Bats

For many evenings this summer I have been using my bat detector from the bedroom window before going to bed and have been struck by how few bats I could hear.
Last night I was awake in the middle of the night and tried at 3.00 a.m. I immediately could hear a Pipistrelle feeding close by with the characteristic chirp when it caught some prey.

bat sound

Autumn is coming

The wild rose fruits are reddening and the Rosabay Willow Herb is in full flower.  Autumn may not be far away.

moths and dragonflies

Our neighbour has had some Mullein Moth caterpillars on her Mullein plant.

At Low Barns last Thursday I had a good view of a Southern Hawker Dragonfly which unusually stayed still long enough for a photograph.

West gate flowers

We walked from Westgate to St John's Chapel along the River Wear today. We saw Ladies Smock, Water Avens and Wood Cranesbill. 

Hedgehog

Big hedgehog outside our living room tonight 

Small eggar moth communal web

Walking along the coastal path near Fishguard in Pembrokeshire I came on this communal silk shelter built by Small Eggar  caterpillars. 

bird box activity

We have Great tits with six eggs in one box and Blue tits with I think six eggs (difficult to see) in the other.