Monthly Archives: March 2014

Love is in the air!

I heard on the grapevine that two peregrines, male and female, were seen on Wakefield cathedral today and they were there for at least an hour. Let’s hope this is a sign that our male has finally found a mate. … Continue reading

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Nature Notes from Ackworth School

At Ackworth School, the long-tailed tits that were building a nest have now completed the task. This morning, nuthatches were carrying mud to a beech tree, where they are modifying an old woodpecker nest-hole. Nearby, treecreepers chased each other at … Continue reading

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Harlequin ladybirds awakening

Several people have asked me about ladybirds in the past week because harlequin ladybirds that found shelter in buildings in the autumn have been brought out of hibernation by the recent warm weather. I found these harlequins in their natural … Continue reading

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Long-tailed Tits nest building

Long-tailed tits might be able to build well camouflaged nests but they aren’t good at doing this discretely. I spotted two noisy birds building this nest among the tangled stems of a dog rose. The finished nest, made using cobwebs, … Continue reading

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Spring sightings

A good walk along the network of disused railway tracks around Ryhill brought plenty of spring sightings on this warm and balmy day. With temperatures soaring to 17dg the butterflies were out in force with an abundance of comma, a … Continue reading

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Entomophthora fungus

I found this dead fly stuck to a classroom window at Ackworth School. Looking closely, I could see what looked like fungal hyphae extending from its feet, attaching it to the window. I believe that it has been killed by … Continue reading

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