Sunday 29 January 2012

First Butterfly of 2012

Taunton and Bridgwater Canal
28th January 2012

A beautiful sunny day in Taunton, almost Spring like, a walk along the canal into town, brought a few surprises. The canal has plenty of Moorhens and Mute Swans to see. But it is a pleasure to catch a glimpse of electric blue as a Kingfisher flies fast and low up river so it was great to see another one today. The sun brought out the first Bumble Bee's with three being seen. Though it was the first Butterfly of the year that made my day. a single Red Admiral seen flying around in the sun. A sign that Spring is not too far away now, already Daffodils are in flower along with Crocuses. Further along the canal at the weir the Little Egret was back looking for an easy meal. The first Black-headed Gull with it's Summer plumage of  chocolate brown head was noted somewhat early for January.

8 comments:

  1. Hi John, it's good to catch up with you again!

    It has been dull and dreary here all day and very cold too. I fear a cold snap now will interfere with a lot of things which were showing early due to the unseasonably mild Winter. I have read of a few bloggers still seeing Red Admirals in December. Last year was a bad one in my area for butterflies so I hope this year will be better.

    Best wishes for 2012.

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    1. Hi Shysongbird, it is lovely to hear from you again. It has been a while. I hope all is well with you. 2012 will be a better year for Butterflies, it has to be, after a few poor Summers. Best wishes for 2012 hope all goes well for you. John

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  2. Hi John, there was an interesting piece about the Taunton & Bridgewater canal on Countryfile the other day.
    Nice header of the Bewick's.

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    1. Hi Roy,

      Thank you. Hope you are well. Guess who missed Countryfile that Sunday...I was doing some voluntary work with the National Trust ans I was late home. I live just a short walk away, and Otters have been seen near here...but not by me sadly.

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  3. Already?? A great lift of the spirit!! Glad to see you out and about today, John. You've been on my mind!

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    1. Hi Karen

      Thank you. I have missed posting but January has been so busy, I am hoping in the next few weeks to slowly settle again and start then to get out more. I have been thinking of you as well. Are you enjoying your trip?

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  4. Yes, John, very much so! Today was just perfect - 85*F, slight breeze, hazy sunshine. I wish it was like this every day of the year!! Hope you are doing well. ~karen

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  5. Hi Karen,

    Sounds ideal and really fantastic. Send some over this way. I am doing ok thank you Karen. Hope all is well there with you.

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