Visiting to take flowers for my father, I was amazed to see a monarch flying and often settling on the bedding plants, cut flowers and even the lawn clovers. I didn't have my binoculars with me - but didn't need them! It was very easy to see and identify, and could be approached to within 12-18 inches at times. I could take photos with my phone.
A few minutes after the initial excitement, I wondered about the provenance of this species here. About half an hour after it was first seen I saw another , and sometimes they were both together. My first thought was that they have been released by someone in memoriam to a loved one (?).
I've read that there is a population in Spain and Portugal, and that this is, probably, the most common source of migrants to the UK, rather than trans-Atlantic migrants. But two together? Maybe there have been other recent records nationally?
I've seen the species before in a few countries including the El Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Mexico where there were millions!
Please Note
If you go to view or take photos, please be respectful of the location and take care where you walk. The monarchs were very easy to see, often coming close to the paths and settling on flowers. Many people, myself included, have brought flowers and cards for their fathers and other relatives (Father's Day is tomorrow). Some have laid sprays/sprigs of flowers upon the lawn where ashes are buried.
David Winnard said
Thu Apr 19 9:40 PM, 2012
Finally have found St Georges Mushrooms here today, only taken 9 years! No morels which is what i was hoping for but did see False Morel just out of county today.
Dave
David Winnard said
Fri Apr 13 7:06 PM, 2012
Hare's-foot Inkcap present on woodchip
Dave
David Winnard said
Sat Nov 19 9:02 PM, 2011
Hazel Catkins out!!! What a bizarre season!
Beech Milkcap was the only thing of note
Dave
David Winnard said
Tue Nov 15 5:38 PM, 2011
Still lots of fungi;
Wood Blewits Scaly Wood Mushroom Meadow Waxcap Bleeding Oak Crust
Dave
David Winnard said
Wed Nov 9 9:44 PM, 2011
For the time of year it was an incredibly productive day for fungi, highlights;
Garden of Remembrance
MONARCH (Danaus plexippus)
Visiting to take flowers for my father, I was amazed to see a monarch flying and often settling on the bedding plants, cut flowers and even the lawn clovers. I didn't have my binoculars with me - but didn't need them! It was very easy to see and identify, and could be approached to within 12-18 inches at times. I could take photos with my phone.
A few minutes after the initial excitement, I wondered about the provenance of this species here. About half an hour after it was first seen I saw another , and sometimes they were both together. My first thought was that they have been released by someone in memoriam to a loved one (?).
I've read that there is a population in Spain and Portugal, and that this is, probably, the most common source of migrants to the UK, rather than trans-Atlantic migrants. But two together? Maybe there have been other recent records nationally?
I've seen the species before in a few countries including the El Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Mexico where there were millions!
Please Note
If you go to view or take photos, please be respectful of the location and take care where you walk. The monarchs were very easy to see, often coming close to the paths and settling on flowers. Many people, myself included, have brought flowers and cards for their fathers and other relatives (Father's Day is tomorrow). Some have laid sprays/sprigs of flowers upon the lawn where ashes are buried.
Dave
Dave
Beech Milkcap was the only thing of note
Dave
Wood Blewits
Scaly Wood Mushroom
Meadow Waxcap
Bleeding Oak Crust
Dave
Dusky Puffball
Lilac Bonnet
Shaggy Parasol
Mealy Funnel
Blusher
Hazel Bracket
Peeling Oysterling
Common Stump Brittlestem
Dave
Beige Coral and Olive Earthtongue! (red data list and BAP species)
Butter Waxcap
Meadow Waxcap
Conifer Mazegill
Dave
Blistered Cup - first site record - on woodchip
Olive Earthtongue (rare)
Smoky Spindles
Russula farnipes
Dave
The Miller - new to this site which i have been watching over for 15 years
Fly Agaric
Meadow Waxcap
Hornbeam Milkcap
Sulphur Tuft
Conifer Mazegill
Dave