Cruel sunshine

The Safari enjoyed a lovely day out in the field today - we even went back to the North Blackpool Pond Trail to see what it looks like when it's not raining! As if nearly 18 hours there yesterday weren't enough!

Last night the bats were star of the show with probably three species, Pipistrelle, Soprano Pipistrelle and Daubenton's Bats being abroad; we had our best views of Daub's for a long time. 

Many years ago someone, forget who...sorry if it was you..., showed us how to strip the flower-head off a long piece of grass and hold it high for the bats to investigate...well last night they investigated to the best of their ability - one of them grabbed the end and nearly dragged it out of our grasp!!! Utterly, utterly magical!!!

The official tally stands at 324 (we did eventually find a Toad although it hit the list well after Great Crested Newt) and we've managed to add a few more including the Bracket Fungus which DB spotted in the hole under the root-plate of a fallen tree. not a new species for the Fylde but a whole new Genus! Ganoderma sp. 

We've still got several awaiting identification on iSpot so the total might reach 350. If only the weather had been like it was today, the butterflies and damselfies were out on our short visit. 

As was this bizarre big eyed fly, now IDd as Empis tessellata..another new record for the Fylde.

We had only gone to have a quick look at the Bee Orchids and see if any Common Broomrape was showing. The Bee Orchids took a little finding at first being small and mostly still in bud.

 Perseverance was rewarded.

 Little beauts!!!

Didn't expect one to be upside-down though.

No sign of the Common Broomrape but there is plenty of Common Centuary just about to flower.

Then we nipped round to the nature reserve to have a look at the marsh orchids there, could Northern Marsh Orchid or perhaps a hybrid.

On the way we got side tracked at the wetlands by some fine patches of Ragged Robin and the show of Creeping and Meadow Buttercups was simply stunning; a glorious golden carpet - wonder how many of the other thousands of people walking past that way stopped and stared like wot we did.

Extensive stands of Cow Parsley were similarly eye-catching. 

But today was an orchid day and orchids we had to have...

Plenty of damselflies about too but in the warm weather they were very mobile chasing each other about all over the shop making getting pics tricky. We got just one half decent shot of a Common Blue Damselfly.

All in all a great day on safari.

Where to next? We'll no doubt be able to get out somewhere tomorrow providing we haven't over-exerted Frank today.

In the meantime let us know what's adding a dash of colour to your outback.

Mists of mellow (un)fruitfulness

The safari received two tip-offs this week. The first was of a Long Eared Owl, the other, from the incomparable Anno, of a mysterious Red Kite. So two targets for the safari to aim for....AND there was a morning high tide after a couple of days of offshore breezes....promising....very promising.

First off we hit the Prom. It was draped in a thick mist. Meadow Pipits were going over in some numbers and the 'chisick' calls revealed Pied Wagtails in amongst the Skylarks.

Out on the flat calm sea we scanned hopefully for Porpoises without any luck. There were a few Common Scoters in the distance, a female Eider was much closer in; only a few feet offshore with a Great Crested Grebe. With the tide in there were the usual flock of Redshanks and Turnstones was on the seawall, obviously oblivious to the racket of the neighbouring go-karts.

As we watched a flock of about 75 Pink Footed Geese going south to Martin Mere WWT Reserve we heard the familiar screech of Sandwich Terns, there won't be many more of these this year.

One of my biggest bugbears is litter. This plastic bag could be floating round the currents for years before a turtle or some other marine animal mistakes it for a jellyfish and eats it - with dire consequences....TAKE IT HOME.

On a lighter note but still sort of serious if you're ever at the Gynn in Blackpool have a look at our superb fossil collection. There's all sorts of creatures poking out of the ornamental rocks. It's just a shame that these rocks were someones best Limestone Pavement at one time - now a really rare and precious habitat!

Next stop was the brilliant (but misty) Marton Mere Nature Reserve.

(Not to be confused with Martin Mere mentioned above) The early morning mist was lifting and it started to feel more like midsummer than autumn. The sun brought out a good selection of insects. The dragonflies included many Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers (pictured - look for the 'wine glass' just behind the wings).

The butterflies included a Wall, a surprising find as these seem to have become very scarce in recent years, a couple of Peacocks, Speckled Woods, and a Red Admiral - not a bad haul for mid October and better than most of the summer!

A Buzzard eased itself overhead and a flock of about 30 or so Pintails circled above the mere. Despite a thorough scan of the usual suspects we were unable to find the reported Long Eared Owl. Never mind; if they're not there yet they will be soon - a sharp frost is needed to drop the leaves for a better look into the bushes.

Looking over the water I managed to pick up a first winter Mediterranean Gull, supporting cast included Wigeon, Little Grebe and a rather disturbing crashing deep in the reeds nearby accompanied by a low croaking grunt - was it a Bittern? We'll never know - whatever it was didn't show.

Tufted Ducks look fine at this time of year.

Most of the plants have finished flowering now but the Evening Primrose is still going strong. This is a great plant for attracting moths as it releases its fragrance at night.

I'm no expert at fungi etc but this cup fungus on its bed of moss with a Liverwort close by caught my eye.

As for the Kite, well sadly we ran out of time. We hope to get more information and nail the fella down next week.

If anyone is interested in the birds of Marton Mere I still have a couple of copies of Pauline McGough's excellent book which gives details of the 216 species recorded to the end of 2001. Only £5.00 each including p & p. If you would like one drop me an email or contact me at the Solaris Centre.

Where to next? The Kite is currently top of the list! Superb birds - effortless fliers, good looking and charismatic - great to have one in our area - lets hope we can track it down.

In the meantime let us know what you have found in your 'outback'.

The teddy bear's picnic

I thought I'd post this Mediterranean-like picture of a very sunny Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve at Blackpool to remind everyone (or just myself) what blue sky used to look like.

Yesterday at Marton Mere nature reserve the Rangers held a 'teddy bear's picnic' and bug hunt for budding young naturalists. With the Ranger's help they found a fair whack of stuff. Included in their finds were 3 species of damselflies; Common Blue, Azure and Blue Tailed, 3 Dragonflies; Emperor, Common Darter and Brown Hawker, a selection of moths; Burnished Brass, Silver Y and Flame Shoulder. Best of all was a butterfly that has become extremely scarce in this part of Lancashire in recent years, Small Heath.

Where to next? Don't forget the Rock Pooling event on Sunday afternoon (17th). Meet at the Mirror Ball at 4.00pm, bring your nets, buckets and wellies.

In the meantime let us know what you have spotted in your own 'outback'.