https://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/ Weblog OpenACS 5.0 Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:04:00 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=20647960 https://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=20647960   A picture of two Black Tailed Skimmers taken close to the large pond on the lower field in July 2015 by Beryl. If you really want to know what they are doing read on.   Female Black Tails are often caught by a male in this way and are fastened together for up to 15 minutes. The male extracts all the existing sperm (if any) deposited by other males from the female before implanting his own.  The female will then go on to deposit her eggs in the pond.   Fascinating? ... Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:04:00 GMT https://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=11097057 https://e-voice.org.uk/agaa/weblog/one-entry?entry_id=11097057 Yesterday I saw a grass-snake on the edge of the meadow near the long grass by the wild pear tree in the far left hand corner. It was basking in the sun - which came out all too briefly. Unfortunately I did not have a camera with me. The following website has a good photo of one and some interesting facts and advice about wildlife in gardens - www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk In 2007 the grass-snake was included in the updated UK Biodiversity Action Plan as a species in need of conservation a... Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:44:28 GMT