Watching wildlife in July

Before we talk about wildlife, take look at a field of poppy's, they hold many meanings for different people but the splendor of a field covered in bright red flowers is something to behold and if you venture out into the countryside right now you will be sure to find a field full of poppy's. Wild flowers in general are in full bloom in July, which means lots of wildlife activity. Pollinating bees are out in force and are in decline, so if you are able to offer them a home you might consider a beepole lodge and your own colony of bees. Butterflies are also plentiful and you could take a large net with you to a flower covered hedgerow or public field and see what you can catch, dragonflies are about too and you may see them in a field, but more likely by the side of water, again you can catch them with a net, but be sure not to touch them and when you have finished looking and recording the insect let it go from your net by turning the net upside down. If you are a bit worried about touching insects in your home, you might be interested in catcha bug. The middle day of July (15th) is St Swithun's day - if the sun shines on St Swithun's day then it will do so for a further 40 days, but if it rains that we get that for 40 days instead! lets hope for sunshine.

How to look for Dragon flies.

The Dragon fly is one of our longest insects, there are only about a dozen species in the UK and about eight of the smaller Damselflies. You can find Dragonflies close to any water course for May until September and you can see them during the day at anytime. The best weather conditions are a still warm and bright day. To identify the different types of Dragonfly you will need to do some research, either take an i pad with internet or a field guide. To see them close up you will need your binoculars and if you want to record them to identify later take your telephoto lens with your camera.

Where to find Dragonflies.

Dragonfly hotspots include Wicken Fen i Cambridgeshire, Thursley Common in Surrey and the New Forest in Hampshire, but there are also great sites in north of England and Scotland. They even have their own local species such as the Northern Emerald to attract the dragonfly twitchers. [caption id="attachment_2725" align="alignleft" width="150"] Use catcha bug to avoid touching insects in your home.