Hair ice, also known as Frost Beard or Ice Wool, is very rare and only forms in very specific conditions, for many centuries its formation had been a complete mystery to science. However researchers found in 2015 that it is formed by a fungus, Exidiopsis effusa, it only forms between 45° and 55° North inContinue reading “Hair Ice”
Tag Archives: #Northwestnatureandhistory
Day Eight of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Bells ringing across The village echoing bring All to church to sing A B-H
The December Moth
The December Moth, Poecilocampa populi, (Poecilo is Ancient Greek for ‘varied’ or ‘spotted’, campa meaning ‘field’ and populi meaning ‘common’) is a very aptly named moth, being one of the few, if not the only moth flying in the cold depths of winter. Active when others are asleep It is a medium sized moth, withContinue reading “The December Moth”
Day Seven of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Late evening sun Paints the snow hues of rose pink On the wintry hill A B-H
Day Six of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
In an exposed field The Ash tree stands buffeted By blizzard and gale A B-H
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”
Day Five of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
Stone halls and lodges Fireplaces roaring sit snug In Bowland’s valleys A B-H
Day Four of a Northwestern Advent Calendar
December the fourth Brings the first snows of winter To Pendle’s summit A B-H
Northwest Nature and History 