Week 19: Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)

Bluebells were @SpeciesofUK from 14th to 20th April 2013.

Bluebells are one of the truly British wildflowers. Almost half the global bluebell population is found in the UK. Yes, half![1]

Bluebells in the UK
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © Richard Parmiter]

Aside from the UK, bluebells are native to Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Portugal and Spain.[2]

Week 18: Pike (Esox Lucius)

The Pike was @SpeciesofUK from 7^th to 13^th April 2013.

There are seven species of pike and pickerel, which make up the genus 'Esox.' The UK’s pike, Esox lucius, ‘Northern Pike’ or just 'pike,' is the most widespread and well known of these.[1]

Northern pike, 'Esox Lucius'
[Source: Flickr Creative Commons © katdaned]

Pike are found in fresh (and occasionally brackish) water throughout the northern hemisphere, across America, Europe, and Russia.[2] It is a large freshwater predator renowned for its hard-fighting qualities.[3]