Monthly Archives: April 2014

Wildflower group walk: Stanley Ferry Flash

As we set off the morning was coolish but promised warmth later and, heading along the tow path, we saw ribwort plantain, shepherd’s purse, creeping buttercup, sticky mouse-ear, germander speedwell and a lovely patch of common stork’s-bill by the lock … Continue reading

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Meadow Saxifrage in Ackworth

I came across this nice patch of meadow saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) growing below trees on the edge of the Went in Ackworth. The delicate, snow-white, five petalled flowers and long stalked, kidney shaped leaves are distinctive features of the meadow saxifrage.

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Stanley Ferry Flash butterflies

Today, I had only half an hour for some butterfly watching and decided to visit Stanley Ferry Flash. Without going too far I had counted large numbers of orange tips and speckled wood.  Also, I watched comma and peacock feeding … Continue reading

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Solitary Bees at Ackworth School

I have attached a couple of pictures of some mining bees that I photographed in the centre of the school, on the edge of The Green. The bees were coming and going from holes in the gaps at the edges … Continue reading

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Stoneycliffe Wood bluebells

Stoneycliffe Wood is an ancient woodland close to Middlestown and Netherton. Ancient woodland has had tree cover in some way for around four hundred years or more.  It is one of our most precious natural habitats and home to many plants … Continue reading

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Long-tailed tit nest at Haigh

We walked from Haigh to Darton today, lots of warblers and good numbers of butterflies. The highlight was a pair of Log tailed tits building a nest in the fork of a large willow, overlooking the river.

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Tern passage at Pugneys Country Park

Arctic terns were on the move through Yorkshire today helped by easterly winds with 12 non stop over Pugneys going NE. at mid day. Also there were 4 white wagtails on the north grass bank until dog walkers arrived.

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Stanley Ferry Flash sightings

Recent sightings at Stanley Ferry Flash sent by Mark Archer Sunday 13.4.14 – First two lesser whitethroats of the year. Tuesday 15.4.14 – First orange tip of the year: Wednesday 16.4.14 – First cuckoo calling just before dusk and four noctule … Continue reading

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Lofthouse Colliery Park butterflies

It appears many of our native butterflies that over winter as adults have survived in good numbers.  Their awakening has also coincided with a wonderful flourish of spring flowers for them to feed on, particularly dandelions. This plant, often the … Continue reading

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Spring sunshine brings out the butterflies

A good few days for butterflies visiting my Wrenthorpe garden with a brimstone and peacock on 9th April, both in good condition. A nice surprise on the 11th April was a speckled wood, basking in some early morning sunshine.  

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