…or almost as unexpected in a small garden in central Southampton. The second Scarlet Tiger of the year and not exactly its normal habitat. Hardly a water meadow, river bank or coastal cliff in sight. Not much comfrey or hemp agrimony either. I presume that when it wasn’t auditioning for…
I know someone who is fascinated by Bryophytes. Mosses and liverworts. Mainly mosses. But he likes extreme mosses. Hanging off trees in British Columbia. Freezing mosses in the far north. And recently up to his, well not quite his eyes, in the mires of the New Forest. Where he ruined…
Philip Budd – Between 2004 and 2007 the Southampton Natural History Society produced two small books entitled ‘Ladybirds of Southampton’ (38 pages) and ‘Shieldbugs of Southampton’ (50 pages). These were very successful publications and were the product of two thorough field surveys of these insects in which as many sites…
Philip Budd – Recently I succumbed to a rare twitching urge and with spare time on my hands, unusual for 2014, I set forth to Titchfield Haven seeking the 321st bird on my rather inadequate British bird list and only the second reported for Hampshire – a SIBERIAN (or EASTERN)…
This is the first in an occasional series of notes on one of the sightings which has been added to the records page of this web-site. And this first is about the Brimstone Butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni), seen on 1st October in Bitterne. We all associate butterflies with the spring and…
You know how you have an event planned? And then just something has to change at the last-minute. Well in the case of the early morning walk this week at Calshot it’s just the date that has changed. And the time. And the leader. And probably the location. But it…
We are delighted to publish a guest post from John Cantelo who met up with old friends from our very own Southampton Natural History Society just a few days ago at this year’s Bird Fair at Rutland. Their memories should inspire us all – young and less young alike. This August…
Is it worth making (or buying) all those insect habitats. You know the things I mean. Bundles of bamboo. Flowerpots stuffed with straw. Logs drilled with different sized holes. The latest in bijou high rise insect houses with a variety of insect accommodation. Obviously you see the odd spider running…
You all get those days. Nice and sunny. Balmy almost. Not too breezy. Perfect day for getting to grips with a few more hoverflies in the garden. Except for a minor problem. The hoverflies have decided to take the family to the beach. Or at least something amongst these perfect…
Of course not all interesting wildlife turns up in Southampton itself. Or is predicted. On Sunday Jan and I took a break from studying hoverflies, studying the various world cup charts and decorating to pop out to the Woodfair at Royden Woods. Local crafts, wildlife events, and – most importantly…
