The bird feeder and the persistent squirrel, a battle of wits-video

The bird feeder and the persistent squirrel, a battle of wits!! Everytime the squirrel came, the birds stayed away from the bird feeder and the area around it. First I bought a bird pole squirrel guard, which worked. So the squirrel started to try and outsmart me! A...
Potential varroa biological control? video

Potential varroa biological control? video

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) a possible predator of varroa? Many years ago, Dr. David Gillespie an entomologist with of Agriculture Canada, discovered a leaf litter dwelling generalist predatory mite, which is also a native UK mite, that feeds...
Spiders in da house mobile identification app!

Spiders in da house mobile identification app!

Spider in da house! This time of the year, numerous spiders leave our wildlife gardens to venture into our houses, often ending up in the bath!! Recently, the Society of Biology launched a new recording app and is asking everyone to report their findings. The app...
Can you spot the southern hawker dragonfly?!!

Can you spot the southern hawker dragonfly?!!

Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) dragonfly hanging from branch in oak tree  Normally patrolling areas, especially along hedges for insect snacks, for me it is unusual to see this dragonfly when it has landed. It was sheltering from the drizzle at Rixton Clay Pits,...
Elephant Hawk Moth in Rixton Clay Pits

Elephant Hawk Moth in Rixton Clay Pits

Big eyes and snake like caterpillar! After attending the Warrington Nature  Conservation Forum meeting at Rixton Clay pits, a few of us went for a walk around. Besides numerous dragonflies, great crested newts, a few bees, butterflies and Hebridean sheep! I noticed...