled the sky, and the varied green hues of the grasses and leaves on the trees have faded now and have the tocacco tint of a summer nearly over. Still lots of swallows swooping and weaving over Franks cow sheds, little glimpses of summer against a drizzly sky. Spooked a large hare again, this time it stopped about a 100 ft away to turn and stare at me then took off again. Photographed the patchwork bark of a tree that looked like the sort of thing you would get if Dr Frankenstein had branched out (sorry) into trees. Orange Cuckoo Pint berries lurk in the long grasss in the hedge bottoms and the peculiar shapes of fungi are starting to appear.

Odd Wildflowers

2011-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

I suppose Red Bartsia is probably familiar to most farmers as a weed, but I've never noticed it before.
It was once regarded as a cure for toothache, its scientific name Odontites verna reflects this, odons being Greek for tooth. It is semi-parasitic on the roots of grasses, so can survive in areas of low fertility.
It is a relative of the Foxglove, in the photo its seed pods look very similar. Carder bees and a type of solitary bee feed on red bartsia.

2011-08-04T05:57:00.001-07:00

Butterflies and Ladybirds

2011-08-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

Still not managed to get a holiday yet and not been out for a walk for ages and missing my nature fix. Did my usual route around Gisburn, very hot and humid but the Hoverflies, Butterlies, Bees and Beetles seem to be loving it. Startled a Hare hidden in the grass a few feet away from me so tip toed like a drunken ballet dancer till I got to the gate as scared of standing on any leverets. Lots of Butterflies feeding on the Thistles by field edge. Red Amirals, Green veined Whites and Small Tortoiseshells. Lots of micro moths too in the long grass and I could hear plenty of Grasshoppers chirping. In the grass by the hedge there were plenty of seven spot ladybirds and their larvae and I came across two mating Green veined whites who kept getting bothered by other amorous males. Everything is feeling the heat, the sheep were panting in the shade and the young cattle that usually love to trail after me, just stared wearily. It must even be too hot underground, the rabbits were laid up in the shade of the hedges by their burrow entrances.

Green-veined Whites mating.

Red Admiral

Small Tortoiseshell

Ichneumon fly.

Ground Beetles.

Dandelion Clock.

Brockholes Nature Reserve

2011-07-15T03:13:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Brockholes Nature Reserve on Monday. Its a huge site and the view of the floating visitor centre is very impressive as you drive up to it, like some Viking Settlement with its shingled roofs turning a lovely silver in the sun. There are three lakes/ponds, marshy areas, dry grassland and woodlands to explore and a childrens play area. Lots of Butterflies, Bees and Hoverflies feeding on the plentiful wild flowers. With the aid of my well thumbed field guide to flowers , I think there was Ladies Bedstraw, Thale Cress, Common Mallow, Tufted Vetch, Meadowsweet, Enchanters Nightshade, Wild Carrot, Wild mint, Yellow Wort, Yellow Rattle, Honeysuckle, Devils Bit Scabious, Corn Chamomile (it smelt like the tea), Orchids and some wonderful tall Scotch Thistles. After a walk we had a coffee at the visitor centre - sat on the terrace overlooking the lake in the hot sun made us feel a little bit like we were on a cruise in the Nile (Lancashire accents aside). Theres also a small deli and gift shop which sells bird food, so we stocked up before heading home.

Meadow Brown

Comma

Brockholes Visitor Centre

Wildflowers

Damselfly

Honeysuckle Sawfly Zaraea fasciata

2011-07-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

We saw this crawling around at the base of the honeysuckle in our garden. We looked it up on the web and its quite rare. Apparently the larvae live and graze on honeysuckle leaves. We wondered if it had just emerged from pupating as it was lethargic. We also saw a Humming Bird Hawkmoth in the garden but it was too active for us to get a photo.

Honeysuckle Sawfly

Leighton Moss

2011-07-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely afternoon at Leighton Moss last week and saw some fantastic views of Marsh Harriers. As soon as we'd parked up we could hear the raucous calls of the Black headed Gulls and could see them wheeling overhead. Went to watch them at Lillians hide and also the large numbers of Coots that had gathered with young of various ages. At the Eric Morecambe hide we were treated to the sight of a Stoat running along the far bank setting off a flock of Black Tailed Godwits. Once they'd spotted it they all turned and ran towards it - smart really keeping a potential predator in view and must be quite intimidating to have a flock of birds running at you. Saw Avocet, Greenshank and Oystercatchers one of which was lying on its back in the sun - sunbathing? We went to the next hide along and the Stoat turned up again, investigating holes in the bank, probably for voles. On a little island we watched one adult Heron with two very teenage looking young, wilting in the sun, eventually one lay down in the grass. Late afternoon at the Causeway hide and we saw Marsh Harriers making food passes and some spectacular stoops. I think we also saw a Black Tailed Skimmer sunning itself on the hide, no expert though, but using a very useful FSC guide to Dragonflies we'd just bought in the shop!

Marsh Harrier

Black Tailed Godwits

Black Tailed Skimmer ( I think)

Evening Walk

2011-06-27T02:19:00.000-07:00

It was so hot and humid last night Bramble didn't want her walk until 10.30pm. Took her off in the car to Coal Pit Lane. Nice gentle breeze had picked up and the headlights picked out lots of moths and young rabbits feeding on the flower filled verges. Parked up and walked along our favourite bit with the elegant pale limbed mature beech trees. The air was rich with the heavy scent of Honeysuckle, it smells nowhere near as strong during the day. Absolute silence until two Curlews decided to have a bit of a barney, calling loudly overhead and at one point clashing in mid-air and flying low across the road. Never seen anything like it. Watched the ghostly form of a hare running across a newly mown field in the half light. Lots of bats were flying around and overhead probably feeding on the large numbers of midges, two people and one ferret attract. Bramble unfortunately discovered she could catch the slow moving Toads that were out at this time of night, so we ended up doing an unofficial survey of their population density, 5 in about 15 minutes. Luckily she drops them as soon as she tastes them. Wonder if Polecats eat them in the wild? I think the toads must have been coming out to sit on the tarmac and warm up. Came home as darkness fell about 11.15 pm to rumbles of thunder though didn't see any lightning.

Arnside and Silverdale

2011-06-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

Went over to Arnside and Silverdale for the day. Went via Ingleton and amazed by the swathes of Ox-Eye Daisies growing on the verges especially near Whoop Hall, like snow drifts. Went up to Arnside Knott, lots of ants everywhere and saw a poor Harvest man covered in red mites. Visited Gait Barrows, saw a Brimstone Butterfly and a Speckled Wood. Felt like a hobbit walking amongst all the large Yew trees. The ground was crawling with Wood Ants and we came across two large nests about a couple of foot high that were a mass of activity with ants bringing in flies and ladybirds and yew leaves to add to the mound. Fascinating but I didn't feel inclined to stand still too long as they started to investigate rucksacks and cameras. Startled a reddish coloured deer and as we walked into a newly felled clearing we came across four fallow deer, one with little antlers covered in velvet, all were being horribly bothered by the flies we could see buzzing around them. Stopped off at Warton Crags on the way home to have tea and watched Jackdaws noisily wheeling around. Saw pale bird fly in and land on rock face and Jackdaws seemed agitated. Excitedly focusing on where bird landed in case it was a peregrine and just decided it was a pigeon when a peregrine flew in and tried to grab it. The pigeon escaped by a whisker and the peregrine took off after it, both unfortunately flying off behind trees. On drive home stopped off to look at wildflower meadow at Dalehead Chapel. Lots of Orchids, Yellow Rattle, Agrimony,Red Clover, and Lousewort. Barrie also managed to get a photo of a Chimney Sweeper Moth, which I'd not seen before.

Bowland Wildlife Paintings

2011-06-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to paint this Hare as it reminded me of a lovely evening walk we took to the top of Weets with its far reaching views. The hare was just feeding on the lane with the sun behind it and it looked magical.

The frog was one of many males waiting for the females to arrive at the pond outside Beacon Fell visitor centre, they all had such amiable expressions, though they weren't so amiable with each other when the females did turn up.

Woodpeckers

2011-06-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

We have two female woodpeckers coming to the garden with one fledgeling each. One is still feeding its chick which looks more mottled and fluffy than the other. The other chick was left by its mum yesterday after she had fed it. It looked a bit lost sat on the tree trunk in the rain. Eventually it had a go at the feeders first pecking at the plastic of the seed feeder, then had a go at the fat ball holder and fell off! We don't think of animals having to learn like we do, but it certainly wasn't coming naturally. It did get the hang of the peanut feeder and was feeding happily till the other woodpeckers showed up and got pecked very hard on the head by the other mum, who started to feed her chick with the other sat some distance away. This morning the fledgeling seems to have got a lot of confidence seeing off other birds from the peanuts and we have seen the younger fledgeling feeding itself though it is very nervous.

Juvniles have red on the crown.

Getting to grips with feeding itself.

Black Moss Reservoir, Pendle

2011-06-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

Decided to make the most of a lovely sunny afternoon and did a circular walk taking in Black Moss Reservoirs and moorland areas with views of Pendle Hill. Got really hot even in the early evening though a light breeze picked up. Meadow Pipits seemed to be everywhere either sat on top of drystone walls or flitting from tussock to tussock with the air full of males sweet song proclaiming their territories. Saw one Reed Bunting.We came across a large flock of Starlings feeding in a marshy area with another noisy group sat on top of the drystone walls nearby. Small groups kept flying in, then splitting off, some birds joining some birds leaving, all the while keeping up a noisy chattering. Also watched a pair of Curlews in the hope we might see some chicks but no luck. At home we have baby Blue Tits and baby Greenfinches visiting the feeders. Watched the Greenfinch beg the feeder for food by quivering its wings - eventually got the hang of it! Chris Packham would probably say that while a fledgling Blue Tit is perfect as a design for life its probably destined to die in the summer time as a meal for a Sparrowhawk. Still at least they get to see the sun for a short while though not to enjoy an Indian summer!

Meadow Pipit

Small White Butterfly

Fields are full of masses of Buttercups.

Small Heath

Mini murmuration

Lots of Ragged Robin in damp areas

2011-05-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

Walked up Weets and saw several Skylarks displaying and singing beautifully, hard to spot them as they fly so high. Wheatears and Reed Buntings flitted over the marshy ground and sat on top of the walls to sing. Watched a hare feeding in lane on walk up. At home we have lots of baby birds being fed in the garden by their harassed looking parents, we are getting through loads of fat balls and bird seed.

Butterflies and Bee-flies

2011-05-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Warm, sunny day, if a bit breezy on Tuesday so went for a walk from Twiston to Downham. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs singing in the trees and wild ramsons, bluebells and red campion flowering. Lots of butterflies sunning themselves on a wall and drinking water or salts off moist stones in damp area. Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies looked very ragged - but looks aren't everything, they've survived hibernating here. Watched a female Wall Brown sunning itself, beautful cryptic markings on the underside of her wings. Saw a Speckled Wood drinking from a salty patch on the wall. All the butterflies were near a large patch of wild ramsons in full sun.Watched a Bee Fly on a sandy bank wondered if it was a female looking for nests of solitary bees to lay it's eggs in.

Female Wall Brown butterfly.

Speckle Wood drinking.

Wall Brown showing underside of wings.

Small Tortoiseshell - A bit worse for wear but alive.

Peacock Butterly.

Speckled Wood.

Bee Fly.

Early morning walk.

2011-04-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

Walked down Coal Pit Lane, very windy but warm. Lots of bird activity. Willow Warblers having singing duels from prominent perches in young trees. Repetitive but lovely song, easy to learn and recognise. Long Tailed Tits searching tree bark and leaves for insects. Goldfinches gathering wool for nests or creating cunning disguises. Forget-me-nots, Bluebells, Ramsons, Cow Parsley and Water Avens all flowering.

Willow Warbler

Goldfinch

Cunningly disguised Goldfinch

Water Avens

Spring Wood, Whalley

2011-04-29T03:14:00.000-07:00

Visited Spring Wood on Thursday - the Bluebells and Wild Ramsons are flowering here at their peak. We were overwhelmed by the soft scent of the Bluebells and garlickly scent of the Wild Ramsons. The light green of the beech leaves contrasted beautifully with the gentle blue of the flowers and dappled sunlight coming through the tree canopy danced over the paths. Chiffchaffs, Warblers and Jays called all around us and we spotted a Jay displaying high in the tree canopy, puffing his chest out and dropping one wing and swaying from side to side. On the crest of the hill there are mature beech and it's interesting to see how their dense canopies cut back light so much that the rich gound flora disappears.Very sad to see notices put up telling us that the rhododendrons here have become infected with the Sudden Oak Death fungus and so they are being cut back and burnt in the hope the infection doesn't spread to the trees. Went on to Sabden to look for Goosanders, no luck but saw this lovely Grey Wagtail singing its heart out in the trees opposite pond.

Bluebells, Spring Wood.

Ramsons, Spring Wood.

Shows mature beech and cutting back of Rhododendrons.

Grey Wagtail, Sabden.

Blue Beetles and Wet Wagtails

2011-04-26T02:07:00.000-07:00

Had a walk up at Stocks Reservoir on Easter Monday. The water level has dropped considerably so worried about the frog and toad spawn. Happily we saw some tadpoles swimming in the shallows. Watched a Pied Wagtail bathing by the shore and saw one Willow Warbler though we heard others and a Chiff Chaff. Saw our first Pied Flycatcher (male) that appeared to be checking out an old nestbox. In the grass by the shore we watched these two lovely beetles mating and wondered if these yellow eggs are what they lay. Felt a bit sorry for him as she just carried on eating the dock leaf.

Pied Wagtail cooling off

Drying out

I think these are ground beetles - Pterostichus cupreus

These are the tiny eggs I saw on same dock plant

Easter Sunshine

2011-04-26T01:47:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic week it has been, lots of sunshine, blue skies and warm weather, everything really seems to have got going now. The hedgerows are full of wildflowers with patches of Primroses and Cowslips, Red Campion and white Stitchwort flowers, glossy Wild Arum and lots of lovely cheerful Dandelions. By the roadsides there are swathes of tall lime green leaved garlic mustard with its little white flowers so attractive to the orange tip butterflies zooming around at the moment. Driving to Bolton by Bowland the air is full of the scent of the Wild Garlic that carpets the woodland floor here and will probably flower in the next week or two along with the Bluebells. In the hedges, Crab Apples and Bird Cherries are flowering, though sadly the Blackthorn is almost over now, but at least the Hawthorns are just about to flower, whilst in the moist drainage ditches there are masses of golden Marsh Marigold flowers. The birds are all busy nesting and getting really territorial now. Gone are the large flocks of Goldfinches that used to visit, instead we seem to have one pair who guard the bird table fiercely for such tiny birds. On Saturday I watched a Blue Tit plucking an old wooly jumper on the washing line. I picked up some wool in the fields and put it out for it but it still prefers the jumper.

Primroses, Gisburn

Cowslips, Stocks Reservoir

Marsh Marigolds, Gisburn

Blue Tit plucking my jumper!

2011-04-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

I've wanted to get round to doing a scraperboard of this lovely little squirrel for ages. We watched him for ages last autumn up at Leighton Moss, foraging in the grass and sitting on this post, having a scratch and looking round. Hopefully he remembered where he stashed food and has survived the winter.

Redpolls and Swallows

2011-04-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

We seem to have lost the pair of nuthatches that were visiting the birdtable but gained a flock of around ten Goldfinches and two Redpolls. The Goldfinches are very noisy and aggressive with each other and the poor Blue Tits who keep getting pecked when they land to feed. The Great Tits see the Goldfinches off though so they still get a chance to feed. I've been sowing some flowers that I hope will encourage bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths in the garden. I grew Phacelia tanacetifolia last year and it was a great success with the bees and hoverflies. I've also sown Nemesia, Nicotiana affinis (night moths), Verbena bonariensis and Soapwort. We saw our first Swallow flying over the house yesterday - wonderful. The cats seem to have got the hang of removing the top saucer off the hedgehog food, so I made a feeding box recommended on the Hedgehog Preservation Society website. Unfortunately the cats lie down and reach in even with bricks placed five inches in front as suggested. I will try putting a saucer over the food in the box and see if that helps. The watercolour painting I finished today shows a pair of toads in amplexus and shows how tight a grip the male has on the female and how much bigger females are. The lamb picture was just cute.

Redpoll in back garden.

Toads in amplexus.

Plants for insects.

Hedgehog feeding box.

Cute lamb.

Toads

2011-03-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Toads are starting to spawn now. Lots around Stocks and in the shallows. Their croaking sounds like tiny geese honking. Males that have got hold of a female kick out at any males that approach from behind - any usurper has to try and climb aboard and prise the rival off. Noticed the toads in the more shady areas looked paler, do they change colour depending on the water temperature or less sunlight? I finished the Kestrel picture this morning, its from a photo I took last winter.

Toads spawning at Stocks Reservoir.

Kestrel on Scraperboard.

2011-03-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Weather been a lot milder recently with some lovely sunny days. Went to Beacon Fell on Monday, frogs noisily spawning in pond outside Visitor Centre. Saw lots of Hares around Lower Fairsnape Farm and as we drove back to Dunsop Bridge. Lapwings doing their tumbling display flights and Curlews calling as climbed into the air then glided back down again ending with quivering wings (braking?) before landing. Saw my first Bumblebees today. One looked about an inch and a half long, black with a yellow bottom and the other was about half the size wtih a red bottom. Nice as bees are, the good weather means all the flies have suddenly come back too. Also saw my first two dead hedgehogs on the roads, so out of hibernation, seems sad survived all winter and then run over. Celandine and Dogs Mercury flowering in hedge bottoms and all the tree buds look fat and ready to open. Met one of the local farmers while out walking, has 560 sheep due to lamb in two weeks time over a three week period. On the next farm along they have started ploughing, much to the delight of the seagulls and jackdaws.

Spring Sunshine.

2011-03-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

Everywhere seems to have greened up over the last few days and the scent of Spring is definitely in the air. Went for a walk and came across a Buzzard being mobbed by Jackdaws, it gently soared higher and higher away from them till they gave up. The hedgebottoms are full of seedlings of Garlic Mustard and the shiny bright green leaves of Celandine and Wild Arums. Found one Celandine flowering and some lovely snowy white Pussy Willow. The sun picked out some carvings on a gate post that I'd not noticed before, who was R and what happened in 1865?

Siskins

2011-03-10T02:24:00.000-08:00

My neighbour has sown some wildflowers and a small group of Siskins has discovered this. About nine of them are coming to the bird table for niger seed as well, so I think I'd better get some more before they eat all her seeds, as the flowers looked lovely last year.

Buzzards and Barn Owls

2011-02-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning we had Jackdaws coming onto the bird table and flying off with beakfuls of food- surely too early for them to have chicks. Barrie saw 5 buzzards soaring over the trees opposite the 77 garage in Gisburn and when we walked down later there were 3 soaring and calling. 2 kept fighting and chasing each other- rival males? On Sunday afternoon we were driving towards Slaidburn when we saw a flash of white wings behind a hedge, didn't look right for a seagull, maybe a male Hen Harrier - surely not a Barn Owl. We pulled over and another vehicle passed us and the bird appeared to fly off - Barn Owl!! Barrie rummaged for his camera on the slight chance it was still around and I got out. I looked over the wall and could see nothing. Not sure if it was me moving or Barrie winding his window down but a little white heart shaped face shot up above the reeds. The owl took off surprisingly slowly with heavy wingbeats and disappeared into the hawthorn and scrub in the valley. Feel a bit mean, if its out in the day hunting is it starving or even possibly got chicks already? Saw a Jay at Stocks reservoir and this morning had a Siskin on the bird table though it was frightened off by the Jackdaws.

Leighton Moss

2011-02-21T03:49:00.000-08:00

Went over to Leighton Moss on Friday. As we were driving below cliffs saw a Peregrine overhead with a bird. Driving alongside the Moss we saw a Marsh Harrier and at the Moss itself there were a pair of Buzzards circling overhead calling. It was quite late when we arrived so we went to Lillians hide and watched the Starlings come in to roost. Small groups came in in waves heading towards the conifers then suddenly there was an enormous eruption of birds and we were treated to the spectacle of them ebbing and flowing in swooping circles above the reeds. Noticed how much they have flattend the reed beds. Here in Gisburn the Snowdrops have been out in force since early February and the hedge bottoms are dotted with the shiny green unfurling leaves of Arum and the new green flowering shoots of Dog's Mercury. Hazel catkins are all releasing pollen and the Alder catkins look set to do the same soon.

Signs of spring

2011-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

The weather has kept us indoors the last few days but we ventured out for a short walk this afternoon. Lots of yellow Hazel catkins in the hedges and they release puffs of pollen when flicked. Lots of Alder catkins too but not open yet. Down by the Ribble which is really high there was a small group of Willow with lovely silvery catkins out. The heavy rain has washed a lot of the Wild Garlic bulbs out of the ground and there is a strong smell of garlic in places. In the hedge bottoms there were lots of Garlic Mustard seedlings and the rosettes of Red Campion. Its also really easy to see the places where the deer cross the road as the ground is all churned up with their hoof prints. It was nice to see small groups of Snowdrops too but I don't know if they are wild or garden escapes.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

2011-01-31T03:31:00.000-08:00

Did this yesterday afternoon in the back garden as less disturbance from people walking by. Saw 4 Blackbirds, 12 Blue Tits, 4 Chaffinches, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Dunnock, 2 Great Tits, 2 Greenfinches, 5 House Sparrows, 2 Long Tailed Tits,1 Robin, 4 Starlings, 4 Jackdaws, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Nuthatch.

Winter Walk

2011-01-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

Parked by bridge over Ribble below Paythorne and walked up through woods alongside river to motte and bailey. Cold, clear and sunny. Saw a couple of grey squirrels feeding on beechmast on the ground. Mixed flocks of Tits fed in the tree branches above and we saw a nuthatch and a treecreeper. Watched how treecreeper feeds, puts its head on one side and scythes its beak to and fro under moss on tree trunks. Surprised by the number and variety of fruiting fungi, some lovely and bright a nice change from the muted colours of winter. Last time we walked here was at the start of summer, everything was lush and green and the shade from the tree canopy was very welcome. Pleased to see the Primrose and wild strawberry leaves were starting to look greener, gearing up for spring, though they may be being a bit hasty as had snow on Tuesday. Got two nuthatches coming to the bird table, they take sunflower hearts and wedge them in the cracks in the conifer bark or push them into the cracks in the pebble dashing on the garage. We also had a little goldcrest in the conifer and on the bird table. Last week a sparrowhawk got one of the blue tits, a bit upsetting but there are plenty left. At the moment they get through about 3kg of peanuts a week.

Goldcrest

Nuthatch

Treecreeper

Sparrowhawk with Blue Tit

Fungi

Ice crystals we found on Sunday in Gisburn Forest

Winter Sunshine

2010-12-20T04:28:00.000-08:00

Sunday 19/12/10

It's impossible to be depressed on a bright winters day like this, the snow twinkling with diamond glints in the sunshine and the air so fresh and cold it makes your nose throb. Everywhere looks so light and bright and we are so close to the winter solstice and soon the days will be lengthening. The beautiful patterns everywhere can almost induce sensory overload. Stark silhouettes of bare trees against an impossibly blue sky with rooks wheeling and cawing above them. The low sun highlights every lump and bump in the glittering snow covered fields and the trees and sheep cast long shadows. Twigs and grasses become feathered with ice crystals. Flocks of Fieldfares work their way along a hawthorn hedge sitting in the topmost branches to digest and everywhere there are tracks revealing how hectic for our wildlife is the everyday business of survival.

Starlings

2010-11-29T01:32:00.000-08:00

I think the starlings must be reading my blog and realised I was a bit disappointed they'd moved roosts up at Stocks Reservoir so they decided to visit. I opened the curtains at 8am this morning and there must have been at least a hundred in the garden and trees. We had gone up to the hide at Stocks yesterday in the hope we'd see them again but unfortunately they were at the other end of the reservoir and going into a roost on the opposite bank. We did get a fantastic sunset though.

Waxwings at Stocks Reservoir.

2010-11-27T02:58:00.000-08:00

Very cold but sunny day on Friday. Went up to Stocks and was watching Fieldfares when a flock of grey-pink birds flew in and landed on trees down by shoreline. About a dozen more flew higher up and landed in trees by path leading from cafe to jetty. Stunning birds in late afternoon sunshine, looked far too exotic to be here. First time most of us had seen them. Watched starlings in distance circling over water, seemed to go down on opposite side of reservoir and when we went to previous roost site it was silent and empty, with only a lone Tawny Owl sat waiting on the wall. Maybe it's scared them off or perhaps this roost is just too exposed now the weather has turned harsh.

Starlings at Stocks Reservoir.

2010-11-19T10:38:00.000-08:00

We have just got back from watching the Starlings coming in to roost up at Gisburn Forest. Please excuse the excess of adjectives, but it was superb, amazing, fantastic. Never mind Autumnwatch and Aberystwyth Pier. We very nearly didn't bother going as thick fog had come in, and we thought we would see very little, but if anything it added to the drama as the birds emerged out of the fog, above the reservoir. We assumed we'd missed the main event as small groups passed overhead heading for the inlet, though even the noise from their wings was quite loud. Then suddenly from out of the fog, a dark mass emerged heading towards us, passing over the causeway like a living transparent creature, the noise was overwhelming and I could only look up open-mouthed in awe ( not the wisest thing to do, though they got a direct hit on Barrie not me!). We decided to drive back into the forest to see if we could spot the roost, no problem the noise was a giveaway. Starlings were settling into the spruce on either side of the road, individual calls joining into a gurgling roar like a stream in spate - I actually looked for a rushing stream, I couldn't believe the noise was them. Birds were still coming in and jostling for position,making the tree tops wave. We stayed as long as we could, but by 4.30 pm the cold fog was getting to us softies - I don't envy the starlings the night to come.

Frost, Fog and Bramblings

2010-11-17T03:38:00.000-08:00

After two days of thick fog and frosty mornings, the sunny days of September feel a very long time ago. Bright sunshine of Tuesday encouraged us out for a walk in the lanes near Todber. Almost all the leaves have fallen now but this makes it much easier to see the flocks of birds feeding in their crowns. Watched a mixed flock of Blue, Great and Coal Tits which had picked up some Bramblings too. All were feeding in and under an avenue of stately Beech Trees and geting quite damp in the process as they searched for the mast in the long grass. Birds were invisible in the fields until they took off in large flocks, think they were mainly Redwings, though couldnt get close enough to see before they took off. Squirrels were much in evidence watching us pass below from the safety of the trees. The swaying of a branch in an otherwise still tree gave away the hiding place of one in the crown of a tree. It was trying to hide itself by lying along a branch, but didnt realise its increased BMI meant there was considerable overhang! Noticed some lovely velvety fungus growing on the trunk.

Wet Brambling.

Damp Blue Tit drying off in sun.

Brambling in beech tree.

Beautiful, velvety fungus.

Squirrel trying to hide.

Buzzards and Hen Harriers

2010-11-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

Really wet and windy Monday, we had to travel to Hornby so decided to go over Cross o' Greets. Flocks of Fieldfares in hedgerows and fields full of flocks of feeding starlings. Almost hit a Sparrowhawk that flew low and fast in front of the car, intent and fierce eyes. Trees mostly shed their leaves now though oaks still holding their now orange leaves and surprised by how many oaks there are. Some of the roads we went on had had very little traffic and were strewn with colourful leaves and yellow larch needles, the rain bringing out the intensity of their colours. Snow must have fallen in some quantity overnight as there was snow on the top of Pendle Hill and snow on hills around Cross o' Greets and lumps of melted snow as we drove through . On way home just after sunset we saw one solitary Hen Harrier on its own then it turned and flew off over a dip in the land. Then 5 other birds rose from behind the dip, it joining them, flying together with the mist rolling off the hills behind. By the time turned the car round had lost sight of them in the mist and trees. Barrie thinks he has heard they roost together communally. Stunning sight. Also saw a buzzard a bit further on and wondered if it had spooked them.

Red Breasted Goose

2010-11-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

Lancashire wildlife just received this e-mail:

My name is Gareth Evans and today (6/11/10) at about 11:30 I saw a Red

Breasted Goose amongst some Pink Feet Geese at RSPB Marshside, I viewed

it from Nells Hide looking towards Marshside Road. I have read up on

these and they should be in South Eastern Europe. Please could you post

this in your website.

Many Thanks

Gareth Evans

Autumn Fungi

2010-11-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we walked the lanes up near Rimington looking for fungi, haven't a clue what most of them are, but the colours and shapes looked very striking against the dull earth and dead leaves.

Thought these might be emerging bracket fungus.

My gran called these Stags Horn .

These looked like tasty buns!

Downham-Worsaw Hill Walk

2010-10-20T00:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a perfect autumn day with sunshine and blue skies, though clouded over in the late afternoon. Went for a short walk from Downham and round Worsaw Hill, which is a limestone Knoll and back again along the road. We had some lovely views from the hill and enjoyed the autumn colours and berries in the hedgerows. Watched a Buzzard hovering above the hill before being seeing it chased off by Jackdaws and saw a Heron in a field. Some fungi looked like it had made a good meal for a vole, with lots of teeth marks on its crown.

View from base of Worsaw Hill to Pendle.

Fields around the hill.

Doves looked stunning circling in the sun.

Buzzard circling above Worsaw Hill.

Bit too far away, but lovely chocolatey markings.

Buzzard briefly landed on hill, before mobbed by Jackdaws.

Dusk Leighton Moss

2010-10-13T02:46:00.000-07:00

Dropped in at Leighton Moss in the late afternoon. Treated myself to some new binoculars with some guidance from the very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Went to Griesdale hide, plenty of Teal and saw my first Shovellers. Small flocks of geese continually flying overhead think they were headed for the salt marshes. Stags roaring abuse at each other from the safety of the reeds. Cormorants flying in to roost, look very prehistoric in flight somehow. Egrets also coming in to roost in the trees.

Geese Leighton Moss

Teal Leighton Moss

Male Shoveller Leighton Moss

Late Summer Walk

2010-10-13T02:37:00.000-07:00

Bramble birdwatching Stocks Reservoir.

Sunday was such a lovely mild, sunny day that we decided to have a walk up at Stocks reservoir. Flocks of Long Tailed Tits flew from tree to tree calling as they went, quite surprising as the paths were busy with walkers. Went to the hides and watched flocks of Lapwings circling over the water. Lots and lots of Cormorants sat out on a bank drying their wings and plenty of Canada geese. Even Bramble tried a spot of birdwatching although she was much more interested in a discarded ham sandwich under the hide! Went on to walk at Cross o' Greets, the sky was an incrediblle shade of blue against the grey rocks and russet bracken. Found a very brightly coloured caterpillar which I think is a Broom Moth trudging from bracken frond to bracken frond trying to find any remaining green bits to eat.

One of the Stocks Reservoir hides.

Autumn colours Cross o' Greets.

A small part of the large group of Cormorants at Stocks Reservoir.

Long Tailed Tit.

Broom Moth Caterpillar ( Ceramica pisa )

2010-09-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

After the dreary drizzle of the last couple of days, summer seems to have made a very welcome return. Went over to Leighton Moss. Saw a buzzard, just outside Kirby Lonsdale, being seen off by a flock of around 20-30 Jackdaws, it circled lazily in the sky while they frantically harangued it. Interesting that the group split, one lot returned the way they had come and rest continued after the Buzzard. We had lunch in the airy upstairs cafe - some lovely fresh sandwiches and cakes, before heading off into the reserve. The flowering reeds were starting to look dry and silvery in the sun, rustling in the breeze, with lots of Dragonflies hawking just above their tops. Went to the Griesdale hide first, lots of ducks, Mallards and Pochards mainly, Little Grebe, a fishing heron and I think a Snipe. The heron lurked on the edges of vegetation, holding its head to one side before striking - compensating for refractioin or dazzle from the sun or was it trying not to cast a shadow on its prey? We then went to the Allan hide where there were Curlew Sandpipers, Redshank, Curlew and a Crow bringing bunches of Elderberries in to eat on the island. About 4pm at the Griesdale hide we saw an adult deer and juvenile come out of the reeds to graze, then two more adults and two spotty youngsters. As dusk fell we walked along the causeway , seeing a group of deer watching us in the distance. Later as we left the hide, we heard lots of splashing from the reed beds, then stags started calling around us, low and deep, a little eerie in the half light. Above our heads flew the most bats I have ever seen at once in one place, tiny black silhouettes against the silver clouds, veering off at the last moment as they hunted around us. Hard to leave and head home.

Grey Squirrel foraging near car park.

Earth Stars - Geastrum triplex near car park.

Buzzard calling and circling by Griesdale hide.

Heron fishing, Griesdale hide.

Snipe by Griesdale hide.

Deer grazing 4pm, Griesdale hide.

Little Grebe or Dabchick.

Signs of Autumn in Gisburn.

2010-09-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Still breezy but welcome sunshine with blue skies and big fluffy clouds ambling by. Frank has sown his ploughed field and from a distance it has a lovely green sheen, close to you can see all the tiny spears thrusting through the dull bare soil. Still life left in the old year yet, even though there has been a real chill in the air the last couple of evenings. In the high winds several small branches have come down but nothing serious. The hedgerows are bursting with ripe fruit; hawthorn berries, crab apples, sloes and rose hips. Most of the hazelnuts seem to have gone, either the Jays and Squirrels have had them or someone has collected them, though I would think they'd be still a bit green. Sloes looked very tempting, deep purple black with a beautiful bloom, perhaps I'll have a go at sloe gin. Rose hips were covered in insects, feeding on the soft exposed flesh where birds had been pecking, nice to see them having a feast before winter! Lovely views across stubble field towards Pendle. Thought all our swallows had gone as gathering on phone lines at the end of last week and only seen one or two since, but as I walked through Franks farmyard there were lots of them swooping around and in and out of his barn, must be all the flies! Wonderful sight, I'm always sad to see them go.

"Looking on the happy Autumn-fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more"

Tennyson.

Pendle looking moody.

Autumn hedgerow

Ripe rose hips and sloes.

Feasting Flies.

Pendle from Coal Pit Lane.

Beech Trees.

Crab apples, the scent from the flowers was wonderful on a summers evening.

Rose hips.

Leighton Moss

2010-09-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

Visited Leigthon Moss for the first time yesterday - drove past the entrance once as we were expecting something along the lines of Martin Mere - more of a reserved reserve. We had a lovely lunch in the excellent cafe before heading off to the hides. Watched Nuthatches and Marsh Tits on the feeders near the visitor centre and my brother got the shock of his life when a Sparrowhawk flew in sending the feeders spinning, though it didn't make a kill. Lots of Redshank and Lapwings. Saw my first Marsh Harrier, I think it was at the Allen Hide. Lot darker and chunkier than the Hen Harriers we are used to around Slaidburn.(Saw two on the drive over the tops) There were several egrets at the Eric Morecambe hide and a Kingfisher flew past at eye level calling. Wherever we went we saw lots of Dragonflies hawking above the water and reeds and we were told there were Hobbys about feeding on them. Bit useless as a birdwatcher as I kept getting mesmerized by the beauty of the place with the sun sparkling on the water and every so often little shoals of fish would leap across the surface of the water after midges setting the water glittering. The sound of the breeze in the reeds was also very soporific. Will be nice to visit in Autumn and Winter when all the migrants turn up.

Leighton Moss.

Walking through the reedbeds on the causeway.

One of the many Dragonflies we saw.

Redshank stirring up the mud with its feet.

Flock of Redshank.

Several of these were in one of the hides. Totally harmless.

Osprey sighted over Widdop Moor and Reservoir

2010-08-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

Philip Booker emailed me a sighting of an Osprey over Widdop Moor and Reservoir East Lancashire heading south.

Ospreys pass through this area heading north in spring and south in late summer early autumn they often stop over at Stocks reservoir and I have seen one there.

Each year the RSPB track some of the Loch Garten Ospreys as they migrate back to Africa one of the birds they tracked came through East Lancs have a look here http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/tracking/lochgartenospreys/index.aspx click on previous years.

The Glorious 12th!

2010-08-13T02:09:00.000-07:00

Walked over Weets from Salterforth to Todber. Weather started lovely and sunny - forecast for sunshine and showers. Saw several Green Veined White males battling and two paired up. There were also several Meadow Browns flying about near moorland path. Very dark storm clouds started gathering and we got caught in a torrential downpour. Just as it started we spotted two foxes crossing the track ahead of us. One spotted us and leapt over the wall into the wood, then kept peeking back over at us from behind a bramble. The other took longer to spot us and we got one photo before it saw us and charged off after its mate. It looks so anxious in the photo. Beautiful long tail. Worth getting very wet for.

Green Veined White Butterflies

Meadow Brown Butterfly (male)

Birk Bank

2010-08-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

Photographed my all-time favourite fly feeding on a patch of wild mint at Birk Bank near Clougha - the wonderfully named Tachina grossa. It's about an inch long with a beautiful yellow head, glossy black back and a very bristly bottom. The larvae hatch from eggs laid individually in burrows and which have kindly been supplied with a nice fat caterpillar each before Mum left. Wonderful!

More Hedgehogs

2010-08-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier on in the year I said I was worried that there seemed to be less hedgehogs around than usual, so I suppose it serves me right though in the nicest possible way that I now have at least three hedgehogs visiting the garden to be fed. There is at least one large one and last night for the first time we had two small hedgehogs at the same time.They fed side by side though they kept trying to jostle each other away and eat as much as possible as quickly as possible. One was lighter and slightly larger than the other. I also found a hedgehog asleep in a pile of bubblewrap in the garage that same morning. After eating the little hedgehogs trundled off in opposite directions, watched one go behind the house and eat fat fallen from birdfeeders, then it had a little scratch and sleep curled up behind house before heading back for more catfood. We still have to leave a little gap between the saucers for the baby hedgehogs to get their snouts under otherwise they can't dislodge the top dish and just round around it in panicky circles till we go out and move it.

Baby Hedgehog

2010-07-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

The little hedgehog has sort of learnt how to nudge the top saucer off the food, sat eating in the rain with it on its head, not sure if intentional ! Ended up sat in the plate as usual.

Stocks Reservoir

2010-07-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

16/07/10

Hogweed, Pink Valerian, Meadowsweet, Blackberries, Knapweed, Thistles, Nettles and Meadow Vetchling all flowering which meant there were loads of insects flying on a warm, breezy overcast day with some sunny spells. Some of the hogweed flowers were just covered in soldier beetles and various flies. Meadow Brown butterflies are really hard to photograph as they drop to the ground to avoid predators (photographers) attention.

Sericomyia silentis

Eristalix pertenax

Sunfly, Heliophilus pendulas

Sawfly, Tenthredo arcuata

Grypocoris stysi

Gasteruption jaculator with Soldier Beetles

Soldier Beetles, Rhagonycha fulva

Meadow Brown

Hedgehogs

2010-07-15T06:09:00.000-07:00

After worrying about the lack of hedgehogs earlier in the year we now have at least two visiting the garden every night to be fed, one of which is tiny. To stop cats eating the catfood I put an inverted saucer over the bottom saucer and it seems to work. The big hedgehog just shoves it off with its nose or rocks the saucers. The little one can't though. The other night the little one turned up around 9.50 pm, trundling around in front of the shed and climbing around on an alchemilla. It wandered around the saucers unsure what to do and I'd forgotten to leave a gap it could get its nose under. It was about to give up so I went out and uncovered the food. It froze, then ran off under the shed,but when I came back in we could see its little nose going and it came back to the food. The big hedgehog came down the side of the house and up behind the small hedgehog and we thought it might be hostile, but it just ate a little alongside it, walked off, circled back a couple of times then left the little one to the food. We did wonder if it was its Mum. The small one ended up sitting in the middle of the dish troughing its heart out.

Tawny Owl on evening walk

2010-06-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Went for a lovely evening walk last night around Todber, as we walked up to Brogden Lane we got fantastic views over the drumlin field towards the Dales, the low sun hightlighting the drumlins gentle curves.

Great Tits, Blue Tits and Longtailed Tits all feeding fledglings, we could hear them calling as they worked their way through the tree tops. Barrie managed this shot of a Longtailed Tit fledgling way up in the canopy.

Barrie spotted a Tawny Owl, all I could see was a sun dappled tree till it turned round and fixed its huge brown eyes on me (or was it Bramble ?). It sat tight for a minute or so, with Blue Tits and Great Tits coming within inches of it - either they hadn't noticed or didn't feel it was a threat as it wasn't actively hunting. It took off with silent wingbeats. Amazing.

The hedgerows are full of flowers, Ragged Robin and Yellow Loosestrife waved among the grass flower heads and Honeysuckle, Dog and Hedge Roses filled the evening air with their perfume. There was a lovely sunset and we sat and listened to the welcome breeze stirring the beech leaves as the setting sun edged them with gold.

2010-06-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

Female Great Spotted Woodpecker and fledglings are daily visitors to our feeder by the bedroom window. Only slight niggle - starts hammering away at the peanuts about 5.30 am, whilst constantly softly calling (sounds like a small dog yapping in the distance). I will grind up some peanuts and put them on the bird table then we will all be happy. The young Woodpeckers are stunning and wait patiently in the fir tree to be fed, annoyingly when she does, she takes them into denser foliage so I can't photograph them. We also had a young Carrion Crow in the garden, this sent our local Jackdaws potty, they really were not happy. Found a Narcissus fly in a friends garden in Foulridge, thought it was a Bumble Bee at first till I noticed its eyes and flat abdomen. We had a walk from Cross o' Greets and saw some Large Red Damselflies flying in tandem by an iron stained pool. Every so often a pair would bob down to the water surface so the female could lay her eggs, wings glittering in the sun. We also saw two Gold Ringed Dragonflies flying over the water and resting on heather - if they are not please tell me.

Click on photos to enlarge

Great Spotted Woodpecker

Gold Ringed Dragonfly

Carrion Crow

Red Damselflies

Narcissus fly

My wildlife art website

Gisburn

2010-06-19T02:19:00.000-07:00

Its been a wonderful week weatherwise here in Gisburn, long sunny days with a pleasant breeze, making a walk in the countryside very inviting. Treetops and hedgerows are full of fledgling Blue Tits and Great Tits insistently calling all day long to their poor harassed parents who look very tatty. Watched a pair of Blue Tits feeding their young all constantly calling as the adults worked their way through one tree gathering beakfuls of caterpillars, then all at once took off as one to the next tree along, and carried on in this way along the hedge. One Blue Tit seemed to think its sibling was being unfairly favoured over it and edged along the twig until it was above its rival then landed on it knocking it off its perch! We have also been watching a family of Blue Tits nesting in a broken bough, the parents squeezing through tiny holes to feed their noisy young, who are starting to look out of the entrance, hopefully they'll fledge soon. Watched a Grey Squirrel collecting fungus. Saw three woodpeckers all sat on a tree trunk, noticed them as heard drumming, do youngsters get lessons? Friday afternoon saw a large flock of Lapwings near Foxhill Barn, wheeling and calling, also saw a Bullfinch in the hedgerow, Bullfinches have the most boring call I have ever heard. Female Woodpecker and young are coming to peanut feeder in garden, female keeps pecking twigs off Fir Tree and chucking them away.

Click on photos to enlarge

My wildlife art website

2010-06-09T02:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 8/06/10

Very muggy overcast day. Went up to Stocks Reservoir for a walk, followed by a drink and cake in the cafe there( The tiffin and the chocolate cake are both very good). The water level looked very low, though the fishermen said it often gets lower. On drive home in late afternoon, near Slaidburn, we saw a Little Owl with one youngster sat on a drystone wall, both took off when we stopped. Near Bolton by Bowland we saw a Tawny Owl hiding in a tangle of hawthorn, and then as we neared the bridge over the Ribble, we saw a Sika Deer grazing quietly on the roadside bank before nonchalantly hopping over the fence back into the cover of trees.

2010-06-09T02:25:00.001-07:00

Monday 7/06/10

Up early to a damp, humid and overcast morning. Went for a walk over fields cut and cleared for silage over the weekend. Large flocks of Starlings, Jackdaws and Herring/Blackbacked Gulls feeding amongst the pale yellow stubble. The starling flocks had plenty of light brown juveniles and were all in constant noisy conversation, taking off and wheeling off to new areas of the field as one. The gulls had brown youngsters with them too, the adults keeping stern yellow eyes on me. Watched two young Jackdaws push their luck with a couple of adults. The rather large youngsters kept begging for food and eventually the adults lost their tempers and flew at them, pecking and flapping. The stunned youngsters huddled together looking very forlorn.
Lucky enough to see three hares. The first was very big and dark and didn't notice me, seemingly caught up in a race with a low flying swallow, got to about twelve feet from me, leapt up in mid-air, turned round and raced away to top corner of field. The second was just sat in a gateway in the lane and quietly slipped away behind the hedge. The third was further down the lane hopping along ahead of me. The lane is awash with Cow Parsley, dotted here and there with Red Campion, amongst the grass there are plenty of Lords and Ladies flowering though they've got soggy and battered by the recent heavy rains.
Daft as it sounds, I had been getting worried about the lack of slugs and snails in the garden. (Everythings a meal for something else.) Plenty around today, lots of White Lipped Snails with their pale yellow shells striped with brown amongst the grass and Cow Parsley, and slugs and snails grazing on wet tree trunks up to about 3ft.

Newts and Pipistrelles

2010-06-09T02:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday 5/06/10

Saturday was very hot and sunny, and we went to visit an elderly friend and look round her garden. The heat was overpowering in the early afternoon and we all ended up sat by her little pond with a drink watching her goldfish with me trying to convince her that her newts were gorgeous. The newts were lounging at the water surface in little groups underneath lilly pads, little parasols to protect themselves from sunburn! Like us the heat had made them dozy and they were easy to catch and show to our friend. The females dull khaki and fat with eggs and the males speckled with black and gold spots. At the side of the pond we watched a male doing his waggle dance in front of a female. Our friend wasn't totally convinced of the beauty of newts especially when we noticed a newt hitching a ride on the back of her goldfish! I don't know how anyone could resist a creature with such an amiable smile! Her pond is only tiny and has one goldfish in it and is regularly topped up with a hose, all things not supposed to be good for newts - while we were there it was topped up again and the newts and the goldfish seemed to enjoy the water movement. We also noticed that when our friend fed the goldfish the newts seemed very interested in the fish food too!
That evening we visted the Moorhouses at Foxhill Barn B & B, and sat outside as darkness fell, the swooping swallows and swifts giving way to the tiny Pipistrelle bats hawking for moths and other insects attracted to the outside lights.

Little Owl

2010-05-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Went to Coal Pit Lane last night about 10pm for our usual walk with Bramble. As we were driving down the lane, a small, grey animal ran across the road, looking for all the world like a small grey guinea pig. It then stopped on the verge and appeared to stand up on its hind legs to look at us. It was only as we got closer and stopped that we realised it was a Little Owl. It glared at us and then took off. I had never imagined Little owls as running around on the ground, even for worms I thought they would swoop and grab, absolutely delighted to see one like this. Also wonder if it is where stories of goblins and things come from, after a few pints, walking home with a flickering lantern on a lonely country road you could have imagined it was a Little Man not a Little Owl. Also watched Pipistrelles flying overhead and swooping quite close, lots of moths out, even Bramble tried to catch one.

Spring birdwatching walk in Brock Valley.

2010-05-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Sunny, breezy spring day so we decided to go to Brock Valley to see the Bluebells and Wild Garlic. The path follows the river amongst Oak, flowering Hawthorn and Lime trees that shade patches of Bluebells and swathes of Wild Garlic with the delicate flowers of Lesser and Greater Stitchwort gently nodding between them. As we walked alongside the river, sometimes the scent of the garlic was strongest and sometimes the delicate scent of the bluebells. Lots of Red Campion out too and the sturdy flower spikes of Butterbur look really ornamental now covered with white downy seed heads. Watched a young Thrush trying to balance on ivy stems waving in the breeze. Right next to the path, with dogs and people walking past, we spotted a Great Tit going into a hole in a tree about 3 ft up from the ground. As it entered we could hear all its chicks calling. Perhaps the people and dogs going past and their scent deters any would be predators, it didn't seem at all perturbed by us sitting and watching it as it came back with juicy caterpillars. We also saw three dippers, one of which was a youngster with mottled plumage, feeding itself. Watched two Grey Wagtails battling in mid-air and bobbing over the rocks in the river bed. Click photos to enlarge

Juvenile Thrush

Grey Wagtail

Great Tit going into nest...

Young Dipper

....and out again.

Young Dipper

Adult Dipper

2010-05-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous sunny spring day, so decided to have a day out looking at some of our wildlife hotspots. Went to Birk Bank Woods near Caton, which are a mixture of upland habitats and oak woodlands. The golden yellow banks of Gorse contrasted wonderfully with the clear blue sky as we followed the path through the mounds of flowering Bilberry. Cool and quiet amongst the oak trees. Found a large empty nest hanging in a gorse. Then we drove past Calf Hill and Cragg Woods then past Caton Moor windfarm where we spoted a Meadow pipit with a beak full of food. Drove on to Holme wood by Barnacre Reservoir near Oakenclough. Mixed deciduous woodland in a dell, with a streamside footpath leading down to Grizedale reservoir. Oak just finished flowering, Rowan, Hawtorn and Horse Chestnuts flowering and providing shade for the carpets of Bluebells, speckled with the white flowers of Stitchwort. Looked magical in the dappled sunlight with Small White and Large White butterflies dancing amongst the flowers. Lots of Chiff Chaff calls and Barrie saw a Nuthatch slip into a tiny hole in a tree and come out with a faecal sac. Walked down to the reservoir, where Barrie photographed either a Chiffchaff or a Willow Warbler (it didn't utter a tweet) catching caterpillars. On our walk back through the woods, I heard a plop behind us and saw something swimming through the stream and scrabbling over rocks, black, wet and glistening and very, very fast, couldn't get a clear view and didn't want to get so close we scared it, hope it was a Water Vole.
Click Photos below to enlarge

Birk Bank

Meadow Pipit

Nuthatch with faecal sac

Holme Wood

Small White

Chiff chaff or Willow Warbler

2010-05-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Spring may have been late this year, but suddenly everything seems to be happening all at once. Blackthorn seems to have flowered really well this year and a few are still flowering here and there even as the Hawthorns start to flower. Red campion, Marsh Marigold, Garlic Mustard, Wood Sorrel, Violets, Bluebells, and Wild Strawberries are all flowering now and we still have Primroses out. Local woods smell richly of Garlic from the Wild Ramsons that will be flowering soon. Horse Chestnuts are starting to flower and the Apple Trees in the hedgerows are filling the air with their rich scent. It is hard to believe that a couple of weeks ago we were still having frosts and hardly any leaves were out. The Blackbird and Robin chicks have fledged, though I have only seen the Blackbirds feeding one chick in the open. The Robins seem to have done better with two. The Blackbird nest attracted the attentions of the local cats and on one occasion I saw a Sparrowhawk land in the conifer and head for the nest though I couldn't see if it took off with anything. The Swifts have made a welcome return over the past week and the House Martins are already feeding young. Twice during the day and in different areas we have seen Tawny Owls sat out in the open, one around 9 am and the other around 5 pm. Maybe they were after one of the numerous baby rabbits that seem to be everywhere at the moment. On our evening walks we have been delighted by the tiny Pipistrelle bats flitting amongst the trees above us. We are a bit worried that so far we have only seen a couple of hedgehogs, though sadly several corpses on the roads. BBC Wildlife magazine is encouraging people to go for an evening walk and the Forest of Bowland is a beautiful area to do so. Its lovely here at dusk as the sun sets behind Pendle Hill and the air fills with the scent of Apple Blossom, the bats come out and the calls of Curlews and Oystercatchers mingle with the bleating of the lambs.

Tawny Owl

Ramsons (Wild Garlic)

Langden Valley and Cross o' Greets

2010-04-30T02:27:00.000-07:00

22/04/10

Warm, sunny day with a lovely light breeze. Went for a walk in Langden Valley, hoping to see some Redpolls, no luck though other people had spotted them. Saw Oystercatchers mating by river. Lots of Stoneflies out sunning themselves on rocks by river. As the path climbed, started to see a number of Green Hairstreak butterflies and the occasional Green Tiger Beetle darting amongst the heather. Then I saw what looked like the shadow of something else dance across our path and at first thought what on earth is that newt doing. Then I realised it was a dark coloured lizard. We saw at least 3 more of variable size and colour - one being almost golden with a stripe down its back. We then had an evening walk along the river in Dunsop Bridge and spotted Willow Warblers singing on the gorse and watched a Kestrel get mobbed by Crows.

Stonefly

Green Hairstreak butterfly

Green Tiger Beetle

25/04/10

Driving past Cross o' Greets, saw a male Hen Harrier hunting, surprised by the size of the pink tag on his wing, (no.18). There was a family of Greylag geese nearby and I wondered if the Hen Harrier would take one of their chicks. The six chicks were exactly the same greeny yellow as patches of moss and were only visible when their parents started to lead them away up the slope.

Hen Harrier

Greylag geese

2010-04-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

7/04/10

We had heard reports that an Osprey had been seen up at Stocks Reservoir over the bank holiday weekend so we thought we 'd go up and see if it was still there. Sadly we were out of luck but a sighting of a male Hen Harrier flying over the shallows near the bird hide more than made up for this. We also saw several pairs of Canada Geese and watched the Cormorants sat on driftwood drying their wings in the sun. We went round to the cafe up at the fishery and were amazed at the number of toads crawling about. We walked down to the shore line and saw several "balls" of toads made up of about half a dozen individuals in the shallows and there were plenty of other toads heading for the water or swimming about. I have never seen so many toads in my life, it was an incredible sight although it did make me paranoid about where I was stepping! I did try to move one and it gave a very indignant squeak. We could also hear them croaking all around in the shallows. Wood anemones and Primroses are flowering now and the Hawthorn leaves are starting to unfurl.

2010-03-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday 14th March

Another lovely sunny day, with beautiful blue skies and high white clouds. Mum and brother came over for the day and we decided to go hare watching at Lower Fairsnape Farm, in Bleasdale. We were not disappointed, even in the middle of the day, there were plenty of hares zig-zagging all over the place and lying up together in couples. We also got some superb views of flocks of oystercatchers and lapwings displaying, looking stunning against the backdrop of Parlick Fell, as they twisted and turned with the sun glinting off them. We saw several pairs of curlews feeding and saw our first redshank of the year. We finished off the day at the Cobbled Corner cafe in Chipping were we warmed up with some delicious spicy teacakes and an enormous piece of chocolate cake. On the drive back at dusk we saw several hares feeding around Whitewell and Dunsop Bridge and a white pheasant.

2010-03-12T05:10:00.000-08:00

Curlew spotted near Slaidburn and Swans, Stocks Reservoir

Dogs Mercury and Wild Garlic shoots

Lords and Ladies and Hare trying to be a rock

It's been a lovely sunny week, cold but very pleasant after what has felt like a very long winter. Everything seems suddenly to have stirred into action. Lords and Ladies leaves are unfurling in the shelter of hedge bottoms, wild garlic leaves are pushing through, gently scenting the air with garlic, garlic mustard seedlings seem to be sprouting everywhere. Watched honey bees feeding on yellow crocus flowers, their hind legs covered in pollen. Heard my first curlew call over the weekend, my favourite sound and means springs definitely here. Also got a starling that does an excellent imitation of a curlew! Drove over to lower Fairsnape Farm, watched two hares boxing and chasing across field. When one had seen the other off it stretched out and lay down in the sun. Hares are amazingly well camouflaged drove past one and thought it was a rock that looked like a hare, then realised it was a hare that seemed to have managed to flatten its features and look like a rock.

2010-02-19T03:15:00.000-08:00

Woke up to light snowfall and thick fog, thats gradually thinning as the sun tries to shine through. Just received my starter pack from http://www.naturescalendar.org/, who want people to record their first sightings of UK flora and fauna so they can see if there are any changes, perhaps due to global warming. Looks like fun, but I think I might be a fairweather recorder and wait till it looks a bit more inviting outside! Went for a walk around Stocks Reservoir , clear blue skies and bright sunshine though a strong cold wind was blowing, looked beautiful though and it was lovely to get out again. Alder catkins are almost out and some Hazel catkins were even releasing their yellow pollen when I tapped them. Saturday 20/02/10 - Stocks Reservoir was to re-open for fly fishing, but just had an email saying its 80% iced over after the freeze last night and the wind dropping, a big disappointment for all and a blow for Ben and his staff after all their hard work getting ready to open.

2010-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Below are a few small paintings I did of the birds coming into the garden over the snowy period, when I was snowed in. Click on the image to view.

2010-01-28T09:23:00.000-08:00

Snowdrops are out in St Marys Churchyard, Gisburn, look lovely and cheerful, Spring is finally on its way!

Surprise Lunchtime Guest

2010-01-27T04:58:00.000-08:00

Sat having lunch watching the birds on the bird table when all suddenly dived for bushes or froze on feeders. Bird of prey landed in hawthorn hedge and then proceeded to try to get at sparrows in hedge, who stayed in the hedge but tried to keep out of its reach, eventually it came out of the hedge bottom and flew off low down the road. I assume its probably a sparrowhawk!

2010-01-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thaw hopefully set in now. Had some sunshine in the afternoon, so set off for Stocks Reservoir. Beautiful views though the roads a bit difficult in places. Photographed a Kestrel and watched a Buzzard circling over trees near Slaidburn. Got to Stocks and bitterly cold in the wind. The reservoir was all iced over. Retreated to Hark to Bounty.

2010-01-11T12:06:00.000-08:00

Monday 11th January

Sleet falling and a bit of a thaw setting in hopefully. Long Tailed Tits are becoming regular visitors to the feeders. Still got Blue Tit with withered leg visiting and now also one with only one leg. On Autumnwatch they said that using fat balls in nets could cause injuries and I wonder if this is whats happened. Putting out fat balls netless in feeders or using the square ones you can put in wire cages. Also had a go at making my own with ground up peanuts and suet, and leaving to set in old foil take away trays. When set I break it in half and put on the bird table or in the feeder. Robins and Woodpecker love it.

2010-01-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Great Spotted Woodpecker

5/01/10

Happy New Year!
What an amazing sight to wake up to this morning. We have had about 6 inches of snow overnight in Gisburn, and its a bit of a shock after the lovely sunny day we had yesterday. The village children are making the most of it, sledging in the fields. Feel sorry for the birds, they are being a lot tamer and coming into the garden to use the feeders so it must be hard for them to find food. We get lots of Blue Tits, some Great Tits and some Coal Tits, a few Chaffinches, Sparrows and Starlings. We have at least three Robins, who all battle although at least two seem to be almost tolerating each other so maybe they are forming a pair. We have a pair of Blackbirds at the front of the house and one pair at the back. They seem to spend a lot of their time trying to chase other birds of all species away ( includung a Woodpecker ). We have had a Blue Tit with a withered leg coming to the feeders since before Christmas, so we are pretty impressed with his resilience. He also looks quite big and is aggressive to other Tits, spreading his wings out and raising the feathers on the back of his head and if they don't get the message attacking them.

Blue Tit with withered leg Jackdaw with rockcake

Lots of Owls

2009-10-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Been a good week for seeing owls. On Saturday as we drove through Holden Clough we saw a Little Owl sat on the wall by the road. Damp, mizzly weather so perfect for it to catch earthworms. On Monday as we arrived at Bank House Fly Fishery we were greeted by a cacophony of Blackbird alarm calls and suddenly a Tawny Owl broke out of the trees in front of us, persued by at least half a dozen blackbirds. They followed it into the copse opposite the house where they were joined by more blackbirds, blue tits and great tits, the noise was amazing. Eventually the tawny had enough and took off over the fields. On Saturday we also watched a hare in Anne Gardners garden up at Bleasdale cottages. It sat there for a while at the base of her hedge before ambling into the field, where I photographed it hiding. We also surprised a Buzzard which had just made a kill in the field near the hide as we drove up, took off carrying something dark with a tail! Looked huge so close, beautiful in the sunshine.

Little Owl near Holden Clough Nursery

Tawny Owl at Bank House Fly Fishery

Hare hiding in grass at Bleasdale

Pumpkin

2009-10-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

This is the first year I've tried to grow Pumpkins, lots of fruits but only one got big and matured. Very proud but Bramble unimpressed.

Autumn

2009-10-08T01:05:00.000-07:00

Had a walk around Gisburn Park. Sweet Chestnuts covered with spiky husked fruits. Hornbeams look very elegant and attractive with their bright yellow foliage and long drooping clusters of nuts in their leafy bracts. Have yet to find any acorns on any oak trees though I've found plenty of marble galls and artichoke galls. Horse Chestnuts seem to have less conkers too. Seems a good year for berries though, the Hollies and Rowans are covered with them. Hawthorn has done well too though not as well as last year when they were spectacular. Jays and Grey Squirrels are easier to spot now as they are so busy making their winter stockpiles. Still got wasps flying around and plenty of spiders are getting into the house. Bramble my pet ferret has developed an unfortunate partiality to House Spiders. There was a full moon on Sunday, so bright it was hard to sleep, lovely to go out walking in. The birds are starting to come back into the garden to feed, really pleased to see a little Wren bobbing around. Found a Woodlouse in my compost bin moulting its old skin, really surprised as didn't think they lived long enough to need to do that.

Mature Marble Galls

Young Marble Galls

Mature Artichoke Galls

Young Artichoke Gall

Hornbeam Nuts

2009-06-14T05:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday 13/06/09

Fantastic sunny day with a lovely light breeze, perfect for insect hunting (photos only) up at beautiful Stocks Reservoir. Lots of patches of nettles, wildflowers and thistles and marshy areas. Settled on nettle leaves or flying weakly about there were several damselflies, these looked stunning when took off as their wings glittered in the sunlight like they'd been spun out of delicate silver thread. I think one was definitely the Large Red Damselfly and the other I photo'd was possibly the Blue Tailed Damselfly.

Quite excited as there seemed to be quite a few Grasshoppers around, not confident as to their identity though. Also found a lovely little spider in a curled over nettle leaf, probablyAraniella cucurbitina, gorgeous colours.

In nettles next to the cafe found the Sawfly Rhogogaster viridis, highly decorative colours, blown over the water I can't imagine any Trout would miss that, I always thought Fishing Flies looked really garish now I know why. Down by the water amongst the wildflowers found an incredibly delicate looking Lacewing, probably Chrysopa perla bluey-green with black markings down the centre of its body. Also looked slightly sinister I have to say and after reading how their larva suck all the juices out of aphids and then sometimes decorate themselves with the shrivelled corpses I think I was probably right, still stunning though.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

2009-05-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

12/05/09

Lovely sunny day, though very breezy, went to Samlesbury Hall for a Green Tourism meeting. At lunchtime wandered in the grounds and looked at their new maze which is planted with both native and garden flowers. Several Speckled Wood Butterflies were sunning themselves on the woodchip paths in the maze. Horse Chestnuts were also in full bloom filling the air with a lovely fragrance, Ramsons all blooming in the shade beneath the trees.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

2009-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some wildlife sightings from Paul Booth, the manager of Rimington Caravan Park:
(Toad photo) I came across this little fellow whilst out in the fields opposite the caravan park...the dogs were most impressed!!!
20/3/09 My two boys were very excited to see frog spawn in our garden pond (we "rescued" the pond and all its occupants from one of the Park Homes on site last summer)
22/3/09 Came across a fine example of a Hedgehog on the site (approx 40cm long) obviously had come out of hibernation after the recent spell of warm weather.
25/3/09 Sadly and rather tragically a dead Badger on the A682 near Gisburn, the first I have seen in this area either dead or alive.
27/3/09 Plenty of Lapwing and Curlew activity in the fields behind the house together with a large mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

2009-03-25T03:19:00.000-07:00

Lower Fairsnape Farm 18/03/09 saw my first bat of the year at dusk flying over Bleasdale cottages. 20/03/09 up at Stocks Reservoir saw my first two bumble bees of the year zipping around the car park and my first toad of the year sunning itself by the picnic tables. Sunny, mild weather all week. Wood anemones coming out in old hedge bottoms and woods and rich yellow celandine flowers appearing. Wild garlic leaves greening up the woodland floors.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

Lower Fairsnape Farm, Bleasdale

2009-03-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

15th March

Up at Lower Fairsnape again. Lots of sunshine but very cold and quite windy. Sat in the birdhide to look for hares. Eventually found four spread out across the field making a superb job of looking like mole hills or grassy tussocks. All either feeding or stretching out in the sun and not taking much interest in each other, though one got chased off by two rabbits. Looked beautiful whenever the sun came out and made their fur a rich red that then stood out against the dead grasses. Saw my first ever close up view of a Redshank and realised I have been hearing their calls for ages but not known it. The redshank came and sat on a fence post right by the hide, it's plumage looked so soft and insulating though I thought it's legs looked more orange than red. All around there were lots of pairs of lapwings and Curlews. The lapwings kept making dizzying display flights and mobbed any crows that flew over and mobbed an unfortunate hare that got too close. Saw several Redshank flying down to the scrapes and a flock of what looked like thrushes in the far distance, probably Fieldfares(?) A large flock of starlings took off and whirled overhead. As we drove off a large hare strolled into the road ahead of us and ambled off, a lovely end to the day.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

Trough of Bowland

2009-03-15T02:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday 14th March

Daffodils coming out in Chatburn and Hawthorn leaves starting to unfurl, lovely refreshing bright green after the dull damp browns of winter. Wild garlic leaves are starting to cover woodland floors.

Saw a large flock of lapwings in field bottom near river at Whitewell.

Drove through Trough of Bowland on way to Forrest Hills Outdoor Centre. Saw a huge woodmouse bounding through beech leaves at edge of wood. Reversed for a second look as so big initially thought it was someones escaped gerbil. Living next to picnic area so probably rich pickings even over winter, looked very healthy.

Lots of lapwing and curlew pairs around now.

Saw first hedgehog of the year as dusk fell at Forrest Hills.

Lovely drive back through the Trough of Bowland, the low sun catching the dead bracken and grass and turning drab browns into rich chestnut reds and straw golds. Saw a Black Grouse by side of road, camera in the boot! Typical.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

Bleasdale

2009-03-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Fantastic day out in beautiful Bleasedale and visited Beacon Fell Country Park, which I'd never been to before. Visited Lower Fairsnape Farm, run by Robert and Anne Gardner, Several pairs of curlews displaying and calling, one even dive bombed another. Plenty of Lapwings with their strange bazooka-like calls, displaying and feeding . Also saw several Red-legged partridge oystercatchers and a huge buzzard being mobbed over woods near village hall. Got lovely photographs of hare sat in gateway opposite the Gardners house. Barrie crept up on it to get photos, but obvious it had seen him, when he stood up it looked vaguely interested but didn't run off, too busy enjoying the spring sunshine. Anne showed me gaps in walls of barn and cottages that Grey Wagtails nested in last year and were checking out this year. Above doorway of one of the cottages there is a slight niche that a kestrel roosts in, if the wind direction changes, Anne told me it goes round to another niche instead. Found several pellets below both roosts, hadn't realised Kestrels produced them. While we were talking a pair of Kestrels wheeled above us, calling to each other, looking stunning in the sunlight.

Had a tasty toasted cheese sandwich and coffee at Beacon Fell Country Park, so warm and sunny we could sit outside. Meal was accompanied by the amorous croakings of hundreds of frogs in their pond that were frantically spawning. Rangers said frogs literally arrived overnight.

My Wildlife Art website www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk

2009-01-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Millie

This is an acrylic painting on artboard I did a couple of years ago. It was done from several photographs. The painting is done in many layers and glazes.

For more information about my paintings go to my website:

http://www.elizabeth-mills.co.uk/

2009-01-15T06:32:00.000-08:00

27th December. Beautiful sunny day, clear blue skies. Went for a walk through the grounds of Gisburn Park Hospital, down to the river , then up path to the left of Gamekeepers and Fishermans cottages, then on to remains of Motte and Bailey. Very mild but a cold wind. Snowdrop flower buds forming in sheltered lane leading to the bridge and saxifrage leaves out. Watched a tiny Goldcrest bobbing in and out of undergrowth by stream, did'nt realise they went so close to water. All that's left of the Motte and Bailey now is a mound and ditch. Mound has a deep depression in the centre and a steep bank on side facing river. Very quiet, lovely views towards Paythorne

2009-01-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

I have two pet ferrets. Eric is 7 years old and has neurological problems that cause him to be a little unsteady on his feet when he is tired or being lazy in the house. If he is outside and interested in something he's okay. He had some unidentified infection last April that led to hind leg paralysis and was not expected to recover. I lost a Jill ferret Poley to the same disease.

I also have a nine month old Jill called Bramble who loves going for walks and swimming. Both live in the house, are litter trained and are very affectionate especially when you have food.

2009-01-15T05:34:00.000-08:00