Here be Dragons

The weather here in Lancashire has been a little unpredictable to say the least over this past week. We’ve had torrential rain, blazing sun, light breezes and almost gale force winds so it’s been one of those weeks where getting out to enjoy the abundance of wildlife the area has to offer has been a bit touch and go.

Most of the migrants such as Swallows are starting to head south but still the insect life continues to flourish. One such lunchtime visit to Queens Park in Bolton resulted in some fine views of some Brown Hawker (Aeshna grandis) dragonflies hunting down butterflies over the pond, hell to take photos of in flight but a bit simpler once they settle to lay eggs.

Hiding along the pathway through the wood that grows alongside the River Croal in the park were a few Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) butterflies trying to avoid being eaten by the speedy Hawkers. I’ve never spent the time to look at these properly before, just seeing them for small brown butterflies, they’re a lovely looking insect with great markings and clearly defined spots. I tried to get a photo of the Small White’s to compare the Green Veined ones we saw on Anglesey but they wouldn’t stay still.

We’ve canceled our sea fishing trip for Sunday as the weather is going to be grim so we’re going to Southport Flower Show on Saturday instead to get some ideas for the back garden. The plan is get there early to avoid the crowds but no doubt we’ll stay far to long and get caught in the traffic on the way home, I’m looking forward to it though, I haven’t been to the flower show since I was a lad with my parents.

Queens Park, Bolton – Amphibious Assault

Frog spawn at Queens Park, Bolton

It looks like Spring is in the air up here in Lancashire as I spotted this clump of frog spawn in a small pond while walking through Queens Park, Bolton, during lunch time today.

Not many birds visible but you could hear them calling in the trees. The weather forecast is for a drop in temperature in the next few days but the signs are there for all to see – spring is on the way.

Spring is Here And Out Comes The Sun

Bluebells and Garlic in Flower, Queens Park, Bolton

What a huge difference to the world the sun makes. I’ve spent all my lunch hours for the past 2 weeks walking through Queenspark, Bolton and the difference in the flora and fauna is truly astonishing.

At the start of last week there were hardly any flowers except the Daffodils but this week the woods are full of Bluebells and Wild Garlic in every direction you look and whenever you stray off the path the smell of the Garlic instantly assails your nostrils.

I was listening to the radio on the way home last week and Wild Garlic is a very good salad ingredient and is good for you and although I haven’t tried any myself there are a few recipes using it on the BBC Wiltshire Website.

Comma Buttterfly

Another thing that always amazes me at this time of the year is the insects. Where do they come from? I know, I know – they hibernate, then come out to lay eggs and then a second lot turn up that are migrants from the south but it’s always a great sight – one day no butterflies – the next, they’re everywhere.

I’ve seen the usual suspects such as Small Tortoiseshell and a few early whites but I’ve also seen the earliest Peacock butterfly I can remember as well as this lovely Comma (Polygonia c-album) sunning itself on a new leaf.

The birds are also busy with far too many species to list all busy building nests or feeding early chicks – this weather and the early proliferation of insects should give them all a very good start to the year.

I keep seeing the Kingfisher but I still can’t find where it’s nesting and to be honest I’d be a bit worried about disturbing it so I’ll probably just enjoy watching it fly up and down the river.

Wild Garlic, Queens Park

No pictures of birds this time I’m afraid as they’re either to fast, to far away or I’m just to slow with the camera.

And as for the sea fishing, we haven’t been out since Christmas as we’ve been decorating and generally tidying up the house after winter but we’re going on our first Bass hunt soon and we can’t wait.

Winter in Bolton – what Winter?

Wild Primula

After a couple of dismal weeks worth of bad luck regarding the weather, where it would be nice a frosty during the week and raining at the weekend we’re not going to get out this weekend either as Wendy is ‘on call’ and has to stay within an hours traveling time of the local hospital.

So plans of fell walking are out but I do intend to get out somewhere before I go mad…

Walking through the park on Wednesday I was amazed to see a few flowers already coming out including the first hint of purple from the crocus’ and a few wild primrose (primula vulgaris) and today during my lunchtime stroll the birds were in full song as if celebrating the arrival of Spring, a little early but I knew just how they felt.

It’s amazing the difference a little bit of sunshine can make you feel.

River Croal, Bolton

I took this photo on Wednesday as well just to show the level of water that’s now coming down the River Croal. It’s like a completely different river compared to a couple of weeks ago. I was going to take some photos of the trees that have come down but the council had been busy and already chopped them into log-sized pieces.

So what to do over the weekend? I might go for a long walk along the River Douglas, do a bit of bird-watching or even go sea fishing although with Wendy not able to go far it will have to be something near to home.

Sorry about the lack of postings recently but I’m back on track now so expect a few more regular updates and thanks for reading.