We may have had some frost this week, but nature still think it summer in places. Firstly we experienced the swarm of harlequin ladybirds, with the windows around the Gatehouse massing with the little creatures and you couldn't go out without at least one landing on you. I've also noticed that the lavender leading up to the shop is starting to flower, and Jonathon Philpott sent this image of a small copper butterfly on 25 Oct. The last ever record of this species is 4th November, so close to beating it!
I think we have to resign ourselves to the fact that the main fungi season is drawing to a close now. Of course there will be fungi about, but the popular fly agarics, parasols and larger species have been largely absent because of the exceptionally dry year.
So it looks as though this mild spell is coming to an end now. With cold northerly winds on the way, let's get out there and search for a freshly arrived waxwing. There are good numbers in the North East as I write, so its looking like a good year after several quiet ones for this colorful winter species.
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)