Last week at The Old Forge I saw and photographed a new species; new to me and new to the British Isles. The tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) is a recent arrival to these shores - first recorded in Wiltshire in 2001. Since then it has spread quickly throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. As they … Continue reading The Tree Bumblebee
Wildlife
The Stoat And The Pigeon
I've just returned from a few days in Norfolk. We stayed in a relation's holiday home (featured in The Norfolk Coast) and I spent happy time looking out over surrounding fields and marsh, clutching my camera, sipping tea. On my first morning, I was watching hares, when a stoat leapt over the garden wall. I'd … Continue reading The Stoat And The Pigeon
And So That Was March
The longer, brighter days of March brought new life to the Priory. A kingfisher is an occasional visitor, as are mandarin ducks; and tree-creepers are a new notch in my bird-watching stick. But all three are ultra shy and impossible to photograph. Yet. With the grass growing, canada geese returned. They don't stay long; just … Continue reading And So That Was March
Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Who wouldn't want to see more butterflies in their garden? (I'll ignore the gentleman at the back, raising his hand). (Just some of the moth and butterfly species in 'my' gardens) Well, they're really quite easy to attract. For example, you could plant cabbages: you'll get flurries of cabbage whites. Not what you had in … Continue reading Butterfly Conservation Half Price Membership Offer
Wordless Wednesday: Still No News
Fingers crossed. (See The Duck Nest Box).
Wordless Wednesday: Vole & Dunnock
They might have stood a little closer together.
2015 Calendar
I was reading a post on Christina's blog the other day about a calendar she made from photos of her garden and remembered that I too normally make one. I haven't for a couple of years but with that prod from Christina, I decided to leap purposefully into action. Using an online company, I uploaded … Continue reading 2015 Calendar
The Anxious Gardener 