1st Half of 2020

Well what a year this has turned out to be and now we are at the end of June wondering what happened and where has 6 months gone. I don't think anyone realised at the start of the year what the word pandemic meant in reality. The fear of the unknown forced us all out of our comfort zones and for the first time being able to go outside was a luxury. For many people lockdown was and still is a new experience, but for others it is was not, due to ill health or other reasons. Then all of a sudden the world, our communities, neighbours and family members were all in the same boat experiencing fear, stress, frustration and many unanswered questions. Perhaps we will get to the end whenever that will be with more understanding and compassion for others.

My lockdown started in mid March and slowly as the days past by tasks, appointments, planned events were postponed or cancelled as my world became our house and garden. I feel lucky to have a garden as I know that many do not have that luxury and that has helped me pass the time when not working remotely. As I have said previously the natural world is a wonderful thing and people can enjoy it in many different ways. You can go somewhere to enjoy nature or you can wait until nature comes to see you. You may not see or experience as many things as you would like, but when nature pays you a visit it is worth it weight in gold.

A moth highlight for March was a visit from an Oak Beauty on the 16th.

The warm sunny weather brought a Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies to the garden.

As the month of March was almost at the end, the sunshine also encouraged Bee Flies to visit and a Tawny Mining Bee.

Each week, I record the bird species and 15+ were counted each week

 Coal Tit

Jackdaw 

Blackbird 

Dunnock 

Starling

In April the moth highlights were Early Thorn, Streamer and Waved Umber.

Plus an opportunity to video a Bee Fly in action.

In May the moth highlights were Swallow Prominent, Scalloped Hazel, Pale Prominent, Common Swift Green Carpet.

 Swallow Prominent

Scalloped Hazel 

Pale Prominent

Common Swift 

Green Carpet

Other wildlife and June highlights are posted separately.