Wildlife

"Ma feet micht be big, but the insects are safe"  Michael Marra

Disgusting but interesting!  This is a crab spider on - yes - a dog's poo, waiting for a fly to arrive!  Usually crab spiders are found blending in with the petals of a flower.

Candle snuff fungus (Xylaria hypoxylon) on tree stump

There have been quite a few Woodcock in the local forest this winter, and even saw a couple feeding in the snow-covered garden on a couple of nights.  The signs of their activity were quite apparent in the morning.

Calocera viscosa, a jelly fungus, bringing a splash of colour to the December forest floor
Leopard Slug in the garden. Fabulous markings!
A Pill Bug (NOT the common woodlouse)

Summer 2019 was great for butterflies!!..............

Comma
Comma - view of underside showing the wee white mark which gives this butterfly its name
Small Copper
Painted Lady on Buddleia in the garden
Dark Green Fritillary also in the garden. Gorgeous!
Hoverfly at Himalayan Balsam

The wasp-like stripey pattern of hoverflies is designed to scare off would-be predators.  In fact, hoverflies do not sting - so please don't swat them!