Monthly Archives: June 2013
Mayfly
I was in Ireland this year at just the right time for the Mayfly. Large quantities of these ancient insects crawl out of the limestone lakes and crawl up reeds to hatch into adults. The nymphs live for two years … Continue reading
Watching House Martins Building Nests
It is fascinating to watch House Martins build their nests. Recently I was staying in a house in Scotland near Aberdeen. The house was near a river and I was delighted to find that Martins were building their nests under … Continue reading
A Walk in the Lake Wood in Ireland
The mixed woodlands in this corner of Ireland are deep and green with hints of old walls where fields once were. Paths follow roads long gone. In May the rich, new growth of late Spring is everywhere. On the edge … Continue reading
Irish Spring More Butterflies and Dragonflies
When I was in Ireland Spring was late and many of the usual species were not around. Within a week the Speckled Wood butterflies were defending territories and courting along the woodland edge in patches of sunlight. The Green Veined … Continue reading
Some Irish Birds
At the end of May in Ireland nesting season is well underway and the dawn chorus is full of glorious sounds. As well as Thrushes, Backbirds, Robins and Tit species there are several other birds around. However it can be a … Continue reading
Bewick’s Wren trying to distract me
Back in San Diego I noticed a Bewick’s Wren gathering food in the garden. The wren tried to distract me so the nest must be somewhere near. I raised my camera and took several photographs of this charming little bird … Continue reading
Irish Spring: Insects and Spiders everywhere
The ground is bursting with new growth and wildflowers are out even though Spring is so late. Insects and spiders are everywhere. It is hard to take a photograph of a flower without including at least one insect! Bumblebees are … Continue reading
Orchids at the Edge of the Wood
Early Purple Orchids are simply beautiful. It is always a joy to see them every Spring growing at the edge of woodland in Ireland. I went for a walk down the grassy lane next to some woodland and saw several … Continue reading
NaturalistNotebook 