Standing up for Nature
There are several species of Burnet moth and they are amongst the most noticeable day-flying moths in the UK. All are very similar, however the Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae) is the only one with six distinct spots on each forewing. It is also the commonest and most widespread, being seen almost everywhere except in Scotland,…
Tim writes: called Long-tailed Jaeger in America, but they are one and the same species. Long-tailed are the smallest and rarest of the skua family. They breed on tundra where they feed mainly on lemmings and voles. But they winter off the continental shelf in the southern hemisphere, mainly off South America and Africa where…
Cranes on the up Guy writes: I still vividly remember in the mid 1980s seeing my very first common crane during a birding trip with friends to Norfolk. Cranes had been lost as a UK breeding bird around 400 years ago as a result of hunting for food and the subsequent draining of their…
Paul writes: I’ve seen a lot in the press lately about an invasion of horseflies, due to the hot weather. Also lots of advice about how to avoid them. I must be one of the few people who actually hope to find one, especially a female. One look at the eyes in this photograph…
Tim writes: I have heard this bird described by three different names plus one uncomplimentary nickname. The official name is Common Rosefinch, but older bird books describe it as Scarlet Rosefinch or Scarlet Grosbeak. But there are dozens of Rosefinch species in Asia, most of which have pink males, so scarlet doesn’t really differentiate it. …
Paul writes: Robberflies, as the name suggests, are predatory flies and their main source of food is other insects. They usually perch up, waiting for a suitable victim, then once found make a flying hop onto the prey. The flies have a short strong proboscis, which they use to stab their kill and inject it…
Tim writes: this small owl inhabits in the boreal forest zone across Scandinavia, Siberia and North America, nesting in old woodpecker holes or nest boxes. Although it is relatively numerous it is one of Europe’s most difficult owls to see as it is largely nocturnal, though in the short summer nights at high latitudes it…
Paul writes: The Wool Carder Bee (Anthidium manicatum) is a favourite of mine, one I always look out for at this time of year. The beautiful, yellow spotted abdomen really catches your eye as the bee darts around a flower patch. The male is very territorial, an aggressive male will patrol an area and defend…
Tim writes; As the name suggests, this species occurs in the boreal forest zone across Siberia but also occurs in northern Scandinavia. They occur at low densities and are not easy to find, but when you do find them they can be incredibly confiding. This one is eating a tiny caterpillar and we also saw…
Paul writes: I found this moth in my garden last week. I had run a moth trap overnight and next morning found this one nearby. It must have been attracted to the light and then settled down to rest up for the day. It’s a stunning moth and instantly recognisable with the black spots on…