The Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus, translating as ‘flame-coloured owl’, also known as the Strigid owl, is a medium-sized owl commonly found on the heaths and moors of the British isles. It is a day flying owl, a little bit bigger than a Barn owl, with longer wings and a blunter face, its plumage is aContinue reading “The Short-eared Owl”
Tag Archives: #Grousemoors
The Stoat’s Winter Coat
The Stoat, Mustela erminea, is a Mustelid, related to the Weasel and Otter, the first part of its scientific name; Mustela, relates to the species’ musty smell, and the second part; erminea, is the name given to a Stoat when it is wearing its winter coat. Handsome predator In winter the Stoat’s fur changes colourContinue reading “The Stoat’s Winter Coat”
The Abandoned Steam Crane in Jumbles Quarry
Stocks reservoir sits at the head of the Hodder valley in Lancashire and was constructed over the latter half of the 1920s, opening in July 1932, you can read about the history of the reservoir here; Sources of Stone For the construction of the dam and its many associated buildings, culverts, causeways, bridges etc nearbyContinue reading “The Abandoned Steam Crane in Jumbles Quarry”
Peatland Restoration in the Northwest of England
A brief look over Peatland Restoration efforts in the Northwest of England
The Tiny yet Tenacious Merlin
The Merlin, or pidgeon hawk, Falco Columbarius, falco meaning falcon and columbarius meaning dove, is one of the smallest birds of prey to be found in the British isles, similar in size to the Kestrel. It is also one of the fastest and most agile, flying very low to the ground at high speeds jinkingContinue reading “The Tiny yet Tenacious Merlin”
Golden Plover
The month of September marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Autumn, a season of change and movement, when our days noticeably cool and our nights become longer. For many creatures this transition from Summer to Winter triggers ancient instincts which compel them to find safety and shelter from the cold and inclementContinue reading “Golden Plover”
The Clumsy yet Crucial Cranefly
This article looks at the Cranefly, AKA Daddy Long-legs, both generic names for adult members of the Tilupidae family. Its larvae, the scourge of the gardener and lawn aficionado alike, are known as Leatherjackets. Craneflies are what are called ‘true flies’, meaning they only have a single pair of wings, and their family name TipulidaeContinue reading “The Clumsy yet Crucial Cranefly”
The ‘Glorious Twelfth’
Every year on the Twelfth of August, since around the mid 1800’s, on hills and moors all around the British isles, well-heeled men and women have taken to the hills with their shotguns, dogs and supporting entourage of loaders and picker-uppers to take part in the tradition known as the ‘Glorious Twelfth’. Contentious The sportContinue reading “The ‘Glorious Twelfth’”
Northwest Nature and History 