Wildlife at Foxton Locks

I went to Foxton Locks in South Leicestershire yesterday. I didn't plan it to be a wildlife spot but the cold but bright weather brought out all the wildlife. I didn't see anything new but I did get some cracking moments with some of the more familiar species.

So here is Foxton from an unfamiliar angle. The Grand Union Canal marches south here over the high ground towards the south of the county. In doing so it is lifted by ten locks. Its pretty enough to walk around the locks and watch the boat people twirling windlass' and pushing balance beams but we soon left the busy lock area behind and entered into the wonderful Leicestershire country side round about.

Being used to the north of the county, the excellent view offered from the top of inclined plane was wasted on me because I really didn't recognise anything that I was looking at. Maybe it will be more familiar when I pass through here on the Leicester Round. One thing that I did recognise was the wooded high ground of Billesdon Coplow on the northern horizon.

I spotted this nest of blackbird chicks in a hedge.

Two Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterflies were courting in the hedgerow. The male on the left was furiously beating his wings whilst the female (on the right) stood by and observed the spectacle.

Here is one of the Gatekeepers again but with his wings closed.

The Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) is always a joy to behold. This one was in a meadow just off the canal itself.

Circling overhead was this Buzzard (Buteo buteo) that no doubt has a nest somewhere in the woodland at Gumley. Here is a route map.

A walk to Gaddesby

As it happened I couldn't sleep last night, or get up early this morning to go on that long walk. I decided to go on another walk that was circular and that I could start half way through the day on. From Rearsby to Gaddesby and back, both in Leicestershire. Check the route.

http://www.mapmyhike.com/route/gb/rearsby/911124758528222385

I wanted to stretch my legs and have a wander down some paths that I have never been down before. The walk started out moving along the edges of arable fields filled with cabbages and broad beans. The second half moved down into the valley of Gaddesby Brook. Down here the land is less fertile and it is used to graze cattle, sheep and horses.

I did see some wildlife on the way. This Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) caught my eye as it slowly chewed at this style. Wasps like this chew soft wood and transport the pulp to their nest, which itself is made from a paper like substance. What this wasp is doing is sourcing the raw materials for its nest.


I also saw a few of these pretty Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus) butterflies. This really is butterfly season. I do like butterflies that are a more gentle looking, and less striking. If you were wondering why butterflies have eye spots then think about what kind of animals have a pair of eyes that look forward at you.