Sunday, 6 May, 2012

A lovely start to the day. No rain and the sun shining. We took a walk along what I have always known as Garston Shore; now it has the status of a Nature Reserve. It has changed a lot since I was last there many moons ago. It was a lovely walk along another part of the River Mersey, looking out over a saltmarsh. We saw Shelduck, Cormants and two Grey Herons along with a Small Tortoiseshell, Peacocks and a very nice Garden Tiger caterpillar. The best bit of the afternoon though was listening to the Skylarks singing with some of them even coming close enough for a good look at them. Brilliant!Garston Shore Garden Tiger Caterpillar

 

Thursday, 3 May, 2012

Rain, rain go away!! It is not us that needs it!! It was good to get out after all of the miserable weather we have had. A strange place to go, but we went to St Peter's Churchyard in Plemstall, near Chester. There was reason to our madness. My Nature Club have been studying owls and I thought it would be great for them to dissect owl pellets. Steve had surveyed this churchyard in 1995 and the were plenty of owl pellets then so it was worth a try. The effort was rewarded - there were loads of them! Judging by their colour and shape, they look like the pellets of a Barn Owl. The graveyard was a peaceful haven, with just the sound of birds singing - a lovely, peaceful place to be - definitely a place to go back to. The church itself was a lovely building with some very old, and different, graves in the churchyard. You can read a bit more for yourself:
http://plemstallandguildensuttonbh.blogspot.co.uk//
There were a lot of plants in flower: Bugle, Common Mouse-ear, Common Field Speedwell, Garlic Mustard, White Deadnettle, Red Deadnettle, Cuckoo Flower, Cowslip, Field Forget-me-not, English Bluebell adn Hawthorn. On a flowering rhodendron, there was a Tree Bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum), always good to see.Hawthorn (May) Blossom

 

Saturday, 21 April, 2012

We had our grandchildren for the day today. We took them to Victoria Park in Widnes. The highlight of the park for them was playing in the little playground after seeing the iguanas. They had a ball playing on the toys and in the tunnel. For me, it was lovely to see the female Mallard with 14 ducklings on the little pond in the play area.Mum and her 14 ducklings

 

Sunday, 15 April, 2012

After a lazy start today we went out for a walk to the Estuary Park in Speke. Neither of had been there but we had been told that there were a lot of ponds in the park. The sun deceived us as it was actually cooler than it looked. There were quite a few Mallards on the ponds but also a Grey Heron who did not seem too bothered by our presence. We have been very busy the last few days sorting out the garden - just as well really as it is getting near to the time to get the seeds for the wild flowers in. The hard work deserves some rewards - we have booked tickets to go and see Woody Mann at the Philharmonic and Ralph McTell at the Brindley - should be good nights out.Grey Heron at the Estuary Park

 

Friday, 13 April, 2012

Time to get stuck in to the garden again. A short while back we had taken out some of the crossing branches of the Oullin's Gage tree in the back garden and, although we should have taken more down before flowering, today was the day that it was going to be done; before the tree fruited. It was a long job cutting the height down and then cutting the branches small enough to fit plenty inside the green bin for which Steve's strength came in very useful. There are still crossing benches to come off and a general thinning but that can wait until after the tree has fruited so that we still get a decent crop this year. We did find a 10-spot Ladybird which was good to see. Tomorrow we hope to get the water butt fitted before it rains again. I have been collecting water in bucket to use for watering my orchids - a water butt will be a lot easier and there will be enough for watering other plants.

 

Sunday, 08 April, 2012

A family trip to Sudley House, not far from here but this time my daughter-in-law was able to join us. After lovely coffee and cakes in the cafe we had a quick look around the house. Steve and I had not been there since it was 'done up'. The fireplaces in this house are some of the best I have seen especially the inlaid wood ones. A trip around the grounds was more in the grandchildren's line as they could run free - collecting sticks as usual. One plant that was growing there in abundance was Alexander's (Smyrnium olusatrum) which is normally associated with the seaside. It was interesting to see as we had called in at Pickerings Pasture on the way home from Llandudno to pick some Alexander's as my daughter is a keen forager and wanted to try some, we were going to taste it later that day with our evening meal. As it turned out, Steve, myself and my daughter's boyfriend enjoyed the stems steamed, my daughter did not like the Alexander's.Sudley House garden with the Alexander's in the background

 

Saturday, 07 April, 2012

Today is the day that we had a family day out to Llandudno, one of my favourite places. My daughter was up with her boyfriend so it was a good opportunity for my son and our two grandchildren to join us. Unfortunately, my daughter-in-law could not join us due to a family bereavement but between us all we have have plenty of photographs for her to look at. The little fella also picked her a present of a beautiful 'mother of pearl' shell. The weather was not as good as the forecast had predicted! As we approached Llandudno it started to rain - luckily, not heavily. We had fun playing with the children along the front and along the pier. After a lovely lunch we took the tram up to the top of the Great Orme (or Great Horn as the the little fella insists on calling it - with a grin on his face!). It was very misty up there but nevertheless, very enjoyable. The little 'un fell asleep in her pushchair - maybe a bit too young yet to be impressed! As we sat waiting for the tram to depart we could see the mist beginning to lift. After a lovely coffee and cake in Llandudno, we took the children down on to the beach. That was geart fun: throwing stones, collecting 'pet' rocks, finding worm casts and tubes, looking at crabs, getting feet wet and rescuing Brittle Starfish. Most of the starfish were missing either whole or part arms but they were still alive wriggling on our hands. Could it be Small brittle star - Amphipholis squamata??? It was a fabulous day, enjoyed by all especially the two very wet, worn out children!! View across to the Little OrmeView from the top of the Great OrmeView across Llandudno on the way down from the tramSmall brittle star - Amphipholis squamata??

Saturday, 01 April, 2012

No surprise today as to where the little fella wanted to go - the River Mersey!. I am very pleased that we did go with his choice even though I was thinking of going somewhere else. We saw the Common Seal that has taken up residence in the River. It was a little distance away from the edge of the water, diving down and coming up a bit further on every so often. We must have watched it for about 30 mins before deciding to carry on with our walk. I was pleased that we had brought the binoculars with us even though the little fella, not being 4 years old yet, did have a bit of trouble using them.Common Seal at Pickerings pasture

 

Friday, 31 March, 2012

We had our grandchildren for the weekend. Boy, do they make you feel old. If only their energy could be harnessed!! We took them to see the River Mersey (by request) but this time to Spike Island. This involved a lesson for the little fella in rivers from his grandad. It is amazing how sticks can keep two children amused for so long - who needs all of these high-tech toys? The little fella was delighted to be the first to spot the Seven-spot Ladybirds (11 of them). It was also interesting to see the lock gates open as the workmen were clearing some of the mud from inside the lock.The mud clearance

View across the Mersey from Spike Island when the tide was out

 

Saturday, 24 March, 2012

I have been a very busy person and not really had much time to up date this blog so in brief; we took our grandchildren to Pickerings Pasture as our grandson want to 'see the River Mersey'. He definitely has an affinity for water! It was worthwhile though as we saw a Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) looking for food in the pond at the bird hide. It was a lovely site! Little Egret at Pickerings Pasture

 

Sunday, 18 March, 2012

A well-earned rest from the work! A trip out to Pickerings Pasture, one of our favourite places to see the gulls. The tide was out so there were plenty of birds on the mudbanks: Shellduck, Cormrants. Mallard, Redshank, Oystercatcher and Black-headed Gulls. At the hide there were the usual birds visiting the feeders: Blue Tits, Great Tits, Blackbirds, Dunnock, Wren, Chaffinches and Woodpigeons. Also, down by the hide the were quite a few rabbits out grazing in the sunshine - if I remember correctly it was called 'silflay' in Watership Down. The marsh was the wettest I have seen it for many years but there was a lot of rain during the night. There were at least 120 Canada Geese grazing on it. Down by the entrance to Pickerings Pasture there is another bird feeding area. Last time we had been there I saw a Brown Rat. Today there were two Brown Rats. I got a photo, before they ran off, albeit not a very good one but you can make out the rats - an adult and below it in the wood pile, a young one.The marshThe Brown Rats

 

Sunday, 11 March, 2012

Had a very busy time again in the garden once the weather improved. The front is now looking much better with lots of new plants that will attract the bees and butterflies. One border in the back is almost clear and ready for cottage garden plants and annual wildflowers. Half of this border has had compost added to try to break up the clay and improve the drainage. Soon it will be time to go back to the garden centre for more bee and butterfly attracting plants as Steve reckons that if you can see soil then there aren't enough plants!!!! Going to sow some chilli seeds and some Eupatorium maculatum 'Atropurpureum' seeds tonight. I did plant some Verbena seeds two weeks ago and we are still waiting to see some growth. Steve does seem to remember that when we grew them a couple of years ago they took a long time. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

 

Thursday, 1 March, 2012

We have been working hard - the garden has been having a spring clean! Although the weather was perfect for gardening; sunny and warm (14C), it was time for a walk. Steve had suggested a few days ago about going to Otterspool so this was an ideal opportunity. The River Mersey looked lovely in the sunlight as we headed in the Garston direction. As it was low tide, the sanbank at that end was showing. On it were at least 50 Redshanks, 7 Teal, 1 Curlew, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Gull and at least 30 Oystercatchers. All along the front at Otterspool were hundreds of Black-headed Gulls. A lovely walk - just what the doctor ordered!View across the Mersy from Otterspool

 

Sunday, 19 February, 2012

The sun was shining, so after a lazy start, we went to West Bank, Widnes again but this time we walked in the other direction, towards Pickerings Pasture. A brisk walk was needed to clear the cobwebs before work tomorrow and to keep warm as there was a chill factor of 0°C. There were a lot of gulls on the sandbanks but neither of us are very good at identiying gulls other than the Black-headed, of which there were hundreds; Great Black-backed, of which there were about 10; and 6 which I thought might have been Glaucous Gulls but since reading a bit more could also have been Icelandic Gulls, though by their size I am more inclined towards the former. As we were walking towards Pickerings we could see the snow on the Welsh hills in the distance.West Bank, Widnes looking towards Pickerings Pasture with the Welsh hills in the distance

 

Wednesday, 15 February, 2012

A lovely morning so I called in to Pickerings Pasture on my way home from Widnes. Luckily I had my binoculars in the car. The Snowdrops were in flower on the grass banks adding a little splash of colour. There were hundreds of Lapwings at various places along the sandbanks with more than 30 Shelduck and over a hundred Canada Geese on the marsh. A Sparrowhawk was perched on a post near to the bird feeders - eyeing up its next meal? As usual there were lots of birds at the feeders: Long-tailed, Blue and Great Tits, Robins, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Blackbirds. Canada Geese and Mallards on the pond

 

Sunday, 5 February, 2012

We have not been anywhere for a few weeks so it was good to get out into the hazy sunshine at West Bank in Widnes. The Bridge looked quite different in the haze. Looking over the river we could see many gulls: Common, Black-headed and Great Black-backed. There were also 28 Teal, a Grey Heron, Mallards and 3 Redshank. Although the sunshone was quite bright with a temperature of 6C, there were still patches of ice around.The Bridge Teal at West Bank

 

Saturday, 4 February, 2012

Weather has not been very good the last few weeks so apart from a visit to the garden centre we have not out for a walk. We have had a lot of time together and Steve has taken up his guitar again and I have finished the aran cardigan that I was knitting. Now Steve reckons it is time for me to pick up my guitar again and restart my lessons with him.

 

Sunday, 15 January, 2012

As this is the first post of 2012, I would like to wish everybody a happy New Year!!
We have not been anywhere for a walk for the last couple of weeks as it was either raining or Steve was not up to it due to chest and lung infection. I have to say though, it has been very nice just spending time together. I am even pretty impressed with my nursing abilities!!
Today, however, it was time to get out and have a walk. We chose to go somewhere close and try out Steve's binoculars that Father Christmas brought him! Pickerings Pasture it was. The sun was shining with a temperature of 5°C but it was very windy - just what was needed to blow the cobwebs out. As we walked towards the hide we could see Cormorants, gulls and Crows on the sandbanks and one Redshank. It was difficult to focus our binoculars as the wind was so strong. At the hide we were sheltered from the wind and had great views of another Redshank foraging for food. The area where the bird feeders are, (which were empty), was visited by Blackbirds, Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Great Tits, a Robin and a Song Thrush.
As we walked backed to the car, with the tide coming in, we saw something that we had never seen on the Mersey before - a small sailing boat. It must have been very cold and windy for the sailors!!Pickerings Pasture

 

Monday, 26 December, 2011

Boxing day and the temperature is still in double figures so we went for a short walk to burn off some calories!! Spike Island was lovely in the sunshine! There were 8 Mute Swans and at least 100 Canada Geese on the canal with hundreds of Black-headed Gulls on the sand banks of the river. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas as we did.Spike Island

 

Saturday, 24 December, 2011

Christmas Eve and the temperature is in double figures and the sun is shining. A wonderful opportunity for a walk. We went to see The Dream: a large sculpture in St Helen's which takes the form of a 20 metre high girl's head with her eyes closed, seemingly in a dream-like state, resting on a plinth bearing the inscription "Dream Sutton Manor" inspired by the small, circular "tally" each miner carried as a means of identification. It was quite impressive standing next to it looking up.The Dream

 

Sunday, 18 December, 2011

Two weeks have passed since I added to this blog. The weather has not been very good for going out - we are definitely not 'all-weather' walkers. We have spent our time just enjoying each other's company and doing 'bits and pieces'. We went over to see our friends in Stockport last Sunday - another wet day so we went to a garden centre where I bought a Christmas tree to liven up the porch!
We have had a few more visits from the Goldfinch x Canary Mule which has been good
After a rainy start, the weather this afternoon was the best we have had for weeks so we went for a short walk at Pickerings Pasture. It was great to see the Golden Plovers, Redwings, Oystercatchers, Cormorants and Song Thrushes along with the usual 'garden birds'. It was a lovely walk which I think did the both of us good to have a walk in the winter sunshine.River Mersey, Pickerings Pasture, looking away from the bridge

 

Sunday, 4 December, 2011

Over the last two weeks I have seen a very strange looking 'Greenfinch' in the garden. It is definitely a finch and it is green but it has strange markings . I did wonder if it was a hybrid. I have had my thoughts confirmed by an expert but not quite what I thought - it is a cross but a Goldfinch x Canary Mule! The photo is not wonderful as it was taken through a window but you can see it's markings.Goldfinch x Canary
We haven't been anywhere over the last few days but it was worth staying in - not just for the pleasure of Steve's company but also for the excitement in the garden. Yesterday a female Sparrowhawk decided to have her lunch from our garden - a male Blackbird. The Sparrrowhawk chased the Blackbird into the tree and caught her there (first picture). After a few minutes the Sparrowhawk landed with her prey on to the grass (second picture). She knew we were watching as she was watching us. She then turned her back on us but continued to turn and look at us (third picture). After about ten minutes of gracing us with her presence, she flew off carrying the Blackbird. The photos are not the best quality as they were taken through the window.
Just before lunch today the female Sparrowhawk was back, sitting in a Sycamore tree behind the garden. Two Jackdaws sat in the tree a short distance from her. Five Magpies flew towards her, four landed in the tree and one flew at her and she flew off. She came back about an hour later but was seen off this time by three Jackdaws.

Sunday, 27 November, 2011

I am getting too used to these lazy starts on a Sunday but they are good! We went to Stockton's Wood, a small wood near to Speke Hall. No signs of any insect life today as it is cold, not even the winter sun could tempt them out. Lots of interesting fungus around - I just wish I could identify them.
Writing this on Wednesday 30th. It seems a bit ironic that I am not in work due to the strike over pensions and I have a man coming to see me over my pension - basically to see if I can retire when I want to as I am one of the 300,000 women who are caught up in the pension changes!! Still I am not too worried as Steve has said that he will cover any shortfalls so that I can retire shortly and we can have even more time together!
Pension man has been and gone. This government has not done me any favours - good job I have got Steve!Stockton's Wood, Speke, Liverpool

 

Sunday, 20 November, 2011

It is amazing how many lorries there are on the motorways these days as we found out on our way to St Albans on Thursday for my nephew's wedding. We stayed in a traditional English inn which was built in the 1700s -all very romantic. After unpacking, we took a walk up to the old village of St Michaels for a bit of sight seeing and later had a lovely Thai meal - a first for both of us, followed by a drink in a very old public house. Both Steve and my son had Scrumpie and thought it was good. The wedding was lovely and the couple were blessed with good weather. It was great to see the family gathered at the celebration and spend time together. As we travelled back on Saturday there was a lot less lorries on the road even so the roads were still quite busy. Always good to get home though and back to your own bed. We didn't go anywhere but the supermarket today - just enjoying the time relaxing, cuddled up watching the TV and doing a few 'bits'.The medieval clock tower in St AlbansUs at the wedding

 

Sunday, 13 November, 2011

After a few wet days it was good to get out again though it is always good spending time in the house with Steve too! Childwall Woods was lovely in the Autumn sunshine. As it was quite warm (14C) we were not suprised to see Harlequinn Ladybirds still around. There was also a Birch Shieldbug enjoying the autumnal sun. We have been to Childwall Woods many years ago but we still managed to find a part that we had not been to before. The whole area is worth a visit again next year.Childwall Woods

 

Sunday, 6 November, 2011

What a strange few days. I don't seem to have achieved a lot but I have got a lot done!! Sorted out 'bits' that have needed doing but never got around to. Always have time to get around to Steve though!! We had a lovely day with our friends who came over for the day. As they forgot their coats we toddled off to the garden centre for a mooch and coffee. My son and his family joined us there. It was lovely to see the little fella's eyes light up when he saw us but as far as the little fella is concerned, his grandad is the main person!!

 

Sunday, 30 October, 2011

What did you do with your extra hour? We had a lie in, enjoying the time together! I always enjoy the constant attention lavished on me, being made to feel so special and I hope Steve feels the same.
We booked our holiday for next year today - Northumberland - Steve's suggestion. I thought a very good suggestion as neither of us have been there on holiday before. Lots of new places for us to explore!
After lunch we went to Black Wood just along the road in Woolton. It is may years since we have been there despite it being so close. It is a lovely small woodland consisting mainly of Beech trees; some very old trees and lots of young ones and quite a lot of Sweet Chestnut. There were still quite a few Harlequin Ladybirds around. We heard a desperate squawking noise which we tracked down to a Grey Squirrel - maybe it thought we were going to steal it's nuts!!The noisy Grey SquirrelBlack Wood, Woolton, Liverpool

 

Friday, 28 October, 2011

After the cold comes the cough - a bit fed up of it now but not fed up of being fussed over because of it which although is nothing different than the norm is appreciated all the more. We took ourselves off to Church Road Woods in Halewood for a short stroll as the weather was lovely. Still a lot of ladybirds around, both Harlequin and Seven-spot.Church Road Wood

 

Monday, 24 October, 2011

After a week of us both having heavy colds leaving us with coughs we felt like we really needed a walk. A good thing about being in is that we spent so much time just being together! We went to Appleton Reservoir. It was lovely to be out; sunny but windy! On the reservoir there were plenty of Mallards and Coots, four Great Crested Grebes, 4 Mute Swans and a pair of Shovelers. It was very sad to see a dead Mute Swan on the water! We spent a couple of hours walking around the reservoir looking at galls and mines. There were still a few hoverflies around (including one Marmalade Hoverfly) and a Queen Common Wasp. Appleton Reservoir

 

Sunday, 16 October, 2011

An extremely lazy start to the day but at least we missed the rain! The afternoon turned out to be warm and sunny - again, despite what the forecast had said! We went to Spike Island. I was disappointed to see that 2 small copses had been cut down but a response from an email told me why - all part of the advance works for the new bridge. I had not realised how close to Spike Island the new bridge was going to be. The highlight was a female Common Darter (Sympetrum striolatum) which took a fancy to Steve and kept landing on his back. Again there were quite a lot of Green Shieldbugs and ladybirds enjoying the late summer sunshine.Female Common DarterSpike Island

 

Saturday, 15 October, 2011

A let up after all of the rain this week. So it was lovely for us to get out for a walk. The weather was lovely; quite warm and sunny. Tee shirt weather again! With all of the changes in the weather it is no wonder I had a cold. The warmth seemed to have brought out the insects too with a lot of Green Shieldbugs (Palomena prasina), even a young one which had not fully developed it colour and a few Seven-spot Ladybirds. We saw seven Comorants too which is more than I have ever seen at one time on the river. View ove rthe River Mersey from Pickerings Pasture

 

Sunday, 9 October, 2011

What a very wet few days - not the weather to be out and about.We always have something to keep us busy so we are never bored and always enjoy being together!
Today, the weather was no different from the last few days so after an extremely lazy start to the day we decided to meet my son and his family and have a wander around new garden centre which has opened in Speke. Very nice but there is more 'not garden' than there is garden including a deli and a butchers!! The cafe is very nice - good coffee, tea and cakes!!

 

Friday, 30 September, 2011

Water Ladybirds had be seen in the hundreds in Parkgate a few days earlier so we went to see if we could find any as I had never seen them. The temperature was up to 29C so my hopes were high. Unfortunately, on the way there, Steve realised that he had forgotten his sweep net!!!! I never did see any Water ladybirds as they are difficult to see due to their camouflage. Still, Steve and I had a lovely day culminating with a romantic (chippy) tea watching the sunset over the estuary.The marsh at ParkgateThe village of Parkgate

 

Thursday, 29 September, 2011

Considering we go out so often we very seldom go to our local park, Woolton Woods. It is a lovely park with a walled garden with some wonderful plants - all except one - I brushed against a hairy plant whilst taking a photograph of a ladybird and had an allergic reaction to the hairs. We had to go home and I had a shower to remove the hairs! I don't know what the plant is called but if anyone knows I would like to know. The Michaelmas Daisies were attracting a lot of Red Admiral butterflies, Honey Bees amongst otehr bees and a Comma butterfly.The unknown plantWoolton Woods

 

Sunday, 25 September, 2011

A lazy start to the day - my birthday! Lots of lovely cards and wishes to make me feel special and loved. Steve took me to West Kirby - very apt as it is just along the road from Parkgate where I was born 'x' years ago! It was a lovely day .......................West Kirby looking out to Hilbre Island

 

Friday, 23 September, 2011

We went to Sankey Valley Park (near to my son's house) with my daughter-in-law and our two grandchildren to collect leaves as the little fella was going to glue some down to make a picture. Well, he did collect some leaves but also an enormous number of comkers. His identification skills are doing well too - he can now identify Spangle Galls! The picture he made consisted of conkers, acorns, leaves, Sycamore wings, plantain seed spikes and grass seeds - a work of art!.
It was distressing to see the state of Bewsey Old Hall - someone or some people had set fire to it at the beginning of September. I won't write what I think of these vandals as I would not like to upset anyone who reads this. A whole wing had been destroyed and part of the main building has been damaged as you can see from the two photos below..Bewsey Old Hall before the fire and after the fire.

 

Sunday, 18 September, 2011

I had a lovely day to day in the company of those who mean so much to me. Steve and I went for lunch (such a big lunch!) with my son, his wife and our grandchildren, my daughter and her boyfriend who were up from London for a wedding yesterday. It was so good us all being together.
After the huge lunch we all went for a walk around Wigg Island. The little fella just loves being out and always stops to have a nose at whatever Steve has stopped to look at. Today he learned what Spangle Galls look like!! Not bad for a 3 year old.
The house is empty again, just Steve and I, but then, we are very happy in each other's company.Wigg Island

 

Thursday, 15 September, 2011

What beautiful weather! We visited yet another part of the Sankey Valley that we had not been to before though it was really a continuation of the part we visited last time. It is good that we both enjoy going out walking as both of us get so much out of it! The highlight of the day had to be the Kingfisher. That makes only the second one I have seen, Steve has seen more but nevertheless he was delighted to have seen one again. The Coots and Moorhens seem to have done well raising their young this year judging by the numbers of them present. We saw another Pike too - another treat! Sankey Valley Park

 

Sunday, 11 September, 2011

A day spent visiting friends over in Stockport and a lovely lunch out with a sticky toffee pudding to die for! After a visit to a garden centre I came away with a bay tree to replace the one that dies in the hard frosts and snow last winter.

 

Sunday, 4 September, 2011

As Steve was entering records in the the last visit to Sankey Valley Park, he noticed that there was a part of the Sankey Valley Canal that we had not visited. It was separated from the other parts by a road. Off we went this afternoon - the weather was glorious. The water in this part of the canal had many more plants in and the water was crystal clear. So clear that Steve could identify Pike. Fishing was not allowed in this part of the canal, maybe that is why there are so many fish. We watched a couple of dragonflies mating for a while. I have taken some photos of them, I think they are Migrant Hawkers (Aeshna mixta).Migrant Hawker (Aeshna mixta)Sankey Valley Canal

 

Friday, 2 September, 2011

The sun was shining so we thought it would be good to go for a walk with our grandchildren and their mum. We went to feed the ducks in Sankey Valley Park - unfortunately the ducks were not very hungry - and homemade bread it was too!! Steve had a great time showing the little fella how the Himalayan Balsam seedpods pop and every pod made the little fella jump and laugh. I wonder who enjoyed it the most?

Sankey Valley Canal

Sunday, 28 August, 2011

A fabulous two weeks at the cottage - two whole weeks of being loved and made a fuss of with no one or nothing to interrupt! Except that is for the few days that my daughter and her boyfriend came to stay. We had lots of lazy mornings with leisurely outings - time for just us.
Now it is back to real life - still loved and made a fuss of but mundane things to interrupt - like carpet fitters, upholsterers etc. Pictures will follow in the Gallery - just realised that I have not even put last years up - a double lot to do soon!

 

Thursday, 11 August, 2011

Been very busy this last week decorating our bedroom. It is looking good and ready for the carpet to be fitted but that will be after our holidays.
We are going away for a couple of weeks to the cottage we have been to a few times before so there will be no more post for a couple of weeks. We both love this very special place offering seclusion, peace and quiet (except for the sheep's bleating); 3.7 miles down a single track road, in its own little valley with not a single building in site! Heaven!

 

Tuesday, 9 August, 2011

Steve had mentioned that he wanted to visit Church Road Woods in Halewood a few weeks ago so as the weather forecasters said that today would be the best day this week we decided to go. It is a lovely site tucked away in Halewood. One part of it was obviously an old orchard with trees producing cooking and eating apples, plums, cherries and sloes. Checking on history sites of the area, the land does appear to have once been farmland hence the orchard. We did try the plums - they were lovely. definitely worth another visit.Church Road Wood, Halewood

 

Sunday, 7 August, 2011

Looking at Google Maps I saw a large open space, called Burtonwood Nature Park, fairly near to my son's where we were calling in to later in the afternoon. I duly printed off the map of the area and showed Steve the site that we had not been to before. He agreed that it looked a good site to visit. When we got there it looked familiar - we had been there before - a few years ago! Anyway, we had a walk around part of the site. There were a lot of Speckled Wood butterflies - seeing eight at one time adn quite a few Gatekeeper butterflies. On the meadow there was a strange looking Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata). It had leaves growing out of the top of the flower. There were just three stems like this. Steve doesn't know what has caused this. A quick search on Google did not offer any explanations either!The strange Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)Burtonwood Nature Park

 

Wednesday, 3 August, 2011

Our grandchildren came for the day and to stay for the night (good job they are so good). The little fella wanted to see animals so we went to Croxteth County Park to the farm there. He had a lovely time looking at the animals but he particularly like the 'noisy big pigs'. Little did he realise why the male and female pigs were so noisy!!The 'noisy big pigs' being quiet!

 

Sunday, 31 July, 2011

We had our friends over for the day today. After lunch we went for a walk in Allerton Towers. It is a lovely park, not far from where we live, which we have been to many times. Surprisingly, it is always quiet there when we go - it is not a popular park This is the site, I think I have mentioned it in the past, where we found Yellow Balsam (Impatiens noli-tangere), also know as Touch-me-not Balsam. It it always interesting to see the succession of flowers in the walled garden borders. We puzzled over where the original mansion house was situated - but Google as usual showed us the answers. All that remains of the original buildings are the stables and the orangery. Going to Allerton Towers also gave me the chance to use the Conker Tree Science app I had downloaded for my phone. Since 2002 Britain’s conker trees have been under attack from a non-native moth and scientists at the Universities of Bristol and Hull monitor what’s happening. The Conker Tree Science: Leaf Watch app enables you to submit your geo-located leaf photos and other information to help the scientists know where the moth is present within the UK today. Part of the stables at Allerton Towers, Liverpool

 

Saturday, 30 July, 2011

The BioBlitz at Risley Moss, Warrington started last night (Friday) with walks and Moth Trapping but we only went for the Saturday afternoon. It is a great way for the experts to get together to record as many species as they can in a twenty four hour period. Risley Moss itself is a lovely place with hides looking out over the moss. I think I am beginning to identify many more species until I listen to the experts and realise just how much more I need to learn. Something for my retirement!!

 

Monday, 25 July, 2011

I love the school holidays - lots of time for us to spend together. I thought about visiting some of the place we had been to in winter that we said we should go back to in summer so off we went to Twenty Acre Wood in Warrington. It is lovely there. We had fun watching the antics of two squirrels. What was disappointing was to see the mess anglers had left by the pond. They had been dragging the pond weed out and had left it in a massive pile totally blocking the steps down to the boardwalk. In doing so they also made it difficult for themselves!!Twenty Acre Wood, WarringtonSquirrel at Twenty Acre Wood, Warrington

 

Wednesday, 20 July, 2011

Steve and I took ourselves off to Court Hey Park this afternoon to see my school's winning scarecrow at Landlife.We had a walk around the site both in the Landlife Centre and around Court Hey Park itself. It was lovely to see so much Purple Loosestrife with so many bees at it. There was a lovely contrast between the colour of the Purple Loosestrife and the Meadowsweet. The smell of the Meadowsweet was heavenly. There was also a lot of Viper's Bugloss attracting many bees.Purple Loosestrife and Meadowsweet at Court Hey Park, Huyton, Merseyside

 

Sunday, 10 July, 2011

A lovely weekend with the family up for our grandaughter's naming ceremony. It is so lovely to have everyone together. We left early to take Claire to the station as there is always the worry of a delay caused by the Runcorn Bridge. We went to Runcorn Hill, braving the rain showers! The Rosebay Willowherb's colourful display was enough to make the trip worth it. Rosebay Willowherb at Runcorn Hill

 

Thursday, 14 July, 2011

A very busy few weeks - winding down to the end of term in school. So, today, another visit to Norton Priory was welcome especially after the wet weather. Everytime we go to Norton Priory it looks different especially the meadow. The weather was beautiful which encouraged the bees and butterflies out. The meadow is sort of between flowerings with the Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) ready to burst in to flower.The Meadow, Norton Priory

 

Friday, 1 July, 2011

A lovely afternoon so we went over to my son's and went for a walk with my daughter-in-law and our two grandchildren to a part of Sankey Valley Park near to where they live. It is amazing at the rate in which very young children absorb information. The little fella just loves to find out about everything and of course, grandad has all the answers. For some reason he did not like Steve being in the long grass and walked through the long grass himself to pull Steve out of it - very amusing to watch. I don't know what the little fella was thinking but he obviously wanted to save his grandad from it!!Pond at Sankey Valley Park

 

Thursday, 30 June, 2011

Our friends, who now live in California, are over here for a month. Today we took them to the Blue Planet Aquarium. It was great being there with only a few children around as it gave us the opportunity to be big kids ourselves and stroke the rays in the touch pool. The sharks in the tunnel are very impressive - good job the glass is so thick.Clown Fish Tank, Blue Planet

 

Sunday, 26 June, 2011

Another trip to Norton Priory - got to be Steve's favourite site of the year! I also enjoy the place because it is so peaceful there especially in the Walled Garden. Each time we go we visit a different part of the site. This time we went to Back Field and Big Wood. There is a little copse of Scrub Oak at the back of Big Field - very nice! It was very hot that day so it was good to get under the shade in Big Wood.Back Field, Norton PrioryBig Wood, Norton Priory

 

Saturday, 25 June, 2011

What was going to be short trip out to look at Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria ohridella) led to to a lovely walk in Allerton Towers, a small park in Liverpool. Considering it is only about 7 minutes away, we seldom go there. It was lovley to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker. The best sighting was that of Yellow Balsam, also called Touch-Me-Not. It is quite scarse; the first time I have seen it though not the first for Steve. We do need to go back and take some more photos of it before it finishes flowering. The partly walled garden at Allerton TowersThe ruined Orangery at Allerton Towers

Sunday, 19 June, 2011

A lazy start to the day with the weather not looking too good. However, by lunchtime the sun was begining to show its face. We don't know why but Newsham Park came in to our minds. Neither of us had been there since we were children - just a few years ago!! We were pleasantly suprised to see how good it looked as when we had looked it up on the Internet, the had been a very grim review of the Park.Newsham Park, Liverpool

 

Thursday, 16 June, 2011

We had to go to St. Helen's so decided to merge the trip with a visit toTaylor's Park - a place neither of us had ever been to despite seeing the signs for the park many times. It is a very pleasant place with a large dam. There were two Coots' nests and a Great Crested Grebe's nest - we could see the chicks popping out every now and then. A pair of Mute Swans were also on the dam with four cygnets. Sometimes, when out on a Thursday or Friday, I still feel as though I am playing truant but Steve and I both enjoy the extra time together.Great Crested Grebe's nest, Taylor's Park, St HelensAcross the dam, Taylor's Park, St HelensCoots at Taylor's park, St Helens

 

Wednesday, 15 June, 2011

The end of a day's work and I didn't feel like cooking, the weather was fine and a walk was beckoning. So, we stopped off at the take-away on our way to Pickerings Pasture and again sat and ate our tea watching the River Mersey. We had a walk after our tea to burn off some of the calories. It was lovely to see the Viper's Bugloss in flower - such a beautiful shade of blue. We saw a total of nine Grey Herons as we walked along in the Widnes direction and a huge flock of Lapwings.View of the Bridge from Pickerings Pasture, Halton

 

Saturday, 11 June, 2011

There was torrential this morning so we did not think we would get out but by lunchtime the sun was shining. There was so much of the Norton Priory site that we did not see last week and we both enjoyed the atmosphere of the place so much that we decided to go back there. We went to North Wood and the Grass Meadow. While we were in the Grass Meadow we were rewarded with the site of a male Field Cuckoo Bee. By this time, the temperature had dropped to 13°C and the bee, very obligingly, was still enough for me to take some photographs. As we started to walk by to the car, along the side of the Walled Garden above the disabled access, I noticed bees swarming - they were Honey Bees. It looked as though they have a nest behind the barge boards of the wall. Fabulous to see.North Wood, Norton PrioryNorth Wood, Norton Priory

 

Saturday, 4 June, 2011

The weather was as good as the last few days, contrary to what the forecasters had said. It was glorious for the C.A.N. BioBlitz at Norton Priory, Runcorn. So many experts covering many animal and plant groups of the natural world. Steve and I went too - though he is an expert not me. It was amazing to see so many people with nets and tubes! There were a lot of public there too all showing a great interest and asking many questions. Steve accumulated a respectable list of sightings to add to the BioBlitz total during the time we were there. It was good to see familiar faces and meet new people. The totals for what was recorded are still on the increase as the experts continue to identy their 'finds' at home.Mullein Moth caterpillar, Norton PrioryAzure Damselfly, Norton Priory

 

Friday, 3 June, 2011

Another glorious day. Although it is too tempting to be lazy in the heat we thought an hour or so in the sun would do us good. Hale Park it was to be - not far as the car would be hot. There were not too many people about which was surprising as it was half term. I think the insects thought it was too hot to be out too. Last time we were at Hale Park we had seen a lot of Harlequin Ladybirds, this time we saw a lot of Harlequin Ladybird larvae.Harlequin Ladybird larva at Hale Park

Thursday, 2 June, 2011

The sun was shining and the weather was warm - perfect for an afternoon stroll at Norton Priory. It had been many years since we had been to the Priory and into the Walled Garden. The minute we walked in to the Walled Garden we were hit by the blaze of flowers. It was just as a garden should be - lots of colour and a new vista around every corner. The Flower Meadow was just as spectacular - full of Oxeye Daisy, Meadow Buttercup and Yellow Rattle. The site looked as though it was just ready for the C.A.N. (Cheshire Active Naturalists) BioBlitz at the weekend where Steve and I would be.The Walled Garden, Norton Priory, RuncornThe Flower Meadow, Norton Priory, Runcorn

 

Saturday, 28 May, 2011

We had the grandchildren stay over night, they are a joy to have - early to bed and not early to rise! After taking them to see my parents, we took them to Victoria Park in Widnes in the afternoon. There were quite a lot of Mallards and Canada Geese on the lake but also a pair of Mute Swans with two cygnets and two more eggs on the nest. Both of the children enjoyed the birds. The little fella sharpened his identification skills identifying some of the birds and insects in the park. We found out that there was a butterfly house in the park. We have been to the park many times but the greenhouses, and hence the butterfly house, are only open a few days a week. Mute Swan with cygnetsMute Swan eggs on nest

 

Thursday, 26 May, 2011

A lazy start and a day trip to Llandudno. We set off in the rain but the weather wasn't too bad when we got there. We didn't really get wet (good timings for lunch and breaks) but we did nearly get blown away on the top of the Great Orme. The winds were terrific. They were that strong that Steve had difficulty in keeping his camera still. Was worth the trip up there though just to see the Stonechats - absolutely beautiful birds.Llandudno

 

Wednesday, 25 May, 2011

Last day of the half-term for me, the weather was fine and I didn't want to cook. What did appeal to me was eating tea watching water so off we went to Pickerings Pasture, Widnes, stopping off along the way at a chippie for a take-away tea to eat watching the River Mersey. Food was good and so was the company! After tea we had a walk to walk off some of the calories. It was a pleasant evening for a stroll. The meadows looked lovely with the Buttercups, Yellow Rattle and Ox-eye Daisy with a bit of Ragged Robin thrown in here and there for contrast. We didn't see any Tree Bumblebees but it was good to see a Grey Heron and two Shelduck on the pond with lots of Canada Geese on the marsh.Pickering Pasture, Widnes

 

Sunday, 21 May, 2011

Off to Woodley, Stockport today to see our friends' new bungalow. The surrounding area of the bungalow is lovely - less than a minute out of their front door and they are in the countryside. There were 5 Tree Bumblebees at the Cotoneaster in their garden. These bees seem to be marching across the country which is just as well really with our native bumblebees in decline. We went out for a walk despite the weather looking risky. We did get wet but we did get another sighting of the Tree Bumblebee at Raspberry flowers. The walk was lovely - along the River Thame - just a pity about the rain! It didn't seem to stop the Grey Heron from enjoying the river.River Thame

 

Thurs, 19 May, 2011

Quite a nice day - weather wise so we headed off to Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington to see if we could find any Tree Bumblebees. We were not disappointed. We found one at Rhodendron. These bees came into the country ten years ago and were first recorded in Cheshire last year. This year we thought we will look and see just how far they have spread. We have had them here in our garden at Cotoneaster and Aquileigia. It was great to see a Water Rail at the pond. Unfortunately there is also one rather large Red-eared Terrapin in the pond which we saw basking in the sunshine.Rhodendron in Walton Hall Park

 

Friday, 13 May, 2011

Not the best of weather with some heavy showers but we decided to venture out anyway. Friday 13th might be considered unlucky but luckily for us we did not get wet at Sunnybank in Widnes. Not as many bees around as we had hoped but there were plenty of Alder Leaf Beetle over the whole site. We counted 34 on on one tree. Plenty of bird song heard but not too many birds to be seen. There were plenty of tadpoles in the pond which had some Southern Marsh Orchids on it's bank.The pond at Sunnybank, Widnes

 

Sunday, 8 May, 2011

A busy week! We ahve spent time on the garden - it is looking better but not too tidy! The garden funrniture had been treated so they are looking better too.
We had a lovely day today celebrating our grandson's third birthday at Chester Zoo. It has been a while since I was at the zoo and could see the many changes especially in the larger enclosures for some of the animals. There was the cutest baby elephant born in January this year. I think the highlight for me was the Bat House. To stand there with lots a bats including the large Fruit Bats flying all around almost touching me was amazing.Baby Elephant at Chester Zoo

 

Monday, 25 April, 2011

Steve's birthday! Seeing the family made it a lovely day. We went with my son and his family to Wigg Island, Runcorn as the weather was so lovely. The little fella did double the distance, running around. No wonder he was worn out. He enjoyed the Dandelion clocks and the many Ladybirds (Seven-spot and Fourteen -spot) and the hundreds of Alder Leef Beetle over the whole site. The highlight of the wildlife for me was listening to and watching a female Wheatear, the three Buzzards and the Grey Heron. We saw a few butterflies: Comma, Speckled Wood and Peacock. A Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula) landed on the pushchair canopy which gave us a chance to see it close up. Comma (Polygonia c-album) Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

 

Sunday, 24 April, 2011

Yesterday, Saturday, we went with my brother and his wife, who were visiting my parents, to Sefton Park, Liverpool. My brother had not been there since he was a young boy, Steve and I last visited a few years ago before the renovations had been completed. My brother and his wife really wanted to go around the Palm house but unfortunately part of it was closed off for a wedding breakfast. As we walked around the boating lake I was pleased to see my first Alder Leaf Beetle of the year.Sefton Park, Liverpool

 

Thursday, 21 April, 2011

The sunshine enticed us over to Runcorn Hill, a lovely site. Walking around the site, looking at the colours in the natural world always amazes me. Today it was the colours of the new Sycamore leaves with the sun shining on them.Sycamore at Runcorn Hill

 

Sunday, 17 April, 2011

We had a few days in London this week visiting my daughter. It was lovely to see her but I could never live there - far too many people!!! So Sunday was a day to be out in the fresh air, clear our lungs of the dirty air of London. Steve had been unwell ( caught the bug I had had) for our London trip and I thought needed a walk now he was feeling better. We went to Widnes Wharf. It was a lovely day witht eh sun shining. We walked along with the Sankey Canal (also known as the St Helen's Canal) on the left and the River Mersey on our right. All of the way along the canal we could see thousands of baby fish. I caught a quick glimpse of a Reed Bunting. The sound of the Skylark singing was great to hear. On the saltmarsh were five Longhorn Cattle which belong to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, brought in to help manage the saltmarsh.Longhorn Cattle at Widnes Wharf

 

Sunday, 10 April, 2011

After being ill for a few days - and I mean ill - it takes a lot to make me take to my bed and I did - I needed to get out of the house for a while. Fresh air always works wonders even the fresh air is of Widnes. We went to Hale Road Woodlands hoping to see lots of butterflies out in the sunshine. As we walked along we saw a lot of Orange-Tips as well as Peacocks, Brimstones, Commas and one Speckled Wood. It was lovely to see the butterflies, definitely made me feel better (as well as the company of course). Nearly the whole time we were there we could hear the Chiff Chaffs calling. We also saw a Buzzard flying over and a Song Thrush. It was also rewarding to see quite a few ladybirds: 30 Seven-spot, and a few Two-spot and Ten-spot and one Fourteen-spot. The majority of these were all on four Bird Cherries. Also on the Bird Cherry were some Bird Cherry Ermine Moth caterpillars.Buckthorn in blossom at Hale Road Woodlands

 

Wednesday, 6 April, 2011

We had our two grandchildren for the day today - they are so good they are a pleasure to have. We took them to Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington in the afternoon. The weather was so warm which obviously had an effect on the male Peacocks. Steve commented that he was never fortunate to have a camera with him to capture the male displaying but I did! Robert enjoyed all of the animals, Olivia being only 8 months just enjoyed watching everyone and everything!Male Peacock at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington

 

Sunday, 27 March, 2011

A wet start to the day but that doesn't matter when you are lazing. By lunchtime the sun was shining and the ground was dry. We returned to Halebank Park in Widnes. We had visited there for the first time at the end of October last year when we said that the site would be worth another visit. It was great to see Frogspawn in the fishing pond but do wonder how many of the tadpoles will survive. A Buzzard spent a long time flying over one end of the site coming to rest on a fence post. The highlight of the afternoon had to be the number of Skylarks. There were at least eight of them. Their singing was superb. We took time out to sit on a bench and just listen to the song. It brought back memories of childhood.......... We watched them rise from the field and landing on the top of dead stems as we walked across to see the ponds. One of the ponds at Halebank Park

 

Thursday, 24 March, 2011

A beautiful day, 18°C by lunchtime. Only one place to go on such a day - the seaside. New Brighton was so much quieter than on a Sunday, one of the reasons for going part-time was so that we could visit more places together. The tide was just on its way out out so we had beach to walk along. There were a lot of Whelk egg-cases and Sea Potatoes (including quite a few very small ones) left behind by the receding tide. On the decking of the lake it was good to see at least 50 Dunlins (Calidris alpina) enjoying the sunshine just like us. . The lighthouse at New Brighton

 

Sunday, 20 March, 2011

I can used to these lazy starts! There had been rain during the night but by lunchtime the ground had dried up so after an early lunch we headed over to Runcorn Hill, taking advantage of the fact that there were no road works on the brudge! It was good to see frogspawn in both ponds with spawn hatched and some free-swimming tadpoles in one pond. That night the frogs laid the first spawn in the garden pond. Looking back in last year's record book showed that the first spawn last year was also laid on 20th March. Runcorn Hill

 

Sunday, 13 March, 2011

The weather was lovely so we visited a part of the Sankey Valley Park that we had never been to, just inside the Cheshire border, bordering with St Helens. The Sankey Valley Canal runs next to Sankey Brook at this point. Although the sun was shining there was not a lot of insect life to be seen. We only saw a few birds: Robin, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit, Blackbird with Mallards and Canada Geese on the canal. We did hear two Pheasants calling and a Lapwing but could not pinpoint their positions. Sankey Valley Park

 

Sunday, 6 March, 2011

After a leisurely start and a study of the maps we decided to head off to a piece of land off Hall Lane in Warrington, a new site for both of us. The weather was quite sunny but the wind was cold.It was a pleasant, linear site. We were hoping to see some Ladybirds to add to the Ladybird Atlas being prepared for Cheshire but I think the cold kept them hidden.There did seem to be an abundance of Robins (Erithacus rubecula) and Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Hall Lane, Warrington

 

Thursday, 24 February, 2011

The sun was shining so we headed off to Wigg Island, Runcorn after lunch. We saw our first Red Admiral of the season.There were a large variety of birds present but the highlight was a Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) sitting on a fence-post on the marsh area. It was there for a good while only moving to fly down to the ground and then back up to the post again. Just after the Peregrine flew away two Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) appeared out of the undergrowth and the Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) sang! Despite the yellow colour of the water (from old chemical works) there were 2 Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), 7 Tufted Ducks (Aythya fuligula), 3 Coots (Fulica atra) and 2 Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus). A couple of Seven-spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) were sunning themselves and Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) were in flower - definite signs that Spring is on the way! Wigg Island looking over the River Mersey Mute Swan(Cygnus olor) on the less polluted end of the canal.

 

Sunday, 20 February, 2011

After a very iffy start to the day, we decided to take the risk and go to Crosby again. It was still very cold, very grey and very windy. The song of the Skylarks (Alauda arvensis)could cheer up any dismal day. There were a lot of Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) with one solitary Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus). Crosby

Thursday, 17 February, 2011

Although the sun was shining it was still quite cold. We took our grandchildren to Spike Island to feed the ducks. There weren't many ducks, just a few Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) with a lot of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) and twenty three Mute Swans (Cygnus olor). The little 'uns enjoyed the bird life but eventually the cold got the better of us!

Thursday, 10 February, 2011

Another visit to Crosby to see if the tides has washed anything else interesting up. Unfortunately the tide was in so some of the beach was covered. Still, very nice just walking along the beach hand in hand.There were quite a few Sea Potatoes (Echinocardium cordatum) washed up along with quite a few clumps of Common Whelk (Buccinum undatum) egg cases, some of which looked relatively recent compared to the dried up ones we usually see. There were hundreds of Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) with many still sporting their winter plaumage. A couple of Lesser Black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) and a couple of Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) were also seen. The highlight of the birds were the five Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) that were on the beach - their song was a delight to hear. Some Pied Wagtails (Motacilla alba) kept us entertained with their constant wagging. The marina shore, Crosby Egg cases of the Common Whelk (Buccinum undatum)

 

Saturday, 29 January, 2011

It was a freezing start to the day -3°C but we still went out to Crosby. It was bitter there but not windy which is unusual for Crosby! We walked past the marina and to the beach. It was strange to see ice particles on the sand. What was more unusual was the frozen 'foam' left where the waves had lapped to. The iron men of the Anthony Gormley's Another Place stood out on the beach as there was no one else there! Hardly surprising really. Walking along the beach we found four stranded jellyfish known as Rhizostoma octopus - named as they have eight long tentacles. The common names for this jellyfish are Dustbin-lid Jellyfish, Barrel Jellyfish and Football Jellyfish. The bell can grow up to 90 cm but these were around 30cm.Crosby Beach The frozen foamRhizostoma octopus

Rhizostoma octopus

 

Sunday, 23 January, 2011

Although it rained overnight the day was quite pleasant so after a late start and an early lunch we went out to look at a piece of land, off Langley Green Avenue in Warrington, that we had seen on the map. Again, it is another place that we would like to go back to when the paths are not so muddy and the vegetation has grown. Walking through the undergrowth, it was clear that there had been some tree clearance a few years ago.The logs have begun to rot and there were some fabulous fungi growing on them. Unfortunately, neither of us are very good at identifying fungus. There were plenty of birds around (Blackbirds, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Magpie and House Sparrow) and their song was glorious. We saw our first Seven Spot Ladybird of the year sitting on a Holly leaf.Land off Langley Green Avenue, WarringtonSome of the fungi at Land off Langley Green Avenue

 

Sunday, 16 January, 2011

Rain, rain and more rain. The weather stopped us from going out for our planned walk but nevertheless we still managed to keep ourselves busy!. The pond has overflowed at the front but that has not stopped the frogs. The first frog of the year was seen on 12th January.The garden pond

 

Sunday, 9 January, 2011

It was a short walk today after a very lazy start to the day. We went to Fiddler's Ferry on our way to visit our grandchildren. It was windy and cold but still an enjoyable walk between the River Mersey and St Helen's Canal. Apart from the Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and a Comorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) on the river, there were Mute Swans (Cygnus olor), Coots (Fulica americana) and Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) on the canal. As we walked along the path next to the canal we saw over one hundred molehills on one side of the path and thirty-six on the canal side.
We arrived at my son's just in time for freshly bake scones. Delicious!Fiddler's ferry, Warrington

 

Monday, 3 January, 2011

Wishing you all a very happy New Year!
We took a short trip out to Pickerings pasture. It was bitterly cold but we wanted to have a try out of my new binoculars. I had been after a better pair for ages and was very pleased when Father Christmas thought I had been good enough for a new pair! I am impressed with the clarity and focussing response of these Nikon binoculars.It was great to see ten Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) on one of the grass slopes and Dunlins (Calidris alpina) and a Comorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) on the river along with hundreds of Black-headed Gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) and a couple of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). On the marsh were a couple of hundred Canada Geese (Branta canadensis).