.: September 2011

26/09/2011

I've decided to leave my 300th post giveaway open for a while longer.

For each and every comment you leave, you'll gain an entry into the draw.

Think of it as a little thank you for your loyalty to my blog.

2007 to present.

Good luck!

24/09/2011

my photos

HUMMINGBIRD HAWK-MOTH

Hummingbird Hawk-moths move at speed, and are not easy to photo, so I was pleased to get these three photos of one in action in my garden.

I've noticed this particular one returning to the same patch of Verbena B since the end of August.

If you have seen one or more in your garden, you can plot your sighting at the Migrant Watch webpage.

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03/09/2011

my photo

PAINTED LADY

I don't know where they've been hiding up until now, but today I spotted the first Painted Lady of the year.

A year or so back Britain saw an invasion!

Have you seen one or more, or a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in your garden this year? If so, how about plotting your finding(s) at the Butterfly Conservation's website in their survey Migrant Watch.

In my garden both species have been favouring Verbena Bonarensis.

Which plant(s) have you spotted either species on?

SPARROWHAWK ...

I've seen many a sparrowhawk playing at being remarkably agile in my garden over the years, but not until today had I had the opportunity to view one at such close range. Such a fascinating bird, it had decided to perch on my back fence for at least five minutes, spending the time carefully observing its surroundings. Suddenly it took me by surprise by flying off at a sharp angle low into a lilac tree. I could hear the other birds being taken by surprise too, and whether it got its catch I do not know? That was the last I saw of it.