Susie

[Jack Harrison]

The memory is often better than a physical record. I use my own example.

Up the age of about ten, I used to catch, kill and pin butterflies. That was a perfectly acceptable hobby in the late 1940s. One morning, there was a perfect Red Admiral perched on a plant in the garden. I had my net in hand. It would have been so easy to catch it and add to my collection. But I hesitated; it somehow seemed wrong to take away a beautiful life. So I just enjoyed watching that Red Admiral. There was no physical record but in my mind even today, I can still see that butterfly, a memory I treasure far more than had it simply been caught and killed.

Jack

[Piers]

Are you ok Susie? the only reason that I ask is you don't look so good in your new avatar...

[Jack Harrison]

She's just had a birthday - she's allowed to look "mature"

Jack

[Susie]

Hats never did suit me

[Susie]

The Mighty Hulme did a thoroughly splendid job this evening speaking about Purple Emperors. The hall was packed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. I know I was transported to sunnier days and am really eager for the butterflying season to begin (even though I already was). Lots of new people will be out looking for his Majesty this coming summer. Well done, Neil.

[Susie]

http://www.sussexwt.org.uk/appeal2011/index.htm

Please watch the video in support of the Western Weald project.

Someone really should tell them to put blackthorn in their hedges though.

[Susie]

I took a couple of my daughters to the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey today. It's a fascinating place but the weather was a disappointment; very cold, grey and drizzly. I'll definitely go back, ideally in the summer.

There is also a heronry there. Watching herons flying in with very large twigs in their beaks is quite something as they build their nests. They look quite prehistoric.

I went for a walk over High Wood when I got back. There are lots more primroses flowering and under a hedge on the way up there was a big patch of violets in flower.

[Gibster]

I took a couple of my daughters to the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey today.

How large a gaggle do you have, lol?

[Susie]

Three. A small, medium and large mini-me.

[Susie]

The first of the frogspawn has appeared in my pond. Spring's here.

[Zonda]

Mine have been there for several days. So who is that on your avatar, it's not Bob Dylan,( who it should be), so who is it?

[Susie]

It's the actor, Ray Stevenson.

Why should it be Bob Dylan?

[Susie]

Found my first bumble bee of the year, a terristris, last Friday dying of cold. We brought her in for the night and revived her with a little honey water. She was successfully released on Sunday.

There was a frost last night and this morning the frog spawn was frozen. Hopefully the underneath of it will have survived.

I went to Wakehurst Place which, once the Daphne bholua is flowering, is reliable for red admirals. This is the third year running I have seen red admirals here in March. After Vince's sightings yesterday I didn't expect to be disappointed and wasn't. Within minutes of arriving by the flowers in question I was buzzed by a RA. I spent a pleasant morning walking around and looking at the flowers. There were plenty of bumble, honey bees and hover flies around.

It was a feisty little critter and didn't want to share it's spot. This year I want to take film of butterflies as well as photos, it just adds that little bit more character.

"http://www.facebook.com/v/10150156768391972"[/video]

This afternoon I decided to check out some woods closer to home which I haven't been too before. One is technically private woodland but judging by the amount of paths crisscrossing it people take no notice. It should be a cracking spot for bluebells in about six to eight weeks. Plus I've found a new pub. Can't wait to visit.

[Susie]

http://www.facebook.com/v/10150156771556972[/video]

More of the RA. Nothing much happens, but it's nice to see blue skies, pretty flowers and a butterfly. Shame about the texas chainsaw massacre going on in the background though.

Edit: Just noticed that privacy settings on the videos mean you can't see them. I'll change that shortly.

[Pete Eeles]

Superb videos Susie - really excellent quality!

Cheers,

- Pete

[Susie]

I'm hoping to get plenty more this summer. It will be great to actually share what I've seen rather than just post a picture of it. It'll be lovely to look back on over the winter months too and I might even learn something about behaviour. Considering that the video was taken on maximum zoom and then facebook has reduced the quality somewhat it has come out quite well. Made my arms ache after a while though holding the camera up so tis a bit wobbly.

[ChrisC]

glad to see your season has started susie. Looking forward to more of the same
Chris

[Susie]

I went for a walk this morning through some of the woodland I drove past yesterday. It is a lovely place and will be well worth another visit. I am rapidly gaining an alternative list of places to visit in the summer rather than the over-popular Marlpost Woods.

There were plenty of wild native daffodils.

This pic is from yesterday and I think the hazelnut has been knawed by a wood mouse. There are lots of tree stumps over high wood which have mounds of hazelnut shells around them which have been chewed in this way.

[Gibster]

"I don't like people"

You OK out there Susie? Is it coz the weatherman said it's gonna snow this weekend?

[Susie]

Snow? Really? Not here I hope.

I'm fine, thanks. I just like my woodland uncluttered by other folk.