Early May is the peak flight period for the Green Hairstreak butterfly (Callophrys rubi) and a good time to see male Adders (Vipera berus) 'dancing' as they fight over females. This week I spent a few days in Arran in the hope of photographing both.
Located on the very Northern tip of Arran, the village of Lochranza lies in a deep valley clustered around a muddy seaweeded estuary. Overlooking the bay is Lochranza castle, an L-plan towerhouse built mostly in the 16th century. I stayed at Lochranza Youth Hostel (SYHA) which has a very nice atmosphere, there is a small shop at the front desk from which you can buy some staple foods (pasta, rice, chocolate, tea etc) and the hostel is perfectly located for early morning walks along the coast to Catacol, Gleann Easan Biorach, Glen Chalmadale and Laggan.
Red deer (Cervus elaphus) roam freely around the village and are very accustomed to human presence. They often spend their evenings grazing amongst sheep on the golf course. It is possible to stand less than 2 metres away from some individuals although caution should be exercised when approaching the deer as they are completely wild (though they may not look it!) and are fairly large animals. This is especially important during the rutting season (mid September to mid October) when stags can get quite aggressive!
This stag has just shed his antlers:
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| Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stag |
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| Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stag |
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| Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stag |
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| Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) stag |
Everywhere brilliant yellow, glossy petalled Lesser Celandines (Ranunculus ficaria) sparkle in the sunshine. The whole plant is mildly toxic when fresh (contains protoanemonin), although it was once traditionally used as a treatment for haemorrhoids and scurvy (it is high in vitamin C).
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| Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria) |
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