My Journal
AVAILABLE SOON - WHISPERS ON THE WIND
AVAILABLE SOON - WHISPERS ON THE WIND


WHISPERS ON THE WIND - an inspirational journey through nature.

Questioning the direction of her life after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Lesley searches for answers within the natural world.

Initially available as an ebook.




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Short Bio

Born in Cornwall and author of Dark Cheshire, myths and legends, Lesley Howard's interest in folklore began during childhood in North Wales. Her long, varied career has included being a professional photographer, makeup-artist, vocational assessor, jewellery designer and holistic therapist.  Previously published in various specialist magazines, Lesley's articles have also appeared Evergreen and online for the Huffington Post. Experienced in the benefits of creative activities, she's often out photographing and getting to know the fascinating micro-worlds of nature.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Mystery damselfly

Mystery damselfly

Yesterday there were the remnants of two damselflies, still caught in webs spun across the prickles of a thistle bush. These sad outlines waving about in the breeze down by the canal.

All thoughts of them were brushed away, on spying an unusual coloured damselfly. Alive, she clung tightly to the seed head of a tall grass stem. Not sure of the true colour of her body, which appeared a yellow-green, as it may have been a reflection of the vegetation.

What really caught my eye, was the orange humeral stripe of her thorax, sandwiched between a more yellow shade of orange. I am only presuming this damselfly is an immature female - for they are most likely to significantly change colour as they reach adulthood.

Studying the photograph I took, the upper part of the eyes are as dark as the black stripes down her back and under abdomen. Searching the internet for hours her identity, for now, remains a mystery.

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Mid-summer is nearly here

Time passes so quickly. Six weeks since hubby's back from hospital - so other priorities. Already Mid-summer is only 5 days away! Then lovely warm daylight will start its shortening once more.

I've found this year strange. Perhaps its writing my countryside memoir. Having taken so long to complete the editing - seemingly a never ending journey - interspered with house moving, I can't believe it's so close to being finished.

Today, there's not a cloud in the sky. A wonderful walking day. Perhaps one which encourages outdoor writing. Garden plants have changed from spring bulbs, to the bright multicolours of lilies, scented roses, and poppies in yellows, reds, and purples.
A week or so ago, when down by the canal, I spied a striking specimen of Goose Foot (a form of long grass). Its purple tinged seeds splayed out, against the green background of weeping willows reflected in the waters between them.

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Nesting Time

I don't consider starlings to be the most attractive of birds, but their chatter is very pleasant to listen to first thing in the morning.

Only yesterday I asked Paul (husband) where he thought all the local starlings were nesting.
It crossed my mind there were no nests in the various trees around were we now live. His reply included not only trees, but hedges.

Then today, as though having heard this conversation, we looked up to see one adult taking a huge mouthful of vegetation up into the eves of a neighbouring roof.

I'm attempting to get a photo of one, illuminated in sunrays, but they are not willing models. This morning two were hunting for breakfast on the lawn. Typical it was cloudy at the time! Meanwhile I studied this pair, their brown speckled attire rather drab in the flat lighting. Darning-needle like yellow beaks delve into the semi-long grass. Heads poke back up, eyes alert to the surroundings, nothing to concern them, with only daffodils under a tree moving in the breeze.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Moth Ahoy!

Moth Ahoy!

Not bothered by the comings and goings of those living here, an early emerging beauty found this wooden door a perfect resting place.
After three days inside, away from storm 'Franklin', we decided it was now time for this gorgeous Angle Shades moth to return to the natural world. As an adult she feeds on the flowers of grasses, and I'm sure is in need of nourishment. Hedgerows are a favoured habitat, but also the brown leaves lying in plant pots nearby.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Late Winter Gales

The forcast of high winds and rain has been accurate. I thought (not unusually) the met office had got it wrong at first - but no as midday arrived so have the wild gusts. Not as bad as further south, but enough to keep us inside today.
I do miss my regular walks, but having tripped over a broken slab on the footpath last week, there's a bit of trepidation. Winter is not the ideal time to be out. Despite this I did venture to Broxton area a couple of days ago, and it was so lovely to breath in the fresh countryside air. Groups of snowdrops adorned the grass beneath hedgerows. Some not fully open yet, where slithers of sunshine caught their delicate blooms, they were out in all their glory.

Friday, February 18, 2022

Along the Millennium Greenway

Running along an old railway line from Mickle Trafford via Chester to Connah's Quay, is the Millennium Greenway; hard fought for by local residents. A fairly flat route, which people can walk or cycle along without having to worry about traffic.
Having recently moved, this route gives me easy access to green space. I've spied where certain birds tend to be found. They all have their favourite places, just like us. This is the time of year when many start to pair up. Although many of the Corvid family have already started breeding.
Male blackbirds have been about, as have the robins. Numerous pigeons, who seem to breed all year around - especially if it's a mild winter.
I also noticed briefly a great tit. No doubt establishing a territory for future nest building. His presence all too short; disappearing into the hedgerow as a cyclist wizzes past.

Monday, February 07, 2022

A Gusty Beginning To February

A Gusty Beginning To February

Howling, swirling leaves, the odd squawk of a crow - all on the first day of February. Blue skies greeted me on my short morning walk. All wrapped in a mock fur jacket, like newly born lamb the sheeps wool interior keeps me protected from these blustery elements.
I've pondered on visiting Burton Mere Wetlands, but the weather is so similar to that walk I previously shared on this site. I think best to wait until it's slightly warmer, and there's more wildlife to see and share.

Tuesday, February 01, 2022

A Late January Day

Even though today started off with an impressive blue sky, clouds soon obscured the slithers of sunshine forming over rooftops. As late morning arrived, so did the blustery winds. Gulls took advantage of gliding with thermal currents created. The sinister outline of a crow joined in the fun. Dried leaves, whipped into a swirl. A dog leapt up to grab one, but lost interest as it returned to the ground.

It's now early afternoon, the grass outside waves but with less vigour than before. Like arms, the uppermost branches of two trees outside posture up and down, while soft grey clouds make way once more for a turquoise background. A solitary daffodil stretches for a glimpse of the sun. No longer does it nestle in warm rays. The shadows are forming, for the winter sun remains low as continues its journey westward.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Gathering of the Crows

Gathering of the Crows

What a sight! Two trees, barren of leaves, but covered in crows. Hoards of them, black and shimmering in the hazy January sunshine. Circling around to the other side of the fields, I couldn't get a decent photo. The rays streamed down obliterating definition, coating every inch in a soft focus filter.
So returning to the original spot we managed to find a pull-in. Well, a gateway to some municipal block to be more accurate. It would only be for a minute or two, if I can negotiate the traffic on this main route via Broxton to Wrexham.
Some have decided not to be photographed, but enough remain to remind me of their gathering.

Thursday, January 13, 2022