Butterfly watching

Big Butterfly Count

Being a citizen scientist for the Big Butterfly Count is a great opportunity for being aware of what’s flitting around in the garden, parks, countryside and seaside.

It’s a snapshot challenge hoping the little blighters will stay still long enough before taking off. (Memo to subject: And while you’re posing, please keep your wings open!)

Not exactly “butterfly season” in December, but here’s a reminder of what we have to look forward to.

Red Admiral

Six-spot Burnet, Speckled Wood, Common Blue

Eyed Hawk Moth

This was a “first” for me. What I thought was a crinkly leaf clinging to the wall was a stunning quivering Eyed Hawk Moth. Scary and fascinating.

Why are my fuchsias being eaten alive?

Further investigation revealed the culprits. Four Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillars, the size of my index finger, feasting to burst before hunkering down for their long metamorphosis.

You looking at me?

Butterfly forecast

Not so good at this time of the year.

Date for Diary

Big Butterfly Count 12 July – 4 August 2024.

Lytham Hall

A (not so) Silent Night

Lytham Hall has been transformed into a festive wonderland, exquisitely decorated to the theme of seasonal songs – a different tune playing in each room. I whiled away over an hour wandering on a magical journey.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

In the sumptuous dining room I found the signs for all twelve days, skilfully created by a team of talented volunteers.

How cute the 12 drummers drumming;
7 swans a swimming;
one of the 9 ladies dancing

Around the Hall

Stunning at every turn.

The Billiard Room

Transformed into a bustling little town (by Greg Anderton and his father), very reminiscent of Lytham!

My favourite – Jennie’s Fairies

Pretty Dolly Peg fairies dangling amongst the baubles on the Christmas tree in the Edwardian Room.

A visit will put a smile on the face
of the grouchiest Grinch!
It worked for me!

Bird watching

Pinkfeet

It’s not just holiday makers that like to visit the Fylde Coast. Thousands of “pinkfeet” fly here for their winter holidays – all the way from Iceland and Greenland. The chattering as they fly over in skeins at night is goose-bump-making! They’ll hang around until April/May and return to the Arctic summer to breed, raise goslings – then do it all again.

Heron

Like a prehistoric creature flying across the Ribble estuary.

Redshank

Pretty, peep-peeping waders with their distinctive bright red legs. Often out on the estuary or in the saltmarsh searching for morsels.

Stonechat

Thanks Mrs Stonechat for hanging around long enough for a snapshot!

Mute Swan

Always majestic. This one had been preening for ages. I knew it would have a stretch if I waited long enough. Thanks Mr Swan! (Males have a more pronounced knobbly bit above their beak than females.)

Bird watching forecast

Good around these parts.

Weather-watching

My snapshot-taking mojo has been absent for some time, so I dusted the cobwebs off my camera and have been out and about weather-watching. We’ve had all sorts chucked at us these past few weeks.

Frost

A stonechat perches on the frosty saltmarsh.

Sun

Sunrise brightens a chilly morning.

Rain

A dismal day on St Annes Beach.

Clouds

Dramatic clouds over the dunes.

Blue skies

Vapour trails and wispy clouds.

Weather forecast

Not good round these parts!