Ethan at 1 year

One week after his 1st birthday Ethan has improved a little and is back playing with his toys. It's lovely to see his cheeky grin again.

The Mere comes to life!

After being very quiet over the summer months the mere is at last coming back to life. The pink foots are back in large numbers, they disappear during the day to feed on the local farm land and return late afternoon to roost. I managed to find some Ruff - - - -

and Lapwing - - -

Mushrooms or poisonous fungi?

I resisted the urge to pick and cook these fungi which appear to be growing in abundance around the garden. Having looked them up I think they are both poisonous.

Poisonpie (Hebeloma crustuliniforme) - in season now.

Sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare) which is also in season at the moment.

How many wasps can fit into a decaying apple?

The Lavatera is still in flower and attracting the bees

Common darter

A few years ago I took (what I thought) was a lovely photo of a common darter so this year I thought I would try to better it!! I walked the length and breadth of Martin Mere but the only one I could see was this one under close guard and too far away for any attempt at a close up. Perhaps I will try again next year!

Ethan at 11 months of age

Poor Ethan hasn't been very well, he's teething, has a cold, cough, upset tummy and an itchy rash. As usual it's all blamed on a 'virus' so there is nothing he can take to help. We can cope during the day but I don't know how his Mum is still standing as he hasn't slept now for about 2 weeks so therefore neither has she!

Give him a bland diet they say so it has been chicken and rice and not much else but he's taken it with a smile bless him.

WWT Martin Mere History week continues

Weapons training is always popular with the children (and the Dads too if truth be known!).

According to my book this is a Speckled Wood butterfly but am will to be corrected!

and a Red Admiral

I turned to get a photo of this one but someone else got there before me!!

and some old favourites -

Ethan growing up

Going to the dentist soon so better get brushing!

Playing in the garden with Grandad

learning how to shout at football

We've read all those books, what's next?

WWT - around Martin Mere

The Peacock butterfly found in abundance near the canoe safari

History week and the Viking Village comes to life - the fire is being lit ready to make some soup. Mmmmmm yum yum!!

The herd of long horn cows take time out to watch the world go by

Common darter

a heron having 40 winks

Errrr - oh yes it was Southport air show!!

Ethan at 10 months

I'm a big boy now and I go to nursery school.

Guess what my new trick is!!

WWT - Martin Mere

The weather was not brilliant and it was a quiet day at MM so I had a chance to go out with my camera again. The wild flowers looked beautiful so for once I ignored the birds and admired the flowers instead.