Stourbridge Rocks too The answer I am reliably informed is no, caterpillar poo does not smell. And the source of this fascinating piece of information - a new acquaintance made during lockdown. During my prowls along Roman Road, I have met a mum and her young daughter, out looking for caterpillars. No better place in… Continue reading DOES CATERPILLAR POO SMELL?
Month: April 2020
CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
A quick reminder to everyone who loves nature and lives or records in Birmingham and/or any of the Black Country Boroughs. This weekend sees the region's first entry in the international City Nature Challenge. Please join in this Citizen Science Project and help Birmingham and the Black Country by recording all the wildlife - flora… Continue reading CITY NATURE CHALLENGE
SCARLET TIGER UPDATE
BROMSGROVE ROCKS! Just wanted to share with you the results of a short walk today along Roman Road/Sandy Lane. Firstly, as we were engaged in our almost daily occupation of counting caterpillars, a mum and her daughter pulled up and were looking along the Alkanet. From a safe distance we found out that they had… Continue reading SCARLET TIGER UPDATE
SCARLET TIGER LARVAE UPDATE
Continuing to monitor the Scarlet Tiger caterpillar population - this one had a liking for the flower of the Alkanet. Lots about today despite the drop in temperature. In fact, I think it was too hot in some of the patches in the sun over the last week. The caterpillars are growing but there are… Continue reading SCARLET TIGER LARVAE UPDATE
21 DAYS OF SPRING
FINAL REFLECTIONS On the last day of this lockdown blog, this is a chance to look back. I started this blog in an attempt to bring Spring into the houses of people who were unable to get out and revel in this glorious time of year for wildlife. With the Coronavirus emergency and calls for… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
21 DAYS OF SPRING
DAY 20 - SCARLET TIGER PROJECT Happy Easter everyone. Thought you might like to learn what our project is all about. We started in 2014 following the discovery of an adult Scarlet Tiger moth the previous summer and caterpillars in the spring of 2014. It is a joint initiative between Dudley Council and Butterfly Conservation… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
21 DAYS OF SPRING
DAY 19 - CATERBLOG #3 PLUS Much bunch in action The last of the updates on the Scarlet Tiger caterpillar army which continue to baffle. With the rise in temperature over the last few days, the larvae seem to be seeking shade - very few out today in full sunshine. Over the last 2-3 weeks… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
21 DAYS OF SPRING
EASTER - WHAT'S IN A NAME? As we are engulfed in a crisis, the fact that today is Good Friday and the start in UK of the Easter weekend, has been almost forgotten. BBC Radio 4 has been running a series throughout Holy Week called "The Passion in Plants" which explores the meaning of various… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
21 DAYS OF SPRING
DAY 17 - SPRING BUTTERFLIES Male Orange Tip on Jack-by-the-Hedge (Garlic Mustard) We all have our different yardsticks for when we feel Spring has really arrived. For me this harbinger has to be the Orange Tip butterfly. A sight of the male flying frantically along the verges, seeking a mate, lifts the spirits. With the… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
21 DAYS OF SPRING
DAY 16 - BUZZIN' Likely species of Andrena Whilst I am busy counting caterpillars, I come across so many other insects, particularly bees. At a time when we are reminded of the decline of our bee population, I am constantly struck by the numbers and variety of these creatures. However, I know very little about… Continue reading 21 DAYS OF SPRING
Scarlet Tiger Project 