my local patch and wildlife - Ian McDonald

[ian mcdonald]

I went for a walk by a pine wood the other day, sunny and mild for a change. At the edge of the track were a few plants of Heath Woodrush, in bud.



I found a single plant of Petty Whin in the ditch.



In the vegetation at the edge of the pines Chickweed Wintergreen was just coming into flower.



Blaeberries were flowering well.



A few Cowberries were also there.

[ian mcdonald]

After the recent rain I saw tracks along the road, which I think may be Pine Marten. There are scats on the road which the animal has left.



Several Green Tiger Beetles were on the road.



I heard a Cuckoo not far away but it still took some finding. Not the best photo.



Common Vetch was a colourful sight by the road side.



A small moss in the ditch is, I think, a species of Bryum?

[ian mcdonald]

This small sedge growing by the track is Pill Sedge.



Back to the river and more Mayflies were about.



A Common Sandpiper was having a bath.



There are often three Herons on the bank in different places. This one seemed to be drying its wings.



I think this is known as a Fish Supper in these parts.

[ian mcdonald]

A colourful gathering at the feeding station.



A Goldfinch at the nest.



Wood Avens is a bright flower in shade.



Tortoise Beetle.



One of the Stoneflies, possibly Large Two Spotted.

[ian mcdonald]

A trip to the local coast to share a picnic with my niece and family gave me a chance for a walk along the cliffs. At an old sandstone quarry I saw Small Blue butterflies They are said to be fairly common here at the coast.





I found a dead Gannet on a small beach.



Spring Squill was still flowering, just three plants seen.



On the cliff top were Chickweed Wintergreen, a flower of pine woods.

[ian mcdonald]

Also along the cliff top was Birds-foot Trefoil.



Kidney Vetch, the food plant of Small Blue, were in scattered patches.



Two small Northern Marsh Orchids were just in flower.



A Bullfinch landed in a bush at the side of where I was stood.



Birds-nest Orchid is in flower in shaded woodland, not a common plant in this area.

[ian mcdonald]

A selection of the wildlife I,ve seen recently.



Black throated Diver.



Argent and Sable.



Early Marsh Orchid.



Lesser Butterfly Orchid.



Sea Eagle.

[ian mcdonald]

Slender St. Johns-wort, H. pulchrum. I didn,t notice the small sedge at the time. It could be Flea Sedge.



Black Spleenwort.



Great Skua?



Bog Asphodel.



Twite.

[ian mcdonald]

Lesser Redpoll?



Bordered White?



Carex demissa?



Carex echinata.



Eel Grass?

[ian mcdonald]

With the shortage of rain lately the river is lower than normal for this time of year. Some of the rocks that are visible I have not seen before. Fishermen say that the salmon are not running as much due to the low water.

Some of the Summer flowering plants are in flower, such as Common Valerian.



Ragged Robin.



Dotted Loosestrife.

  and Melancholy Thistle.



A nest of Swallows look about ready to fly.