Out of doors

The recent heavy rainfall has swollen many rivers and streams

The recent heavy rainfall has swollen many rivers and streams. The kingfisher has to feed but its normal fish prey are often too difficult to catch because of poor visibility. Some kingfishers move to the coast and you may see the distinctive flash of blue and orange in an estuary or even on a rocky shore where fishing may be easier .

. . INDOORS: in an undisturbed corner, you may find a butterfly which seems to be dead. But take care - it may just be hibernating. Small tortoisehells are the most frequent winter users of houses. Their metabolism slows down and they hide until the spring, when they can lay their eggs on emerging clumps of nettles.