Duxbury Ramblers

Thursday 26 January

2012-02-01T17:42:00.000Z

Damp again.

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

Robin

Great Tit

Take Care

Wednesday 25 January

2012-01-31T10:46:00.000Z

Damp this morning.

Brooklime - Veronica beccabunga

Male Flowers Dog's Mercury - Mercurialis perennis

Dutch Crocus - Crocus x stellaris

Lord & Ladies - Arum maculatum

Wild Garlic or Ramsons - Allium ursinum

Snowdrop - Galanthus nivalis

Take Care

Monday 23 January

2012-01-29T07:25:00.000Z

Dry this morning

Butterbur - Petasites hybridus

Lesser Celandine - Ficaria verna on the far side of the lodge, this one has pushed through the ivy.

Take Care.

Sunday 22 January

2012-01-28T07:16:00.004Z

Another Damp morning

Hawk Kill? I am not sure as the feathers looked chewed but I suppose that could have been done after by fox or dog.

Hazel - Coryluss avellana

Spotted Laurel - Aucuba japonica

Wilson's Honeysuckle - Lonicera nitida

Take Care

Saturday 21 January

2012-01-26T18:38:00.000Z

Rain again with the wind behind it (not nice)

This is the Coot we saw last year on the ice showing it's leg rings off, I could not get a good shot of them but the colours were the same. Good to see it likes it on the lodge.

Daisy - Bellis perennis

Pochard the water was really choppy and I was wind swept.

One of the many Charlie Robins that come for breakfast - they are so bold, you just have to love them.

Take Care

Friday 20 January

2012-01-24T17:45:00.000Z

Back to the rain this morning.

Dwarf Daffodils in Burgh Wood these were planted a few years ago

Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum near the entrance to Rucks

It has been strimmed back and I wonder if it will get chance to flower.

Take Care.

Tuesday 17 January

2012-01-23T14:02:00.000Z

Cold & Dry - I love this sort of weather, at least we can wrap up warm and enjoy the walk.

Cormorant just drying off after it's morning swim for breakfast.

Moorhen on the old raft.

Take Care

Monday 16 January

2012-01-22T17:24:00.003Z

Cool & dry again

Coal Tit has come for some breakfast, they always seem shy about visiting.

Birch Polypore a few on this fallen Silver Birch.

Take Care

Sunday 15 January

2012-01-21T18:31:00.000Z

Dry & Cool

All taken on the big lodge

Blackheaded Gull

Canada Geese

Coot

Mallard hybrid - looks like one of the small white ducks in shape & the short bill.

Mallard this has no white collar

Swan

Take care

Saturday 14 January

2012-01-20T17:53:00.000Z

Dry and Cold

Birkacre Rucks

Cormorants

Great Tit checking out a nest box

It might be just what we need

Take Care

Friday 13 January

2012-01-18T07:17:00.000Z

Cool & Damp

This fungi was on a branch overhanging the river.

This is a beautiful moss found all over the place - Tamarisk Moss

Yellow Pimpernel - Lysimachia nemorum, no flowers yet.

Take Care.

Thursday 12 January

2012-01-17T07:13:00.002Z

Damp morning & very mild.

Daisy - Bellis perennis

Snowdrop - Galanthus nivalis

Swans in flight

Take Care.

Tuesday 10 January

2012-01-15T06:34:00.002Z

Damp morning, we kept to the lodges as Meg was due at the vets for a check up and boosters.

We were early so it was dark.

Had to use the flash on the camera to get these King Alfred''s Cakes.

They have various common names Cramp balls, Coal Fungus & Coal Balls. They are mainly found on Ash .

Take Care.

Sunday 8 January

2012-01-13T19:10:00.000Z

A field trip to Mawdsley Moss with the Chorley Natural History Society.

Started as a dry morning but the drizzle set in and finally took over.

Common Field Speedwell - Veronica persica

Crow

Dandelion - Taraxacum

Field Pansy - Viola arvensis

Fungi

Groundsel - Senecio vulgaris

Rabbit Scull

Red Dead-nettle - Lamium purpureum

Sparrowhawk

Whooper Swans

Take Care

Saturday 7 January

2012-01-12T19:11:00.000Z

Windy & Dry

Canada Geese

Cormorant

Holly - Ilex aquifolium still a few berries left.

Honeysuckle - Lonicera periclymenum always one of the first to show signs of spring.

Turkeytail

Take Care.

Friday 6 January

2012-01-10T19:18:00.000Z

Cool but we stayed dry

Sunrise

Canada Goose

Cormorant among the gulls on the tern raft

Daffodils making more progress

Horse Chestnut Bud- Aesculus hippocastanum as promised a photo of the sticky bud.

Arnold & George waiting for me on the rucks.

Take Care

Wednesday 4 January

2012-01-06T14:24:00.000Z

Damp again

No ID on this Fungi

It was on some old fencing that has been down a few years

Approx 13cm across and in groups of 3 to 4

Gorse - Ulex europaeus

Jelly Ear - Auricularia auricula-judae

Charlie Robin waiting for his breakfast

I think they are pairing off again - there is another lurking and they are not fighting.

You can almost hear him saying hurry up put the camera away.

Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

Take Care

Tuesday 3 January

2012-01-03T18:59:00.000Z

Very windy and of course wet.

I really wanted to show you the buds on this Horse-chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum - but it was so windy, will try another day soon.

The buds are very sticky, there are always insects stuck on them, I am told that the sticky sap is protection against frost and insects, it seems to work.

This is a very young tree that was vandalised a few years ago the top half was broken off - it is now quite sturdy.

Take Care.

Monday 2 January

2012-01-02T14:15:00.000Z

More rain

Clover Leaves

Moth Caterpillar out in this weather.

Cow Parsley - Anthriscus sylvestris

Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium

Sheep with bramble - quite a few had bits on them - we thought it might be building up a bit of camoflauge or a portable shelter.

Take Care.

Sunday 1 January

2012-01-01T13:21:00.001Z

Another wet one - not a good start to the New Year - all the same have a happy one

Went back to the lesser celandine and it was still looking good

there were a couple more open but out of reach and I only had my small compact with me

It was a good walk we met Sue & her Grandson Tyler who has grown so much I did not recognise him.

Take care.

Saturday 31 December

2012-01-01T11:39:00.001Z

Wet again

The only bit of sunshine was the flower

Lesser Celandine - Ficaria verna

Take Care.

Friday 30 December

2012-01-01T11:36:00.000Z

Damp again

Lord & Ladies - Arum maculatum

Snowdrop - Galanthus nivalis

Take Care.

Wednesday 28 December

2012-01-01T11:20:00.001Z

Rain again

Christmas Tree still looking well

Fungi on a retaining board on the Big lodge

Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium

Ivy - Hedera helix

Swans & Mallards

White Dead Nettle - Lamium album

Meg waiting for me - Arnold & George sorting the world out.

Take Care

Sunday 25 December

2011-12-25T15:04:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

LOVE AND GOD'S BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Stinkhorn

2011-12-25T14:29:00.000Z

Found this soft egglike fungi on the 22 December it was slightly bigger than a golf ball, I photographed it's progress - unfortunately the slugs seem to like it and ate the top.

22 Dec they are also called witches eggs.

24 Dec it has grown but the tip is missing.

24 Dec

25 Dec What a shame I would love to have seen it mature.

This was also on the Silver Birch Log.

Thursday 22 December

2011-12-25T14:16:00.000Z

Dry Morning

Plenty of fungi about all these were on a Silver Birch trunk that has been over quite a few years.

Fungi or mould

Possible Oyster Mushroom

Ribwort - Plantago lanceolata

Charlie Robin

Possible Winter Polypore

Take Care

Sunday 18 December

2011-12-24T07:19:00.000Z

Damp Morning.

Chaffinch

Great Tit & Chaffinch

Great Tit

This is a Male swan that arrived on Monday 12th, he is ringed, he was not welcomed by Billy and the gang, they almost drowned him. He managed to get on the Top Lodge but was moved from there - he's on the small channel and at least he has been fed and hopefully will get on his way as soon as he is recovered from his ordeal.

Take Care.

Saturday 17 December

2011-12-22T07:17:00.001Z

The Snow arrived yesterday, we are hoping it is going to thaw.

Meg mousing - she has been obsessed with the field vole this year.

The Barrow Field.

Looking towards Coppull.

Silver Birch - Betula pendula

Birch Besom or Witches Broom - Taphrina betulina

Witches Broom - Taphrina betulina it is a gall that causes irregular growth - they are often mistaken for birds nests.

This Birch has a few on it.

Yellow Brain Fungi also known as Witches Butter.

Christmas Tree - more baubles.

Take Care.

Wednesday 14 December

2011-12-21T06:39:00.000Z

Dry cool morning.

Buzzard was sitting in the trees behind the Top Lodge - we saw it land other wise we would never have picked it out.

Moon above the Yarrow Valley

We fed Charlie Robin on the way down the Valley and on the way home but he did not appear - must have been busy some where else.

Take Care.

Tuesday 13 December

2011-12-20T17:02:00.000Z

Mild damp with a the sun just managing to shine.

Sunny Brow

Rhododendron - Rhododendron ponticum

7 Spot Ladybird out and about

Fooled by the bit of sunshine.

Nuthatch

The Christmas tree has gained some more decorations.

Take Care.

Saturday 10 December

2011-12-20T12:00:00.001Z

Cool damp morning

2 Spot Ladybird it was alive - just keeping a low profile.

Take Care.

Thursday 8 December

2011-12-18T13:39:00.000Z

Damp again - I am busy with other projects at the moment so this blog tends to get neglected.

The tree has gained a few more ornaments

Take care

Saturday 3 December

2011-12-14T18:28:00.001Z

Rain this morning

All these were on the tables in the new feeding area.

Blackbird

Chaffinch - this is the first bird I have seen locally with this terrible coating on his legs - I have been told it is called Papillomavirus.

Coal Tit

Great Tit & Coal Tit

Nuthatch

Holly - Ilex aquifolium

Lesser Celandine - Ficaria verna. Leaves already showing.

Take Care.

Friday 2 December

2011-12-11T19:37:00.001Z

Damp Morning

With a beautiful Rainbow to prove it.

Groundsel - Senecio vulgaris

Hartstongue - Phyllitis scolopendrium

Red Campion - Silene dioica

Robin

First ornaments on the tree

Take Care.

Thursday 1 December

2011-12-07T06:58:00.001Z

I can hardly believe it is the 1st day of December, my Grandmother always said on my impatient younger days just wait as you get older the days fly over and they do. The rain is back this morning and it's cool so feels colder with the rain.

Red Campion - Silene dioica

Dogwood - Cornus sanquinea

This is the pond that I think a lot of people have never seen even though it's on the rucks, it is over grown and needs a bit of tidying up - then it could be a great area for viewing pond life, at the moment there is no access that is safe. You need wellies and a stick to help through the mud.

Look what's peeping through Daffodils - found a few clumps showing on the rucks.

Take Care.

Wednesday 30 November

2011-12-06T08:24:00.001Z

Dry Morning

Swan Family

Windfall Apples

Broom - Cytisus scoparius

Common Knapweed - Centaurea nigra

Gorse - Ulex europaeus

White Dead Nettle - Lamium album

Take Care.

Tuesday 29 November

2011-12-02T12:19:00.001Z

Very mild dry morning.

100s of Geese now ID as Pinkfoot going over each day.

Meadow Buttercup - Ranunculus acris

Lichen

Dandelion - Taraxacum

Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Take Care.

Sunday 27 November

2011-11-29T17:25:00.000Z

Damp morning with a few strong gusts of wind, certainly makes us move a bit quicker through the woods, especially when the trees are groaning with the strain on them.

Blue Tit first to the new table - I like to think they appreciate my bit of food.

Coal Tit next in

Followed by a stunning looking Great Tit

the Nuthatch was in

and out in seconds.

Fungi found on the edge of Spring Wood - quite a lot about.

Take Care.

Saturday 26 November

2011-11-28T14:07:00.000Z

Damp again, camera was in the bag most of the time.

I love Darwin's Barberry - Berberis darwinii - it has colour most of the year, lovely flowers and then berries which have all gone, that means there will be more growing in other parts - a few years ago one turned up in a plant pot at home, it is still there. I am waiting for it to flower.

Dogwood - Cornus sanquinea - the most wonderful looking bare shrub.

Take Care

Friday 25 November

2011-11-27T07:12:00.001Z

It was raining when I got up but that soon changed to sunshine for our walk.

We visited the new feeding area.

Blue Tit, Coal Tit and Nuthatch

Chaffinch

Coal tit

Back on the tern raft the Cormorant was drying off in the sunshine

in Burgh Wood we found Red Campion in flower.

We had only been home a short while and the weather changed again - rain driven by wind. What a strange day.

Take Care.

Thursday 24 November

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000Z

Dry Morning -

We met Sue and the tribe, we chatted and of course laughed mainly about our youth, so of course no good photos today.

Well apart from this one of Billy - he's probably thinking what are you all talking about.

A good day - with enjoyable company what more can you ask.

Take Care.

Wednesday 23 November

2011-11-25T10:38:00.000Z

Cold & damp this morning.

Just to show Charlie Robin and Pickle the Great Tit in competition for the food.

With the Blackbird

The very quick and camera shy Nuthatch

Charlie Robin still hanging about

Two little gems still in flower Red Campion - Silene dioica

and Herb Robert - Geranium robertianum

Take Care.

Monday 21 November

2011-11-24T13:45:00.000Z

Damp morning

Billy Swan - he's keeping an eye on his two youngsters

I wonder if they will go on their own or will Dad have to chase them off?

Then again they may stay with Lonely Lucy, who knows - until then no names for them.

Take Care

Saturday 19 November

2011-11-23T10:38:00.000Z

Another damp morning

Found Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium still in flower near the Big Lodge and on the rucks.

View across to the Big Lodge - we were on the path to the rucks

Still a little colour left on the rucks

Sign at the top of the path.

Take Care

Friday 18 November

2011-11-22T18:59:00.000Z

Raining this morning - we were damp.

Ladybird looking to keep dry and find some breakfast.

Geese again we have seen these most mornings - possible ID Pinkfoot

We call this Great Tit "Pickle" it's probably a different one every morning as there are quite a few this year, it comes quite close along with Charlie Robin.

Take Care

Wednesday 16 November

2011-11-21T07:18:00.000Z

Cool damp morning - we walked up to the Lower Burgh Meadow.

Soon found some fungi

A patch of Opposite Leaved Golden-Saxifrage - Chrysosplenium oppositifolium no flowers.

This Wild Angelica - Angelica sylvestris escaped the tidy up on the burgh and I was glad to see it.

Cormorant drying off

must have been fishing.

Swan family coming to see what I have for them.

Take Care.

Tuesday 15 November

2011-11-20T13:16:00.000Z

No photos on the walk but as we got home.

a flock of geese passed over the house heading south.

Later in the day I found this Garden Lobelia - Lobelia erinus growing in the nicks of the pavement as I was going to the shop.

It is from one of the nearby gardens or hanging baskets

Lower leaves Garden Lobelia - Lobelia erinus

Take Care.

Monday 14 November

2011-11-19T11:25:00.000Z

Damp this morning we were on the Lower Burgh Meadow.

We saw some bizarre things this morning.

This picnic table has appeared in the area - I presume it is for the volunteers to have their brews & buttys on.

This ring was on the table, there are always bits like this on the Burgh.

As we approached this bench we wondered what had been left.

3 small bottles unopened and a box.

This brought a few memories back - Snowball although I am sure you can still buy them today.

Plus a box of fancy soaps, I know they all probably came from the nearby recycling site but if you did not know that what a story you could concoct from them and the places found.

Take Care.

Sunday 13 November

2011-11-18T06:56:00.001Z

Damp this morning - we walked to Dry Bones

This fungus was at least 10 inches across, there where three but none in one piece.

Couldn't resist this cheeky chap.

Pixie Cup Lichen - Cladonia sp.;

Red Campion - Silene dioica

Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Take Care

Friday 11 November

2011-11-17T07:26:00.000Z

Dry Morning

Cormorant still in residence

Lots of fungi about

Found most of these near the rucks

Heron on Top Lodge

This is a relic from the old industrial past of the area a steel cable - I think they were used on the lifting and pulling gear in the mine shafts.

Taken from the river looking toward the new bird feeding area -

Swans in flight

Found this little bit of colour, Sweet Cicely - Myrrhis odorata

Take Care

Thursday 10 November

2011-11-16T06:59:00.000Z

Very Mild this morning.

Heron on the Top Lodge

Take Care.

Wednesday 9 November

2011-11-15T11:17:00.000Z

Damp again - we headed for the Lower Burgh Meadow

As we passed the Big Lodge we found the Cormorant still on the tern raft, I bet there are a few disgruntled fishermen.

This is one of the trees planted in memory of a loved one - it is not a wild crab apple but I would guess at Golden Hornet a garden variety

Fungi (Turkey Tail) on Lower Burgh Meadow

I think this is a man made pond as it has a run off to the reconstructed pond on the Lower Burgh. After this point we found very little as this part of the Burgh seems to have been levelled and could almost take a lawn mower!!

We made our way back to the big lodge and on our way down we spotted this nest in the distance - we saw a Magpie nearby and wondered if it was one of theirs?

Quite a big construction

Young Swan getting some flying time in

this young pair are already being picked on by Billy their Dad.

Not a bad landing

Feeding Time

Take care.

Tuesday 8 November

2011-11-13T07:07:00.000Z

Mild & damp this morning - I am sure the plants & wildlife are wondering what is going on - I am!!

We found this small Puff Ball fungus on the path, someone must have picked it and left it so we had a photo session.

Found this one at the Slippery Log

Looks like the frost finished most of the flowers off.

Take Care.

Monday 7 November

2011-11-12T10:53:00.000Z

Below freezing this morning, even so it was a beautiful day.

Meg has the scent of something.

Primrose Hill - the cottages stood here.

Frost on the ground

Frosted Red Campion - Silene dioica

& Frosted White Dead Nettle - Lamium album

Take Care.

Sunday 6 November

2011-11-11T07:11:00.000Z

Cold morning at Knott End - we just had a good walk along the sea wall.

View across Morecambe Bay - the Cumbrian Hills hidden in mist.

Ferry waiting to go into Glasson Dock.

Fleetwood bathed in sunshine.

Take Care.

Friday 4 November

2011-11-10T06:58:00.000Z

Mild & Damp

Fungi near the Big Lodge.

The old stump was full of it.

I had a walk up to the library and found this growing at the side of the pavement

Petty Spurge - Euphorbia peplus

Take Care.

Thursday 3 November

2011-11-09T06:47:00.000Z

Damp Morning.

Cormorant still on the Tern Raft.

Catkins forming on Hazel - Coryluss avellana

Heron sat in the trees above Top Lodge.

Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium

Oil Seed Rape - Brassica napus

Zigzag Clover - Trifolium medium

Take Care.

Wednesday 2 November

2011-11-08T07:19:00.001Z

I wandered into Town today on an errand and found some more little treasures among the streets.

Chinese Bramble - Rubus tricolor

Persian Ivy - Hedera colchica “Sulphur Heart”

Shaggy Soldier - Galinsoga quadriradiata

Sticky Groundsel - Senecio viscosus

Take Care

Tuesday 1 November

2011-11-07T07:17:00.001Z

Not cold but a damp morning.

We had a good walk round - Heron was on the Top Lodge could not see any Snipe.

As we headed for home we passed the Big Lodge.

Sat in the midst of all the gulls on the Tern Raft was a Cormorant.

Not a favourite with the fishermen - a bit of jealousy I think as it catches more fish.

Take Care

Monday 31 October

2011-11-06T13:34:00.000Z

Damp again.

Found this lovely ladybird on our front window and brought it in for a photo session, it was not keen so I had to contain it for the shoot.

It is Orange Ladybird - Halyzia 16-guttata one of our native ones, I put it in my greenhouse after and hope it makes it through the winter.

Take Care

Sunday 30 October

2011-11-05T06:46:00.000Z

Damp again.

Found all these down at Dry Bones - none were in flower.

Box - Buxus sempervirens

Common Meadow-rue - Thalictrum flavum

Vervain - Verbena officinalis

Take Care.

Thursday 27 October

2011-11-04T10:41:00.000Z

Damp Morning.

These were at the Railway Station.

Harlequin Ladybird

Sticky Groundsel - Senecio viscosus

Take Care.

Wednesday 26 October

2011-11-03T12:10:00.000Z

Damp Morning.

Gate on Lower Burgh Meadow

Geese Galore

Wild Carrot - Daucus carota

Wild Carrot Seed Head - Daucus carota

Swans flying in

Take Care.

Sunday 23 October

2011-11-02T19:41:00.004Z

Dry Morning.

Red Campion - Silene dioica

River Yarrow at Dry Bones

Take Care.

Friday 21 October

2011-10-22T13:58:00.000+01:00

Damp this morning.

The new Hide Screen - three feeding stations in view.

Juvenile Swan.

Common Knapweed - Centaurea nigra

Thursday 20 October

2011-10-21T09:08:00.001+01:00

Damp cold morning

Roe Deer running into the woods

Kestrel hunting

It was a pleasure to watch.

Mallard

New Hide Screen - not finished yet.

Take Care.

Wednesday 19 October

2011-10-20T17:53:00.000+01:00

Rain this morning

Snipe on the Top Lodge they are so well camouflaged - when I took the photo I thought there was only one!

Big Lodge

Getting on better Lucy (stretching) and Edwina her Mum.

Take Care.

Monday 17 October

2011-10-19T19:44:00.001+01:00

Another damp morning - we went up onto the Lower Burgh Meadow

Bulrush - Typha latifolia

A view of the tower of Coppull Ring Mill - no longer used as a mill.

This is the small dot in the right corner of the previous photo - a Kestrel hunting on the Burgh.

I would imagine the mill is a listed building - it is now split into units and business rent the space.

The gas burner on the Burgh - it has a bit of a lean on it and appears to be getting worse.

Take Care.

Sunday 16 October

2011-10-18T09:12:00.000+01:00

Damp again

We think this is a Club Fungi - Clavulinopsis sp.

Clavulinopsis sp.

Take Care.

Saturday 15 October

2011-10-17T10:32:00.001+01:00

Dry Morning

Buzzard watching us in Spring Wood.

The weir & fish ladder - the fish are still leaping

deafening when it's like this -

Take Care.

Friday 14 October

2011-10-16T20:15:00.002+01:00

Dry this morning.

Harry Heron was on the Top Lodge again.

So was the Snipe, probably more about but they blend in so well.

Take Care.

Thursday 13 October

2011-10-15T10:44:00.001+01:00

Damp morning.

Charlie Robin was waiting for us

Patience is a virtue - this cat has plenty.

Take Care.

Monday 10 October

2011-10-15T10:40:00.000+01:00

Damp this morning so I did not get the camera out a lot.

Daisy - Bellis perennis - Plenty in flower, we tend to walk past them, well I do as I am always on the look out for the unusual.

As you can see it was one of the rare days that I was at home with very little to do, so I was playing with the photos.

Take Care.

Sunday 9 October

2011-10-14T20:11:00.001+01:00

Rained most of the night and it was a very damp morning.

The Yarrow was swollen

Look whose back Billy Swan, he is back to his old ways Lucy & the two youngsters are not welcome and he is keeping them at bay.

Marsh Woundwort - Stachys palustris

A fungi that we call King Alfred's Cakes - it does look like it has been burned doesn't it.

Take Care.

Saturday 8 October

2011-10-13T06:43:00.001+01:00

Damp morning we met up with Sue & the tribe plus one

Toots was still for a moment so I managed a photo of the will o'th wisp.

Oh no Billy says what with Toots bossing me now I've got Sally.

And here she is Will o'th wisp number 2 Sally - Sue's son's dog she's a collie x springer spaniel so a real live wire.

Dolly saying did some one say sausages?

Teddy always the gentleman.

Take Care.

Wednesday 5 October

2011-10-12T09:35:00.001+01:00

Dry this morning we headed down to the lodges and found

the Heron who we always call Harry - it's probably not the same one each time but the name has stuck.

Just to show he does move he turned round for us. I have just noticed that there are two birds lurking in the reeds, could be the elusive snipes?

Holly - Ilex aquifolium

We went up onto the Lower Burgh Meadow

Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum

Yarrow - Achillea millefolium

Zigzag Clover - Trifolium medium

Broad Leaved Helleborine - Epipactus helleborine gone over before I finally found it near the area of the new pond - there were more but at least one has survived the work.

Take Care.

Sunday 2 October

2011-10-11T06:57:00.000+01:00

Mixed weather today, a lot cooler and a few showers.

Rhododendron - Rhododendron ponticum making a stronger than ever come back in the area that the roots were pulled up and burned last year, what was left behind is looking very healthy.

A walk through Burgh Wood

More Fungi

Take Care.

Saturday 1 October

2011-10-10T10:40:00.000+01:00

It's going to be another hot day, so we got out early and what there was of the cool morning.

Sunrise at Knott End

Two Swans coming in for breakfast.

Little Egrets feeding on the beach at first glance we thought they were the swans we had seen earlier.

Common Ragwort - Senecio jacobaea

Russian Vine - Fallopia baldschuanica

Take Care.

Friday 30 September

2011-10-09T10:23:00.000+01:00

Hot & Dry at Knott End.

I enjoyed watching this Black Headed Gull on the beach finding tasty morsels.

Chives - Allium schoenoprasum seem to have come back to life.

We passed this man on the sea wall - no he's not making sandcastles, he's digging for lug worms.

Drift Wood a lovely piece but too big & heavy to carry far.

One of the horse's in the field.

Jet Ski racing.

Lapwing - the colours are lovely never noticed this before.

Long-headed Poppy - Papaver dubium subsp. dubium

Pheasant in moult

Sea Mayweed - tripleurospermum maritimum with a small tortoiseshell on it.

The tide was high today.

Wild Radish - Raphanus raphanistrum

Take Care.

Wednesday 28 September

2011-10-08T13:59:00.000+01:00

Dry Morning.

Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera it's every where and in big patches.

Holly - Ilex aquifolium these berries will not see Christmas if the birds have anything to do with it.

Scented Mayweed - Matricaria chamomilla

Yellow Iris Seed Pods - Iris pseudacorus

The Snails in the photos below were all on the same plant - even though they are all different colours they are all White Lipped Snails

Arn't they amazing!!

Take Care.

Tuesday 27 September

2011-10-07T12:23:00.000+01:00

Dry Morning.

Bittersweet - Solanum dulcamara

Bird Pellet - about 2 inches / 5cm in size I know these are studied so I have no doubt someone will be able to tell us who did it?

Big Lodge

Upright Hedge Parsley - Torilis japonica

Common Nettle - Urtica dioica

Later I had a walk down the New Road still plenty in flower.

Welsh Poppy - Meconopsis cambrica

7 Spot Ladybird

Bush Vetch - Vicia sepium

Enteridium Lycoperdon a slime mold.

Prickley Sow Thistle - Sonchus asper

White Dead Nettle - Lamium album

Bridge below Sunny Mount

Sunny Mount Entrance

Devil's-bit Scabious - Succisa pratensis

Cat's Ear - Hypochoeris radicata

Common Knapweed - Centaurea nigra

Honeysuckle - Lonicera periclymenum

Path through the Rucks

Dandelion - Taraxacum

Hedge Woundwort - Stachys sylvatica

Speckled Wood

Take Care.

Monday 26 September

2011-10-03T17:39:00.001+01:00

Damp morning on the Lower Burgh Meadow.

Common Michaelmas Daisy - Aster novi-belgii x lanceolatus = A. x salignus

Meg

A rare sight - a sign intact.

White Poplar - Populus alba

Take Care.

Sunday 25 September

2011-10-02T17:45:00.000+01:00

Dry this morning.

Great Crested Grebes

Great Crested Grebe youngster.

Fish Carving

Part of the new play equipment already vandalised.

Bramble Fruit - Rubus fruticosus

Dog Rose Hips - Rosa canina

Sloe Berries - Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa

Take Care.

Friday 23 September

2011-09-27T19:04:00.001+01:00

Dry Morning -

Two handsome lads

Billy

Teddy

Toots was with them but she's a real live wire, a will o'th wisp.

Pedunculate Oak - Quercus robur finally found a tree with a good few acorns on.

Fungi on the rucks

Take Care.

Thursday 22 September

2011-09-26T20:08:00.003+01:00

We found this Fungi near the Big Lodge.

Haven't a clue which one.

I loved the colour and shape of the cap.

Take Care.

Monday 19 September

2011-09-24T07:03:00.001+01:00

Damp again.

Heron was still on the Top Lodge

Along with this young Moorhen

as I watched it, I notice movement at the reeds - thought it was a snipe but at home looking at the photos realised it wasn't.

I posted the photos on the http://www.chorleynats.org.uk/ site and soon had the answer, a Water Rail.

A rather scruffy bedraggled one.

Take Care.

Sunday 18 September

2011-09-22T10:11:00.000+01:00

Damp morning.

Fungi

Mock-orange - Philadelphus coronarius

The sun has finally come out and is drying the fences out.

Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna

Deer carving

Orchid in seed

I took this photo on the Primrose Hill side of Spring Wood - the Roe Deer from Friday's blog must have been stood around this spot, no sign of them today.

Weird and wonderful shapes that trees take.

Tutsan - Hypericum androsaemum

Steps at the Weir viewing platform.

The weir certainly speeds the river up.

Locked Gate at the weir.

The very well used village hall.

Take Care.

Saturday 17 September

2011-09-20T07:19:00.000+01:00

We got soaked this morning, it never stopped raining.

This was the only interesting part of the walk and that was at the beginning, a bit gory but this is a rare sight and so sad that it had been either stood on or run over. It was a Great Crested Newt at 6 inches in length a mature one.

They are a protected species as they are in decline.

A sad end for a rare creature.

Take Care.

Friday 16 September

2011-09-19T10:25:00.001+01:00

Dry Morning and Sue had seen two Roe Deer in Spring Wood.

We made our way to the bottom of Spring Wood, they were still in the area.

This was the bigger of the two - so we presumed mother and young.

They were on the edge of Primrose Hill/Spring Wood we were across the valley and managed to get one photo.

Later in the afternoon Sue saw a lone male in Spring Wood. So there are at least three about.

Take Care.

Tuesday 13 September

2011-09-18T14:20:00.002+01:00

Dry Morning

Ivy - Hedera helix should be plenty of berries for winter.

Damson - Prunus domestica ssp. insititia good crop of fruit this year.

Ash - Fraxinus excelsior

Pig sty on the pond field or as I said the other day the pong field.

Dry when I set off to do an errand and stop off to look at a flower at Lower Healey.

Leeds Liverpool Canal - Froom St Bridge

Bottom Lodge - Lower Healey

Lower Healey Paths

Horses that looked fed up with their lot, no wonder with the noise from the motorway.

Top Lodge - Lower Healey

Russian Vine - Fallopia baldschuanica

Take Care.

Sunday 11 September

2011-09-14T10:42:00.000+01:00

Damp again.

Devil's-bit Scabious - Succisa pratensis

Earth Star

Honeysuckle - Lonicera periclymenum

Wasp on Wild Angelica

Wild Angelica in seed - Angelica sylvestris

Arnold & Meg waiting for me.

Take Care.

Saturday 10 September

2011-09-13T20:14:00.000+01:00

Very mild this morning and damp.

Heron still on the Top Lodge.

Lonely Lucy is still living up to her name, she is on the Top Lodge keeping clear of Edwina (her mum) and this years family.

She soon comes for her morning treat.

This years youngster have been having a few lessons from mum - they haven't got into the air but have been running on the water.

She was waiting for them -

Finally arrived.

Found this toad on the path near Burgh Wood.

Red Campion - Silene dioica

Wood Sorrel - Oxalis acetosella

Water Dock - Rumex hydrolapathum

Hartstongue - Phyllitis scolopendrium - showing the spores on the underside.

Take Care.

Thursday 8 September

2011-09-12T18:16:00.001+01:00

Another wet morning - managed to avoid most of the showers.

Heron on the Top Lodge - the water level has been lowered for the winter months.

What has got the young swans attention?

An outsider has landed on the lodge and Mum is charging it -

it didn't stay long it was soon off.

I wondered where Billy the resident male was and have been informed he's at swan sanctuary due to being tangled in fishing line, hope he is okay and back on the water soon.

Bracken - Pteridium aquilinum

Footpath on the rucks.

Plenty of Fungi about with this damp weather.

Fungi heaven

Lesser Burdock - Arctium minus

Wednesday 7 September

2011-09-10T18:08:00.000+01:00

Rain again but managed to get some photos between showers.

Balsam Galore - I don't think there is an area that has escaped - we need to get this under control before it seeds next year too late this year.

Himalayan Balsam - Impatiens glandulifera as you can see already bursting with seed, each pod holds an average of 8 seeds so we are looking at over 30/40 plants just from this little bunch.

Common Fleabane - Pulicaria dysenterica

Corn Mint - Mentha arvensis

First dead mole this year.

Lots of rabbits about and Meg is bewildered

Canadian Goldenrod - Solidago canadensis - this is now a large patch, when I first saw this it was about 2 feet square.

Take Care.

Sunday 4 September

2011-09-09T10:19:00.001+01:00

Knott End on Sea

Dry this morning after a very wet 24 hours. First time I have got the camera out for a few days.

Even the birds seemed to be glad to dry off.

Red-legged Partridge

Curlew on the beach

Curlew

Curlews - its' friend turned up

Curlews

Black Medick - Medicago lupulina

Common Polypody - Polypodium vulgare

Petty Spurge - Euphorbia peplus

This has got to be one of the wettest few days for us, today was the first day we managed to avoid one of the heavy down pours.

Take Care.