tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34405127256285966062024-03-05T15:56:02.037-08:00Scottish Wildlife BlogTheresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-87326071581999110962011-08-22T10:22:00.000-07:002012-04-21T16:36:54.212-07:00Kildonan, Isle of Arran<br />
On this visit to Kildonan I went rockpooling and focused primarily on photographing the denizens of the deep!<br />
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This blog entry is divided into shore sections, beginning in the wave-lapped rockpools of the lower shore and moving upwards past white-grained, inhospitable sand dunes until we reach the marshy coastal meadows at the foot of Kildonan's cliffs.<br />
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Kildonan is a <a href="http://www.theseashore.org.uk/theseashore/Ballantine.htm">very sheltered shore</a> which means it has a high diversity of seaweeds, a very narrow/non-existant band of <i>Verrucaria</i> (a tarry black lichen of the upper shore) and very few barnacles or limpets (these can't compete with high densities of algae for footholds on rock surfaces and are effectively smothered).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lower Shore:</b></span><br />
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Rockpools are scattered across the basaltic dykes: these are rich in marine invertebrates and trap many species of fish as the tide recedes (including Butterfish, Shannies, Tompot Blennies and Worm Pipefish).<br />
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Cuvie (<i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>) - a kelp - and the red seaweed (<i>Ptilota gunneri</i>) are found on the lowest part of this zone (scarcely exposed at low tide). Above these, there is a band of Toothed Wrack (<i>Fucus serratus</i>).
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemxGt9ckF8wtRltz5vRdHyuuXuTGwZVfFNwvQMz8_KOQ1pQ-zr8eYGI4g4XV54onh0Ry4LLT26sM7GIRPLDLQ-3rQXT4MEq7IZIKWrt2MnkWJ15DcdODO-oHtyO2E6oABRhShmxW7jjnn/s1600/Shanny+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis head" border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemxGt9ckF8wtRltz5vRdHyuuXuTGwZVfFNwvQMz8_KOQ1pQ-zr8eYGI4g4XV54onh0Ry4LLT26sM7GIRPLDLQ-3rQXT4MEq7IZIKWrt2MnkWJ15DcdODO-oHtyO2E6oABRhShmxW7jjnn/s400/Shanny+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5DAVBHsClakNMy90Cd4nPgHvSGjiYnLfbW_vl9-4SmN63B6kczEj3SziFlrNCA-vU9tbTJst-LGhyUA08SLN1nim0qxDn9-g8FLL1zkMoUk-lg-F0LvCEvenobz7ChQnU0JTloAciUYt/s1600/Shanny+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5DAVBHsClakNMy90Cd4nPgHvSGjiYnLfbW_vl9-4SmN63B6kczEj3SziFlrNCA-vU9tbTJst-LGhyUA08SLN1nim0qxDn9-g8FLL1zkMoUk-lg-F0LvCEvenobz7ChQnU0JTloAciUYt/s400/Shanny+B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCw_H_HsZouH6s_ufzR4RI4XpsP-3eIpKoQ9zfk6WTwc9W0QSq6hz8fKKaYvyHRnCqM3Iv8uZ1-dyFcgncwBzgUzEL95c7ZAdnddkQuO5yEVN83tipR_mHI48VDtThlEv9h7c7D7-7g3Z/s1600/Shanny+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCw_H_HsZouH6s_ufzR4RI4XpsP-3eIpKoQ9zfk6WTwc9W0QSq6hz8fKKaYvyHRnCqM3Iv8uZ1-dyFcgncwBzgUzEL95c7ZAdnddkQuO5yEVN83tipR_mHI48VDtThlEv9h7c7D7-7g3Z/s400/Shanny+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprRCLXJNs7BnEMUsuYWQ77own0ybPAb2z3FYhjTgMd7qQj1D8tgic46DY6p5w1kydhvLeQIzdHt5eQ9k5pfA8DcE11KoD9TjCWH2CANINqABh_BKaqcnwePpterQDNLzbihwW6quvTug4/s1600/Shanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprRCLXJNs7BnEMUsuYWQ77own0ybPAb2z3FYhjTgMd7qQj1D8tgic46DY6p5w1kydhvLeQIzdHt5eQ9k5pfA8DcE11KoD9TjCWH2CANINqABh_BKaqcnwePpterQDNLzbihwW6quvTug4/s400/Shanny.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhIfuZAAPcK-9Gu_4gp9WimJmB_Q78_ZvynOsUTYuk8GjmQfy6_sZ_ZepF5MZiEncoatsHy8mscWsuK2zyHLBaSYDBOx7VJVLhROCINeNJbyzTDTgCWFp68uioRfgmFy_nFKIiFHFPO3f/s1600/Shanny+B+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhIfuZAAPcK-9Gu_4gp9WimJmB_Q78_ZvynOsUTYuk8GjmQfy6_sZ_ZepF5MZiEncoatsHy8mscWsuK2zyHLBaSYDBOx7VJVLhROCINeNJbyzTDTgCWFp68uioRfgmFy_nFKIiFHFPO3f/s400/Shanny+B+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ54V87jF3AqzqqdkC4AO4zhxXJumZ7s-ZgSmG_8vOZ7tILa4p-aT8n4UGdS57LaV0h5SQ5tP_44OXr9PBLk7mp8b41S9NiYnU_Zn7C9Z8vVS_sUzptUdfn6kcwkdRJalN2c947bc6qJE/s1600/Shanny+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQ54V87jF3AqzqqdkC4AO4zhxXJumZ7s-ZgSmG_8vOZ7tILa4p-aT8n4UGdS57LaV0h5SQ5tP_44OXr9PBLk7mp8b41S9NiYnU_Zn7C9Z8vVS_sUzptUdfn6kcwkdRJalN2c947bc6qJE/s400/Shanny+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl5tg5bSVMROO56DjninJeB0wTVEHXAlo1WdkIf7vm98Qe8jqo_2o5xzHVO6AZewQphALiwui135BA5I0bPcH_QX2mPkh_1HFS2jyhkCCbpcgO1XiTjffsMxszfb3ht0ofN0Wp77xpZLp/s1600/Shanny+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Shanny Lipophrys pholis" border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJl5tg5bSVMROO56DjninJeB0wTVEHXAlo1WdkIf7vm98Qe8jqo_2o5xzHVO6AZewQphALiwui135BA5I0bPcH_QX2mPkh_1HFS2jyhkCCbpcgO1XiTjffsMxszfb3ht0ofN0Wp77xpZLp/s400/Shanny+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shanny (<i>Lipophrys pholis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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The Shanny or Common Blenny is distinguishable from all other UK blennies by the <u><b>absence of paired tentacles above the eyes</b></u>. Full-grown individuals can reach a length of 16cm, but the specimens I caught today were about half that.</div>
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The large pectoral fins have broad rays and act as webbed feet, allowing the Shanny to hop between oxygen-deficient rock pools and crawl into damp rock crevices at low tide.</div>
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During the breeding season (April-August) the male Shanny changes colour: darkening to a blackish-brown with whitish lips. After the female has laid her eggs, the male will guard the eggs for 2 months until they hatch.</div>
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Its scientific name means 'fatty-eyebrowed scaleless-fish' (<i>Lipo</i> = fatty + <i>ophrys</i> = eyebrow: Greek and <i>pholis</i> = scale: Greek for a type of slimy, scaleless fish?). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b19mwzXU8lhRWXE8teuLMB-jPFfKT81JGX7ZsVWJnCk-O_W-CE-wUSOq4_px2_AcYqwQ3QCHR6AWFqr4sDwGC6Vgjjnzvt1ejANY9h8_mRgPjOB5-H5XJBRgaWCZKpn3c_WuP4Z7824e/s1600/Cuvie+%2528Laminaria+hyperborea%2529+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cuvie Laminaria hyperborea kelp" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b19mwzXU8lhRWXE8teuLMB-jPFfKT81JGX7ZsVWJnCk-O_W-CE-wUSOq4_px2_AcYqwQ3QCHR6AWFqr4sDwGC6Vgjjnzvt1ejANY9h8_mRgPjOB5-H5XJBRgaWCZKpn3c_WuP4Z7824e/s400/Cuvie+%2528Laminaria+hyperborea%2529+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cuvie (<i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>) showing signs of grazing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrlv2XJnOZGNPv4o_-KryEjlrccg_XkC8lOfSRn5MlNO6brwW52K3HZk-_XPpWnBVy5_iiMMqDFktB4WL2-aQ0rGrnEUXvGxh-Be-n1iZh73uwonKp7xFbFv63MTSuh1G0OpRizuPo1Dn/s1600/Cuvie+%2528Laminaria+hyperborea%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cuvie Laminaria hyperborea kelp" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrlv2XJnOZGNPv4o_-KryEjlrccg_XkC8lOfSRn5MlNO6brwW52K3HZk-_XPpWnBVy5_iiMMqDFktB4WL2-aQ0rGrnEUXvGxh-Be-n1iZh73uwonKp7xFbFv63MTSuh1G0OpRizuPo1Dn/s400/Cuvie+%2528Laminaria+hyperborea%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cuvie (<i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Kelps are the 'trees of the ocean' and form dense 'underwater rainforests' or kelp beds to a depth of 30 metres: forming an extremely species-rich habitat. </div>
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Cuvie (<i>Laminaria hyperborea</i>) is one of the larger British kelps, growing to 3.5 metres in length and with a lifespan of around 20 years. </div>
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It is easily confused with its smaller relative Oarweed (<i>Laminaria digitata</i>), but Cuvie can be recognized by its easily snapped and rough-textured stipe (stem) unlike Oarweed (whose stipe is tough and slippery smooth). This allows colonization by epiphytes such as red seaweeds (Rhodophyta).</div>
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The visible kelp plant is actually one of two reproductive stages: the (diploid) sporophyte stage. The other stage, the microscopic (haploid) gametophyte, is either male or female. </div>
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Sperm from male gametophytes fertilizes eggs produced by female gametophytes and the resulting zygotes develop into kelp plants (sporophytes) which mature and release zoospores (which grow into 'invisible' male and female gametophytes).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J_Zw0eHIAI0auVhWtI_fJw_sL2D_vwGgTEEYKhZw6z0F-25a_tKWqRe4ODCXwYJnf3mB87nzaSbTQ_CjLeLFG8ttiUQ3ssoLuwneIi2E2lYjmIeMvF77XDKVTIK70He2DOVJ5KMGEZQD/s1600/red+algae+%2528Ptilota+gunneri%2529+with+mat-forming+bryozoans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ptilota gunneri bryozoan" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J_Zw0eHIAI0auVhWtI_fJw_sL2D_vwGgTEEYKhZw6z0F-25a_tKWqRe4ODCXwYJnf3mB87nzaSbTQ_CjLeLFG8ttiUQ3ssoLuwneIi2E2lYjmIeMvF77XDKVTIK70He2DOVJ5KMGEZQD/s400/red+algae+%2528Ptilota+gunneri%2529+with+mat-forming+bryozoans.jpg" width="329" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ptilota gunneri</i> with bryozoans (grey)</span></td></tr>
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<i>Ptilota gunneri</i> is a stunning seaweed with blood-red, fern-like fronds and is an epiphyte on the stipes of Cuvie. See the greyish covering on the fronds? Those are mat-forming bryozoans.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZADES0DAOf0bc5-CDP1d4DjFjKIrSCszlKRmfdnpG7Oh-S1P0KUjTcSx9OO9l87ezB1RmRqhmw66eDfJsmDGC_VJ2sc_bEFTvZ3NW5xCwVc85aVoI6M8YJ85SCp6HcXc13hUCAejG0ux/s1600/red+algae+%2528Ptilota+gunneri%2529+with+mat-forming+bryozoans+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ptilota gunneri bryozoan" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZADES0DAOf0bc5-CDP1d4DjFjKIrSCszlKRmfdnpG7Oh-S1P0KUjTcSx9OO9l87ezB1RmRqhmw66eDfJsmDGC_VJ2sc_bEFTvZ3NW5xCwVc85aVoI6M8YJ85SCp6HcXc13hUCAejG0ux/s400/red+algae+%2528Ptilota+gunneri%2529+with+mat-forming+bryozoans+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bryozoans on <i>Ptilota gunneri</i></span></td></tr>
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Bryozoans or 'moss animals' (<i>bryo</i> = moss + <i>zoon</i> = animal: Greek) are sessile filter-feeding invertebrates of the Phylum Bryozoa. Most bryozoans form colonies composed of interdependent, genetically identical individuals called zooids (which are specialized for various functions such as feeding and defence).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6ojc-IsGbyUzD2705y8HJYa6VPO3XIrM9nNgSN0BgVgAV49dVhxnogR9kVnyZEhf9Gd1UJqk8mNBHuxOb4mWrQlthZfGtohFBF3CXim0m2RkM0i9eXv9ojs5njVeDW029Xi0oDPBaHmO/s1600/Worm+Pipefish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis head" border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6ojc-IsGbyUzD2705y8HJYa6VPO3XIrM9nNgSN0BgVgAV49dVhxnogR9kVnyZEhf9Gd1UJqk8mNBHuxOb4mWrQlthZfGtohFBF3CXim0m2RkM0i9eXv9ojs5njVeDW029Xi0oDPBaHmO/s400/Worm+Pipefish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRczOeog9ZYNtXb7l_A26Z5AffwWe7siLRZ9T-BaKmhafEfIajoeKt5944gl-NFnP7Ng-5cdi2zkrvhNwCkLvmHSHlibUKgVAXJR5lm61qrHW907nqg-jae7r9u5CEaj8WrHBYNuo66Fh/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+2+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRczOeog9ZYNtXb7l_A26Z5AffwWe7siLRZ9T-BaKmhafEfIajoeKt5944gl-NFnP7Ng-5cdi2zkrvhNwCkLvmHSHlibUKgVAXJR5lm61qrHW907nqg-jae7r9u5CEaj8WrHBYNuo66Fh/s400/Worm+Pipefish+2+CROP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dbgU3b118mBdUn-Fhro6sXI-xaR5l6dl4Moi1tweWSUnBW19raPR7Qr7RzK_xJY6t5gti-8kw7wCpSbptP92XCIykxJVntX__pcfbMKZu0o9vYjG43tSI1vMjG2e1TYGIqEQkuH-FZIG/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dbgU3b118mBdUn-Fhro6sXI-xaR5l6dl4Moi1tweWSUnBW19raPR7Qr7RzK_xJY6t5gti-8kw7wCpSbptP92XCIykxJVntX__pcfbMKZu0o9vYjG43tSI1vMjG2e1TYGIqEQkuH-FZIG/s400/Worm+Pipefish+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdeIYkTR9sj2Of6I60GcWwttis2NqdR-XR_D-lH_sNnbGJ1HxrF_uCzb2BMJmM2t9hyphenhyphenUoIU8WgNDuUtdI1DqZ0Xoo-VBBdrwn38sKB1TVYFYh1WC4_Cz0SlzaGFL-0az4-KGWkfWjjR-3/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdeIYkTR9sj2Of6I60GcWwttis2NqdR-XR_D-lH_sNnbGJ1HxrF_uCzb2BMJmM2t9hyphenhyphenUoIU8WgNDuUtdI1DqZ0Xoo-VBBdrwn38sKB1TVYFYh1WC4_Cz0SlzaGFL-0az4-KGWkfWjjR-3/s400/Worm+Pipefish+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rSkuDh_-MBQoIMnkgeT1uFcY-k9BHPAxpvLyp7OmCsw1J6dbaowYdZdK4iGr6_gkxcb7jvpDzcpcYzAfitwulLxOh9EdbEetUWXYzWfFPrj-z8on5EfbJASdLVZwxwWbAKQuEb5SIcwK/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rSkuDh_-MBQoIMnkgeT1uFcY-k9BHPAxpvLyp7OmCsw1J6dbaowYdZdK4iGr6_gkxcb7jvpDzcpcYzAfitwulLxOh9EdbEetUWXYzWfFPrj-z8on5EfbJASdLVZwxwWbAKQuEb5SIcwK/s400/Worm+Pipefish+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkykuLtD2gjk9Gu8RYgOlTvyNjfYB1Zm-GBN3Ohh6lVVH2W6dlWxVSZMwMeHcgpPrSkjikQ-oD-9VxZTTtlvIXNDa2_UnzUuPjIaxdtpTE4twKMA22N_yLhhGiRyOnBoU_RMYCFWjdJYq/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkykuLtD2gjk9Gu8RYgOlTvyNjfYB1Zm-GBN3Ohh6lVVH2W6dlWxVSZMwMeHcgpPrSkjikQ-oD-9VxZTTtlvIXNDa2_UnzUuPjIaxdtpTE4twKMA22N_yLhhGiRyOnBoU_RMYCFWjdJYq/s400/Worm+Pipefish+fin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>) dorsal fin</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHfyk3_1o_-1BNmr2JqjVbfGtUgdv2G-9mxOCdjnCG1ow6-BE4OfWAocGwttoRRcMNE1OLq5aMhQWc5OF9esn-OWiB2-tQZnOu42ZsmZKa9J3GHob9pvnGqu2MvZ7TIRXvqIz-A9dimd/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaHfyk3_1o_-1BNmr2JqjVbfGtUgdv2G-9mxOCdjnCG1ow6-BE4OfWAocGwttoRRcMNE1OLq5aMhQWc5OF9esn-OWiB2-tQZnOu42ZsmZKa9J3GHob9pvnGqu2MvZ7TIRXvqIz-A9dimd/s400/Worm+Pipefish+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYO3J2qF7lZD68qariguVrbYnomSpz9puzl8xysxviCglHobDxENFNS7lOejabGNJIE7hWEIDNf0J0zazs4UFo0Fe3P7Pvu3U_v8ZSMzeSbhKmRJc5LfN4A06WWQU1EarzFO8v5BhZE0h/s1600/Worm+Pipefish+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worm Pipefish Nerophis lumbriciformis" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYO3J2qF7lZD68qariguVrbYnomSpz9puzl8xysxviCglHobDxENFNS7lOejabGNJIE7hWEIDNf0J0zazs4UFo0Fe3P7Pvu3U_v8ZSMzeSbhKmRJc5LfN4A06WWQU1EarzFO8v5BhZE0h/s400/Worm+Pipefish+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Unlike the fiesty Shanny (which wriggles and nips when handled), the Worm Pipefish (<i>Nerophis lumbriciformis</i>) is a gentle, peaceable fish which slithers under rock ledges if disturbed and goes limp if caught. It's a master of camouflage, looking exactly like a strand of Thongweed or Bootlace Weed.</div>
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This is the smallest species of pipefish in the UK, reaching a maximum length of 15-17cm (again, my specimens were about half this). It can be easily identified by its short upturned snout, brown colouration and absence of all but the dorsal fin.</div>
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This fish is polygynandric: both sexes mate with more than one partner but females mate with more partners than males (males brood one female's eggs at a time and can only remate once that brood has hatched).<br />
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Like other members of the seahorse family, the female deposits her eggs on the ventral surface of the male who takes sole responsibility for their care until hatching.<br />
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The scientific name of the Worm Pipefish means 'worm-shaped wet-serpent' (<i>Neros</i> = wet + <i>ophis</i> = serpent: Greek,<i> lumbrici</i> = worm, from lumbricus + <i>formis</i> = shaped: Latin). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lNQfM3tkqN2VI2rFDY65f2MBhdvRJY58ajEDPdOOpvlNs7pPNyY2uRhhPFouj5g5WkQ4w0MwPBXQ-mdVuDbirPGUTkW5vYNJnhobDqmlKgigIdh7z9KIIKKB-VvGnHO-7L805lJ-zJDO/s1600/green+seaweed+%2528Ulva+sp.+possibly+intestinalis%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gutweed Ulva" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lNQfM3tkqN2VI2rFDY65f2MBhdvRJY58ajEDPdOOpvlNs7pPNyY2uRhhPFouj5g5WkQ4w0MwPBXQ-mdVuDbirPGUTkW5vYNJnhobDqmlKgigIdh7z9KIIKKB-VvGnHO-7L805lJ-zJDO/s400/green+seaweed+%2528Ulva+sp.+possibly+intestinalis%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gutweed (<i>Ulva intestinalis</i>?)</span></td></tr>
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Seaweeds of the genus <i>Ulva</i> vary greatly in form and are very difficult to identify. Those with tubular inflated fronds (gutweeds) were previously grouped in a seperate genus - <i>Enteromorpha</i> (literally, 'gut-shaped' in Greek). Species with flat, sheet-shaped fronds are known as 'sea lettuces'.</div>
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Enteromorphic <i>Ulva</i> seaweeds are found on all levels of the shore and can become abundant in areas with brackish water.</div>
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<i>Ulva</i> species are edible and can be rinsed and eaten raw in salads, cooked into soups or stir fried. In Japan, these seaweeds are known as 'green nori' or 'aonori' and are sold as dried sheets.</div>
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<b>Sea Lettuce and Gutweed Recipes:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.pacificharvest.co.nz/wawcs0135714/recipes_&_cooking_tips.html">A collection of good sea lettuce recipes</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/blog/06/2011/seashore-foraging-with-john-wright/">Toasted gutweed with sesame seeds</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/oyster-risotto-with-deep-fried-gutweed/">Oyster risotto with deep-fried gutweed</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpHidsi-joKjKDf3BA5AoTrjw79B5HEKXNqWqpyzFtKcBvMIgPHf03FGCz8bZoFTgeo_woaV9cwWRo8SsiV2480b3STJ2sYiR2-BhWLkwz6TC08uxrfa4QuTbW39Dg762HIKHLkW5QvZJ/s1600/Toothed+Wrack+%2528Fucus+serratus%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Toothed Wrack Fucus serratus" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpHidsi-joKjKDf3BA5AoTrjw79B5HEKXNqWqpyzFtKcBvMIgPHf03FGCz8bZoFTgeo_woaV9cwWRo8SsiV2480b3STJ2sYiR2-BhWLkwz6TC08uxrfa4QuTbW39Dg762HIKHLkW5QvZJ/s400/Toothed+Wrack+%2528Fucus+serratus%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toothed Wrack (<i>Fucus serratus</i>) ripe male with Common Flat Periwinkles (<i>Littorina obtusata</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Toothed Wrack (<i>Fucus serratus</i>) is very intolerant of desiccation and occupies a zone above kelp species but lower on the shore than other fucoids. </div>
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It is the only wrack with <u>serrated edges</u> to its fronds which have <u>prominent midribs</u> and <u>no air bladders</u>.</div>
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<b>The Lifecycle of Fucoid Seaweeds:</b></div>
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Gamete (egg and sperm) production occurs in conceptacles, which are located in the (sometimes swollen) frond tips (known as receptacles). Instead of having a separate gametophyte stage like kelps, meiosis takes place within the conceptacles, before gametes are formed.</div>
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Fucoids can be hermaphrodites (monoecious) or, like Toothed Wrack, have separate male and female plants (dioecious). In this species, ripe male plants (pictured above) have an orange hue. </div>
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The eggs of many fucoids produce a species-specific chemoattractant to attract sperm (Toothed Wrack produces fucoserratin). Fertilized (diploid) zygotes develops into a new plants (sporophytes).</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Middle Shore:</b></span></div>
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Here there is a zone of Bladder Wrack and Knotted Wrack (both moderately tolerant of desiccation).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-D-LZo0ANwFOIi51RrLoaufNL2i4pxewe2PUT9Z5t1BC83u5VYMfUakDoXw_8j1ZK8dRJsaMrL9M-vzr7tcZN2vViDbM5z8kBzjrwEBtFZJPKEEwkBRePWBtwWjyawckaHeAHAmxqTPc/s1600/Knotted+Wrack+%2528Ascophyllum+nodosum%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Knotted WrackAscophyllum nodosum Polysiphonia lanosa" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-D-LZo0ANwFOIi51RrLoaufNL2i4pxewe2PUT9Z5t1BC83u5VYMfUakDoXw_8j1ZK8dRJsaMrL9M-vzr7tcZN2vViDbM5z8kBzjrwEBtFZJPKEEwkBRePWBtwWjyawckaHeAHAmxqTPc/s400/Knotted+Wrack+%2528Ascophyllum+nodosum%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knotted Wrack (<i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i>) with <i>Polysiphonia lanosa</i> (bottom left)</span></td></tr>
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Knotted Wrack (<i>Ascophyllum nodosum</i>) has long strap-like fronds <u>without midribs</u> along which are arranged large, <u>unpaired ovoid air bladders</u>. </div>
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This is a slow-growing and long lived fucoid (up to 15 years) and has the ability to shed its outer epidermal layer (presumably to get rid of epiphytes).</div>
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Knotted Wrack is the preferred host for the red seaweed <i>Polysiphonia lanosa</i>, an obligate epiphyte which is thought to be partially parasitic, leeching nutrients through its hyphae.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lzu_wzRg0Ubgnkld51_7GCg9qeEjAJz4uz4ghBCG-P38ROCq-BraxC0I69jLhVlO2ddeIOpgXzzm87AdKdDNrXCu3_QBm2sQPk7xBzKNYFOnewNnwPpdHab1vMY1v9Fz18fpck4PLNdE/s1600/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bladder Wrack Fucus vesiculosus" border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lzu_wzRg0Ubgnkld51_7GCg9qeEjAJz4uz4ghBCG-P38ROCq-BraxC0I69jLhVlO2ddeIOpgXzzm87AdKdDNrXCu3_QBm2sQPk7xBzKNYFOnewNnwPpdHab1vMY1v9Fz18fpck4PLNdE/s400/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bladder Wrack (<i>Fucus vesiculosus</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq5mday0jC1NZx2eXrMJcRIUS04vHA0zA5YsUujcoSfuwuWBKp2ME6Zt5KRojR1Raa15JDy0DFY9XZxi6xVe5uFYGRjqjVcENuIS1SWsr_w9NPUmSFoJcudNv3ctf-gM2szjenrWjhJv4/s1600/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bladder Wrack Fucus vesiculosus" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMq5mday0jC1NZx2eXrMJcRIUS04vHA0zA5YsUujcoSfuwuWBKp2ME6Zt5KRojR1Raa15JDy0DFY9XZxi6xVe5uFYGRjqjVcENuIS1SWsr_w9NPUmSFoJcudNv3ctf-gM2szjenrWjhJv4/s400/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+5.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bladder Wrack (<i>Fucus vesiculosus</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTkYSMdDsMNbTacvLqiY2c8UQNtJv9xVhJWfT8Rr241gzmQxQwCynFHb4d47VpQPNKoneZ4eLuWrzjdLRtyf1j7HnUONGAfTUJNocnYTv3aHCadOTHHyW3H6vVw7JS_Z1oS-ZwY6jdnXd/s1600/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bladder Wrack Fucus vesiculosus" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTkYSMdDsMNbTacvLqiY2c8UQNtJv9xVhJWfT8Rr241gzmQxQwCynFHb4d47VpQPNKoneZ4eLuWrzjdLRtyf1j7HnUONGAfTUJNocnYTv3aHCadOTHHyW3H6vVw7JS_Z1oS-ZwY6jdnXd/s400/Bladder+Wrack+%2528Fucus+vesiculosus%2529+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bladder Wrack (<i>Fucus vesiculosus</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Bladder Wrack (<i>Fucus vesiculosus</i>) can be identified by its <u>paired air bladders</u> and its smooth, flat dichotomously branched fronds with <u>prominent midribs</u>. </div>
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During the reproductive period the frond tips (receptacles) become puffy and swollen.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf4exr4G86A3yhQZK9T56J3cAEOhhyphenhyphenKXbVJYTJ53KAIFbUwLbOJxL0wLlVdLY-9XPh4-JOZ5afOcpN_fR8Vl9VtE-5dUIjE0clBnu7KR4Q12b6wJcfhhLhx_ocDWDqm3w-DvpudQ1SZb2/s1600/Flat+Periwinkle+%2528Littorina+obtusata%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Common Flat Periwinkle Littorina obtusata" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzf4exr4G86A3yhQZK9T56J3cAEOhhyphenhyphenKXbVJYTJ53KAIFbUwLbOJxL0wLlVdLY-9XPh4-JOZ5afOcpN_fR8Vl9VtE-5dUIjE0clBnu7KR4Q12b6wJcfhhLhx_ocDWDqm3w-DvpudQ1SZb2/s400/Flat+Periwinkle+%2528Littorina+obtusata%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Flat Periwinkle (<i>Littorina obtusata</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Colourful little Common Flat Periwinkles (<i>Littorina obtusata</i>) were sprinkled over the fucoid fronds in gorgeous shades of lemon, tangerine, deep orange and olive green. </div>
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They can be instantly recognized by their bright colouration, their 'sanded smoothness' and by the <u>'tear-drop' shape formed by the shell aperture and anal sinus</u>.</div>
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They graze mainly on Toothed, Knotted and Bladder Wracks.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-TW8DLTPoZvCd2ZVg19TYFcaFmcBTA9Krw3t-EpdgbKfskJ0u4o-IK8R7Whshxpn0xTYY2_A235ERDyk_SmRnWRFIEqEoJVghMOVBmRzGAIJ2-6M51Bgbrn0lHNCD_M0Nt9gxkoNxXL2/s1600/Snakelocks+Anemone+brown+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snakelocks Anemone Anemonia viridis brown" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-TW8DLTPoZvCd2ZVg19TYFcaFmcBTA9Krw3t-EpdgbKfskJ0u4o-IK8R7Whshxpn0xTYY2_A235ERDyk_SmRnWRFIEqEoJVghMOVBmRzGAIJ2-6M51Bgbrn0lHNCD_M0Nt9gxkoNxXL2/s400/Snakelocks+Anemone+brown+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snakelocks Anemone (<i>Anemonia viridis</i>) brown colour morph</span></td></tr>
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Confined to the western coasts of Britain, the Snakelocks Anemone (<i>Anemonia viridis</i>) occurs in two colour forms: one has vivid green tentacles with pink tips and the other (pictured here) is a dull khaki brown.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> Upper Shore:</b></span></div>
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Spiral Wrack forms a zone below Channeled Wrack on the high shore where there are big temperature fluctuations, few nutrients and only the most desiccation-resistant fucoids can survive.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yd_82zNpN5fYI0YJWh30hVjV7CNY0-Sx5LmbI9FODkqovLu6dQdG2aPm5nR3dajiOmAOxBfI_QudoWWAClDd-84ps_q7P39yZEnrpn-0T6fs5kjJ9ROUaAA74mPYDxGj-WiU0bqu9ALg/s1600/Channelled+Wrack+%2528Pelvetia+canaliculata%2529+above%252C+Spiral+Wrack+%2528Fucus+spiralis%2529+below.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Channeled Wrack Pelvetia canaliculata Spiral Wrack Fucus spiralis receptacles channelled" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yd_82zNpN5fYI0YJWh30hVjV7CNY0-Sx5LmbI9FODkqovLu6dQdG2aPm5nR3dajiOmAOxBfI_QudoWWAClDd-84ps_q7P39yZEnrpn-0T6fs5kjJ9ROUaAA74mPYDxGj-WiU0bqu9ALg/s400/Channelled+Wrack+%2528Pelvetia+canaliculata%2529+above%252C+Spiral+Wrack+%2528Fucus+spiralis%2529+below.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Channeled Wrack (<i>Pelvetia canaliculata</i>) above, Spiral Wrack (<i>Fucus spiralis</i>) below</span></td></tr>
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Spiral Wrack (<i>Fucus spiralis</i>) <u><b>lacks air bladders</b></u> and has <u><b>smooth-edged fronds</b></u> which are <u><b>twisted</b></u> and have prominent midribs. </div>
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The hugely swollen reproductive receptacles (tips of the fronds) have a warty texture and have a slight keel (sterile edge of frond). </div>
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Unlike other <i>Fucus</i>, this species is hermaphroditic.</div>
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Channeled Wrack (<i>Pelvetia canaliculata</i>) is the most desiccation-resistant British fucoid, capable of surviving 8 days out of water and able to lose 90% of its water content. Its <u><b>smooth-edged fronds</b></u> have <u><b>no air bladders or midribs</b></u> and are folded longitudinally to form moisture-retentive <u><b>channels</b></u>. </div>
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During the reproductive phase, the 2-pronged receptacles become swollen and turn ochreous yellow.</div>
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This species is hermaphroditic - an adaptation to a short immersion period (limited reproductive opportunities).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis99NTMnjdGQcECdDF6BWaH3UhTSgt6RUSoQfvXj2FuAblmUJ3-HP5uMRL2vXHQ7-p7-IJVtrafN2qEg5OYJOQjP9YufxFCS0C5gUr3VbNNtd_cQawLSXsmtOi1IECB3VCsXsrbz1hO2iO/s1600/Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis99NTMnjdGQcECdDF6BWaH3UhTSgt6RUSoQfvXj2FuAblmUJ3-HP5uMRL2vXHQ7-p7-IJVtrafN2qEg5OYJOQjP9YufxFCS0C5gUr3VbNNtd_cQawLSXsmtOi1IECB3VCsXsrbz1hO2iO/s400/Rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rocks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sand Dunes:</b></span></div>
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A mini-desert: few vascular plants and lichens can withstand this dry, unstable and nutrient-poor environment.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU_cjpyO_jAtnyouaJ8FtWbhST_Za01aZ574kc9_PcvpVTuLtTE5jcVgjWjP9a_vlTnqHJQ8T4giHGzisBxoshL8bEbpgvoAxC4hC4uS0xq_xcOjWtFBgGdw2ndhOES5PdsNM07uG0Eqt/s1600/Kildonan+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU_cjpyO_jAtnyouaJ8FtWbhST_Za01aZ574kc9_PcvpVTuLtTE5jcVgjWjP9a_vlTnqHJQ8T4giHGzisBxoshL8bEbpgvoAxC4hC4uS0xq_xcOjWtFBgGdw2ndhOES5PdsNM07uG0Eqt/s400/Kildonan+Beach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yellow Flag (<i>Iris pseudacorus</i>) in dunes</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVNGbItOwNrL6ZKrCHBcOVRjCV3aMjN4KG-fm_VHzJRpl4vUHR0xV5Q26XFcUfF6vzT8-zXlVV7GVjSCvkLHgXV4SM6VrlQDCWgAMBwUc5CwHH831eOwVK5lLtaXcapRvwwEIjgsjdxMJ/s1600/Bird+footprints+in+sand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVNGbItOwNrL6ZKrCHBcOVRjCV3aMjN4KG-fm_VHzJRpl4vUHR0xV5Q26XFcUfF6vzT8-zXlVV7GVjSCvkLHgXV4SM6VrlQDCWgAMBwUc5CwHH831eOwVK5lLtaXcapRvwwEIjgsjdxMJ/s400/Bird+footprints+in+sand+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bird footprints in sand (probably Hooded Crow's)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4MREkSn_fhaUMAB76PiANAPe6J1910Bgr9XPaMnibwLABJAApKPDgyit38Wv9hU3f_bYtG_P4mnHXAxjqCVYkisLtJ_EKayw4pJ-MwjC-vhUhoJ0E5auE8flqUUAYcjRJzMysoVzhw22/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4MREkSn_fhaUMAB76PiANAPe6J1910Bgr9XPaMnibwLABJAApKPDgyit38Wv9hU3f_bYtG_P4mnHXAxjqCVYkisLtJ_EKayw4pJ-MwjC-vhUhoJ0E5auE8flqUUAYcjRJzMysoVzhw22/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oxeye Daisies (<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i>) with cliffs of raised shore behind</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsPMGa02HFxVS6vBvaLMj1Wma9f7IwdhC72YMWMM4EVw6AXiCk3zwjhxCnijrJcOwTBWFmHd4lMlO0bny8LQkXpGYlw-ws-aerzX1XyYSjqdhqtjay4sfcq8WkPH8Ux3YkZZg2ghEGP2f/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsPMGa02HFxVS6vBvaLMj1Wma9f7IwdhC72YMWMM4EVw6AXiCk3zwjhxCnijrJcOwTBWFmHd4lMlO0bny8LQkXpGYlw-ws-aerzX1XyYSjqdhqtjay4sfcq8WkPH8Ux3YkZZg2ghEGP2f/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oxeye Daisy (<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtderopOvFD23NUf2bTPk2T5KIddOp0Pk3QuPBBJVkhFdGp_V7xZJ-KuBiQz67xkRtohpELiBzQ-D0GmD4lAZGuVG_-lBs0W_efD8R8cxPT9_UcJwr12p4ktjRtf6rxLn153DPbeoeaxti/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare" border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtderopOvFD23NUf2bTPk2T5KIddOp0Pk3QuPBBJVkhFdGp_V7xZJ-KuBiQz67xkRtohpELiBzQ-D0GmD4lAZGuVG_-lBs0W_efD8R8cxPT9_UcJwr12p4ktjRtf6rxLn153DPbeoeaxti/s400/Oxeye+Daisy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oxeye Daisies (<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoYIGiUPKEfl1X7FLkvoIEz69v_OptClAaiRiDw-mLWl0LfC7gyk22ySDmbTMnpC80OjP7ZszbrK-JRzdDe34qv984GpJEAwonStQfCTpS3XJ0y6SUcMyl7O0Pwnby8EslYgBwK4whcgl/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oxeye Daisy Leucanthemum vulgare" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoYIGiUPKEfl1X7FLkvoIEz69v_OptClAaiRiDw-mLWl0LfC7gyk22ySDmbTMnpC80OjP7ZszbrK-JRzdDe34qv984GpJEAwonStQfCTpS3XJ0y6SUcMyl7O0Pwnby8EslYgBwK4whcgl/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oxeye Daisies (<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Oxeye Daisies (<i>Leucanthemum vulgare</i>) prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate sandy habitats. Its scientific name is Latin for 'having-a-white-flower common' (<i>Leucos</i> = white + <i>anthemum</i> = having a flower, <i>vulgare</i> = common).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7qcl3eeNykIjTlVD-HibKyJDMbUoh-fAq9d-yGkyZYEtX4B-mMVBxRO6M848M694SHFT7XcSlgKWu1T_6paEMNUXwaWX0jeb-shMcGmqH8OOLZDFeAAtyLW_B6dwUTjMLX2BByiXtwJh/s1600/Lichens+%2528possibly+Lecanora+rupicola%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7qcl3eeNykIjTlVD-HibKyJDMbUoh-fAq9d-yGkyZYEtX4B-mMVBxRO6M848M694SHFT7XcSlgKWu1T_6paEMNUXwaWX0jeb-shMcGmqH8OOLZDFeAAtyLW_B6dwUTjMLX2BByiXtwJh/s400/Lichens+%2528possibly+Lecanora+rupicola%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lichens (<i>Lecanora rupicola</i>?)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBuV8kdvSWfq3yK_8KWZGZUkyVbzoUJ3GHiawJ18N59M587gX95-lgEIF3OkCQGqQBFXCpWUC0ei0PR-8XgFvF9Ot7tUCdYdArHR6mglzha0lbwYaQEZ0j-Ywk1Lq8tYCv3gjGlr6Wc7a/s1600/Ray%2527s+Knotgrass+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ray's Knotgrass Polygonum oxyspermum" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBuV8kdvSWfq3yK_8KWZGZUkyVbzoUJ3GHiawJ18N59M587gX95-lgEIF3OkCQGqQBFXCpWUC0ei0PR-8XgFvF9Ot7tUCdYdArHR6mglzha0lbwYaQEZ0j-Ywk1Lq8tYCv3gjGlr6Wc7a/s400/Ray%2527s+Knotgrass+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ray's Knotgrass (<i>Polygonum oxyspermum</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRovtDMZQD4jwvC-Am8W2hPMqNHQD9nPN6biqzJ3MsnLFtBBQJGDaE_v3DFMPuBmSTtLPQSPm2XMqg9QdCTfT6xOMLA88BypavYz3lSP2tH60mHMHfuvylKIunEp2lIxjJxiTwz6slEA9/s1600/Ray%2527s+Knotgrass+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ray's Knotgrass Polygonum oxyspermum" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRovtDMZQD4jwvC-Am8W2hPMqNHQD9nPN6biqzJ3MsnLFtBBQJGDaE_v3DFMPuBmSTtLPQSPm2XMqg9QdCTfT6xOMLA88BypavYz3lSP2tH60mHMHfuvylKIunEp2lIxjJxiTwz6slEA9/s400/Ray%2527s+Knotgrass+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ray's Knotgrass (<i>Polygonum oxyspermum</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Ray's Knotgrass (<i>Polygonum oxyspermum</i>) is a locally distributed specialist of sand and shingle strandlines.</div>
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<b>Key Identification Features:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><u>Glaucous</u> (blue-green) leaves with slightly down-rolled margins.</li>
<li><u>Glossy</u> brown <u>nut is longer than petals</u>.</li>
<li><u>Prostrate</u> growth - creeps over sand.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobQ1ANrAxpu5NP5aHGj7Rz7EDSyLdFdGLXgcgl521GH9rrjrk_2_3kGLm5yOUvMUqXAh2bB5tBvIIlKb937ugxonEhpwIgkOSVIgOad_qQguiFVisfJI6HKHSzaVaV4u4pcUZjnw1bjfS/s1600/Curled+Dock+seeds+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Curled Dock Rumex crispus seeds" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobQ1ANrAxpu5NP5aHGj7Rz7EDSyLdFdGLXgcgl521GH9rrjrk_2_3kGLm5yOUvMUqXAh2bB5tBvIIlKb937ugxonEhpwIgkOSVIgOad_qQguiFVisfJI6HKHSzaVaV4u4pcUZjnw1bjfS/s400/Curled+Dock+seeds+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Curled Dock (<i>Rumex crispus</i>) seeds</span></td></tr>
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Curled Dock (<i>Rumex crispus</i>) is another colonizer of disturbed ground and a very adaptable plant. Like other <i>Rumex</i> spp. it's safe to eat!</div>
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The leaves/stalks are sour (due to oxalic acid) but rich in iron and vitamins A and C. The dried seeds can be pickled or ground into flour.</div>
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<b>Curled Dock Seed Recipes:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.hardyecogarden.com/2011/07/eat-your-weeds-rumex-crispus-curly-dock.html">Curled Dock Seed Vinegar</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.natureskills.com/wild-foods/yellow-dock-recipe/">Curled Dock Seed Crackers</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpbc8IhhOsm9QN_lb7PxI8A06-la8HmOUA4dPrH8qZ-S6RsM-onwMKhyphenhyphenRMe1MKadTVN5YskP8GBCHeLNjHsQ5ZA1G3EpcNTr2yoC751ZfW9ArBQee_8cLdNcwImRJhVbtN9lBOm96rumE/s1600/Sea+Rocket+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Rocket Cakile maritima" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpbc8IhhOsm9QN_lb7PxI8A06-la8HmOUA4dPrH8qZ-S6RsM-onwMKhyphenhyphenRMe1MKadTVN5YskP8GBCHeLNjHsQ5ZA1G3EpcNTr2yoC751ZfW9ArBQee_8cLdNcwImRJhVbtN9lBOm96rumE/s400/Sea+Rocket+1.jpg" width="389" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea Rocket (<i>Cakile maritima</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6164JdncCh4a6NfNnhJncANA_tvW7tK305PQv6dYs0xToJmaSfNysLiI4wUb_sFkOPG0mHkuMgs2bosN-0V-Ocw3dj5MJmglcKd5iA_ZLnlFKgrFgIdkCdqm6kj425oYOaWtOvaBtmUeo/s1600/Sea+Rocket+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Rocket Cakile maritima" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6164JdncCh4a6NfNnhJncANA_tvW7tK305PQv6dYs0xToJmaSfNysLiI4wUb_sFkOPG0mHkuMgs2bosN-0V-Ocw3dj5MJmglcKd5iA_ZLnlFKgrFgIdkCdqm6kj425oYOaWtOvaBtmUeo/s400/Sea+Rocket+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea Rocket (<i>Cakile maritima</i>)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4RbJKn2SxCecNCt7dFjA6X6ZLahAmlO2hthA0QoQcFRBBdpNXhLHs-POY_fpbe0UabjArg5MD4DMiGKk1lQyyUT15eySfV3tB9G_C2NGkygOjp6vrakxIL4BG3Mb0hYRiNQWlKdqeT_I/s1600/Sea+Rocket+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Rocket Cakile maritima" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4RbJKn2SxCecNCt7dFjA6X6ZLahAmlO2hthA0QoQcFRBBdpNXhLHs-POY_fpbe0UabjArg5MD4DMiGKk1lQyyUT15eySfV3tB9G_C2NGkygOjp6vrakxIL4BG3Mb0hYRiNQWlKdqeT_I/s400/Sea+Rocket+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea Rocket (<i>Cakile maritima</i>)
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Sea Rocket (<i>Cakile maritima</i>) is an edible, succulent-leaved crucifer which is specialized for sandy coastal habitats.</div>
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<b>Key Identification Features:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Conspicuously <u>fleshy leaves</u>.</li>
<li><u>Lobed leaves</u> are <u>longer than broad</u>.</li>
<li><u>Seedpods have a 'waisted' hourglass shape</u>.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA2SYJ79XltUcZO2syE5ELGDJlC6ZZTVcnNEqNOr80-tsQVqtVrts9SpBqwvtMT3Vjtn3RW5WfgtfHVo1eedgwIB8wKofJyKOYKghyphenhyphenmMgmpxb6jGMDT2utWa2Orjdh8KTRJ7PGp6bnXGq/s1600/Silverweed+%2528Potentilla+anserina%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Silverweed Potentilla anserina" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijA2SYJ79XltUcZO2syE5ELGDJlC6ZZTVcnNEqNOr80-tsQVqtVrts9SpBqwvtMT3Vjtn3RW5WfgtfHVo1eedgwIB8wKofJyKOYKghyphenhyphenmMgmpxb6jGMDT2utWa2Orjdh8KTRJ7PGp6bnXGq/s400/Silverweed+%2528Potentilla+anserina%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silverweed (<i>Potentilla anserina</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Marshland and Damp Meadow:</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGhJrQZm2FJInHKHVOX6RO2urvLwon9htt7rNQN3-VNF1byIm5A7HpbmKD8lxwwDnaEK0uV7VKsHM34G1s54HTCZc58wbmgcxKP2kDq3tQd5gNd1H51FBrg50rsdYFk0KHlWUuiVoKL1_/s1600/Water+Mint+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water Mint Mentha aquatica flower" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGhJrQZm2FJInHKHVOX6RO2urvLwon9htt7rNQN3-VNF1byIm5A7HpbmKD8lxwwDnaEK0uV7VKsHM34G1s54HTCZc58wbmgcxKP2kDq3tQd5gNd1H51FBrg50rsdYFk0KHlWUuiVoKL1_/s400/Water+Mint+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Mint (<i>Mentha aquatica</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgw08vyPnBuqYz14ufV26CPUJ1hTXg1VNIJeqpi3ShWMT2OLeHdPZoCmd8kGA1Rn3BruUs4JLxCbw0TqdUCZUP6kg2kM7FqBgji7rsQq29_rYAs2aG2m71adbn44eEWGCEyMHjQaHzMl/s1600/Water+Mint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water Mint Mentha aquatica flower" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qgw08vyPnBuqYz14ufV26CPUJ1hTXg1VNIJeqpi3ShWMT2OLeHdPZoCmd8kGA1Rn3BruUs4JLxCbw0TqdUCZUP6kg2kM7FqBgji7rsQq29_rYAs2aG2m71adbn44eEWGCEyMHjQaHzMl/s400/Water+Mint.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Water Mint (<i>Mentha aquatica</i>)
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The commonest wild mint in Scotland, Water Mint (<i>Mentha aquatica</i>) has a strong scent which isn't as 'sweet' as cultivated varieties but it can be used in the same way in recipes. The essential oil extracted from this and other mints, is powerfully antibacterial and fungicidal.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzhKRwyPDLbwGFdlpFdmUxrR98SVW5UyTZj3RINbxCh8dpBxVG5oIdPyxUFyPyZ7NxvTtG0m7r9YF609g67EGAbI05N5syaYWDfxhfqPmf3wMFdfEVRdIAxWxvRDSYFfdpWebJxdzFmw7/s1600/Common+Fleabane++2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzhKRwyPDLbwGFdlpFdmUxrR98SVW5UyTZj3RINbxCh8dpBxVG5oIdPyxUFyPyZ7NxvTtG0m7r9YF609g67EGAbI05N5syaYWDfxhfqPmf3wMFdfEVRdIAxWxvRDSYFfdpWebJxdzFmw7/s400/Common+Fleabane++2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Fleabane (<i>Pulicaria dysenterica</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwT6xDhZxr8dH-kHZm9ccmh4ue0bLc8obBIGNr-QqYQ5DeyCFIdPz83gGSwH9BD_5yg5yEXFnNogeZGywrWZr8vKGFXnFg1EAfuE4RV_cPNDYKlH2I7vBgt_KBBa41UDNyXxi3H-WCbBT/s1600/Common+Fleabane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica" border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwT6xDhZxr8dH-kHZm9ccmh4ue0bLc8obBIGNr-QqYQ5DeyCFIdPz83gGSwH9BD_5yg5yEXFnNogeZGywrWZr8vKGFXnFg1EAfuE4RV_cPNDYKlH2I7vBgt_KBBa41UDNyXxi3H-WCbBT/s400/Common+Fleabane.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Fleabane (<i>Pulicaria dysenterica</i>)</span></td></tr>
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Absent from most of Scotland, Common Fleabane (<i>Pulicaria dysenterica</i>) is an unmistakable yellow daisy with a large central disc and short, square-tipped petals. </div>
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It's very astringent and was traditionally used to treat dysentery (hence the species name <i>dysenterica</i>)<i> </i>and repel biting insects: as suggested by both its common and scientific names (<i>pulicaria</i> = of-fleas: Latin)<i>.</i></div>
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<b>Other wildlife of interest seen during this walk:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Otter</b> - I saw something in the water, which I took for a seal. Later, it emerged from the water and bounded across the beach (all rippling muscle with a thick plank of a tail), disappearing into the wasteground adjacent to Kildonan Hotel.</li>
<li>Oystercatchers - a few pairs.</li>
<li>Hooded Crows.</li>
<li>Sparrowhawk (male) - perched on rocky shore.</li>
<li>1 Redshank.</li>
<li>Common Seals - the usual gang, happily snoozing!</li>
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<iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="350" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bvjkw05vx.html" width="450"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-82861192802244814292011-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:002012-04-19T08:42:10.328-07:00Ardmore Point, Argyll and Bute - SSSI, SPA & Ramsar Site<br />
The shore areas covered on this walk along the Clyde (from Cardross to Ardmore Point) form a part of 3 different designated protected sites: the Inner Clyde Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI), the Inner Clyde Ramsar Site and Inner Clyde Special Protection Area (SPA).<br />
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This section of the River Clyde shoreline is an SSSI because it contains saltmarsh (intertidal vegetation such as eelgrasses) and because it supports significant numbers of wintering birds, in particular: Eider, Cormorant, Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Red-breasted Merganser, Red-throated Diver and Redshank.<br />
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Around 2100 Redshank feed here outside the breeding season (this being the reason for both SPA and Ramsar Site status).<br />
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Recent reports of Quail in central Scotland sparked predictions of a 'quail invasion' and tempted me to walk along these coastal arable fields, knowing I'd be lucky to even glimpse one.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOpR2YuM1cZh7UrvqAdeuFPjtLhCzrgBAxUJz0WfxT76iD66-8mQPUMjfRzl1B6miAXEdYGjV8wCkUxZsHztIqN5FOjZSq5ILMUqHfWb0nZxI4fWAGjCRQFoWWLabZMGk0wHD3AncruSG/s1600/Ardmore+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ardmore Point" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOpR2YuM1cZh7UrvqAdeuFPjtLhCzrgBAxUJz0WfxT76iD66-8mQPUMjfRzl1B6miAXEdYGjV8wCkUxZsHztIqN5FOjZSq5ILMUqHfWb0nZxI4fWAGjCRQFoWWLabZMGk0wHD3AncruSG/s400/Ardmore+Point.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ardmore Point at low tide</span></td></tr>
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I got a train from Dalmuir to Cardross (£6.60 return) and followed the footpath along the water's edge to Ardmore Point.
In Cardross bay at low tide, House Martins collected mud from the shore for nest-building.<br />
Sea Aster (<i>Aster tripolium</i>) grows in large mauve-flowered clumps on the beach near Cardross saw mill.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aV1eaS3Cl1ILWNSWF20uzJs8tKM8qnMsitvrwdkgs0VDTkkvWEmt4_F1zo0O1MejZjoyVTVss3gWwsETkwPVuQI_06DKpioI-HFv5ltXrNiY7OYbeVogDyO0ULLMSbjvFRmUEV9X9l2T/s1600/Brick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dougal Winchburg brick" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aV1eaS3Cl1ILWNSWF20uzJs8tKM8qnMsitvrwdkgs0VDTkkvWEmt4_F1zo0O1MejZjoyVTVss3gWwsETkwPVuQI_06DKpioI-HFv5ltXrNiY7OYbeVogDyO0ULLMSbjvFRmUEV9X9l2T/s400/Brick.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The African savannah? Or Scotland on a sunny (!) day?
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKamfbN9AOIve322dcBtvAWh5TKehjj_bI1NzDmD3s7m8Dr1mJj5Pqqzjx0h7DXv8wx8CSKjH99fQvk8361crJ17hpXFSRHQgcKUkibJLG1Sp0cazZO8aXJpk43ed424XZosTh21f1zWt6/s1600/Fields+near+Cardross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="fields Cardross" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKamfbN9AOIve322dcBtvAWh5TKehjj_bI1NzDmD3s7m8Dr1mJj5Pqqzjx0h7DXv8wx8CSKjH99fQvk8361crJ17hpXFSRHQgcKUkibJLG1Sp0cazZO8aXJpk43ed424XZosTh21f1zWt6/s400/Fields+near+Cardross.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fields near Cardross</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8TBVuhWQsppUFlFIE4qXAWhzwxpuExKbF4jbTqVqpzAtRXGjxTLXP1CMWfvfqjG6PsvcVUPRgrdFtReH4wzxQIXEhCayehPxxAC0pj4Bp_CR6dIn4uDd9weUs_6wp_Q-K5yA7zJwOIAZ/s1600/Fields+near+Cardross+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="fields Cardross" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8TBVuhWQsppUFlFIE4qXAWhzwxpuExKbF4jbTqVqpzAtRXGjxTLXP1CMWfvfqjG6PsvcVUPRgrdFtReH4wzxQIXEhCayehPxxAC0pj4Bp_CR6dIn4uDd9weUs_6wp_Q-K5yA7zJwOIAZ/s400/Fields+near+Cardross+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fields near Cardross</span></td></tr>
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Between Cardross and Ardmore Point the upper shore is rock/shingle, separated from the muddy lower shore by a band of slippery green algae and dark fucoid seaweed. Not the prettiest of shorelines, but the mud is packed with invertebrates and provides excellent feeding grounds for the veritable 'motorway' of birds channeling through in autumn/winter.<br />
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A rich variety of wildflowers, encompassing every colour of the rainbow, flourish on the edge of the arable fields: some are coastal species, some are arable weeds and others, garden escapees or naturalized exotics.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-atgmbiO2k1rJbmE54dVrcdLKhUkAnaNgj-xiD9XkE8gV5kvl5V33e7Dwf6gq_RhplElEcpuNHEPaGnq8DUPWFkp0dA1dAHFQ7ofYT1puReBmgg2kT2x8bqOXVDXYdgk-nIWF6ROHTDd_/s1600/Bindweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium flower" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-atgmbiO2k1rJbmE54dVrcdLKhUkAnaNgj-xiD9XkE8gV5kvl5V33e7Dwf6gq_RhplElEcpuNHEPaGnq8DUPWFkp0dA1dAHFQ7ofYT1puReBmgg2kT2x8bqOXVDXYdgk-nIWF6ROHTDd_/s400/Bindweed.jpg" width="383" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hedge Bindweed (<i>Calystegia sepium</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThqG9njYqa31y9gko4RAY3dWcTrtmtb4jlD5Vc6Q2wX1i8wO-TYCwpBkle329UFkmW0sYMIPS_h6symjBj2256cyjy8UUYNReyawN82M8wF3zewh8BCGGvkOjiws1XEdMSJ7ddeTyR5nB/s1600/Bindweed+bud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hedge Bindweed Calystegia sepium bud" border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThqG9njYqa31y9gko4RAY3dWcTrtmtb4jlD5Vc6Q2wX1i8wO-TYCwpBkle329UFkmW0sYMIPS_h6symjBj2256cyjy8UUYNReyawN82M8wF3zewh8BCGGvkOjiws1XEdMSJ7ddeTyR5nB/s400/Bindweed+bud.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hedge Bindweed (<i>Calystegia sepium</i>) unopened flower</span></td></tr>
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The delicate white, gramophone-esque flowers of Hedge Bindweed (<i>Calystegia sepium</i>) poked their trumpets through the bramble bushes. It actually belongs to the same family as Sweet Potatoe (Convolvulaceae) but is known to have purgative effects (hence, inedible).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5n0Adt8ny3klWNwiCLN_u1H0E6U3Lmf6RrhnbfUt9mIc1XhYnI68dQ7uZYUBXe9GKyMrfymwgHbJmEyk1osUOI34dijAuMO2dWCuiVsGUrB5ZaOSiB_dj5wVSS-VM5phT2yPQbLfH3S3/s1600/Red+Campion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red Campion Silene dioica" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5n0Adt8ny3klWNwiCLN_u1H0E6U3Lmf6RrhnbfUt9mIc1XhYnI68dQ7uZYUBXe9GKyMrfymwgHbJmEyk1osUOI34dijAuMO2dWCuiVsGUrB5ZaOSiB_dj5wVSS-VM5phT2yPQbLfH3S3/s400/Red+Campion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red Campion (<i>Silene dioica</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiX_HcfcODmqukJjLtO1Ic7dehimoFQHo1luzVhE1_B4yUO_drP9M9lCJRXS_fqD3gjA0j-CrcNCJ7Lq1sYhLHF6PceQ5fFNAx1iqAMwg43TpTrxAK1pTyXoN9f_CKWjK980OlbZfNGsi/s1600/Canadian+Goldenrod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Canadian Goldenrod Solidago canadensis" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiX_HcfcODmqukJjLtO1Ic7dehimoFQHo1luzVhE1_B4yUO_drP9M9lCJRXS_fqD3gjA0j-CrcNCJ7Lq1sYhLHF6PceQ5fFNAx1iqAMwg43TpTrxAK1pTyXoN9f_CKWjK980OlbZfNGsi/s400/Canadian+Goldenrod.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Canadian Goldenrod (<i>Solidago canadensis</i>)</span>
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Canadian Goldenrod (<i>Solidago canadensis</i>) is a widely naturalized, North American relative of our native <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf7u6MK2txN8W-6Zg6P-KzyVqs7op_mbGJOq3MnDWVFKGhdHK0dT5C-d6iUqrPi2bB0D5Y34S5td-FhUXDYmqI9iuHjsJFj6E5DtMlDuc-eRddrx_CUqGmmN5_7_64yrvVAxC44SJocj0/s1600/Goldenrod+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg">Goldenrod (<i>S.virgaurea</i>)</a>.<br />
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The two can be distinguished by their flower arrangement:-<br />
<ul>
<li>Canadian Goldenrod has <u>smaller-petalled 'tufty' flowers</u> which form a distinctly PYRAMIDAL pannicle (arrangement). </li>
<li>Our native Goldenrod has loose, narrow pannicles of larger, fewer-petalled <u>'daisy-like' flowers</u>. </li>
</ul>
The leaves of all <i>Solidago</i> species contain a latex which Thomas Edison (the inventor of the lightbulb) used to manufacture rubber during a series of experiments beginning in the late-1920s (with the aim of discovering cheaper, home-grown alternatives to Indian rubber).
There is an interesting page on this story <a href="http://www.kindofcurious.com/2010/11/thomas-edison-botanist.html">here</a> - with photos of the Goldenrod rubber.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEfvmF1HQ3G_xgVaDpFU_epc3s8BRbub0A-U4GLXc8yocWC5x-yhW3i90EcF-ihxPexrewf0HccUuFYBcIvk3X-z9eFRVXQ-O52Km0f9wwaSt9E2YwPJNjvGz8Q06TnSin5OsNmimCvGO/s1600/Green+Alkanet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Green Alkanet Pentaglottis sempervirens" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEfvmF1HQ3G_xgVaDpFU_epc3s8BRbub0A-U4GLXc8yocWC5x-yhW3i90EcF-ihxPexrewf0HccUuFYBcIvk3X-z9eFRVXQ-O52Km0f9wwaSt9E2YwPJNjvGz8Q06TnSin5OsNmimCvGO/s400/Green+Alkanet+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Green Alkanet (<i>Pentaglottis Sempervirens</i>)</span>
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</tbody></table>
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Another non-native, Green Alkanet (<i>Pentaglottis Sempervirens</i>) is a strikingly beautiful plant nonetheless. As you might expect from the colour of its flowers, it's closely related to Borage and Forget-me-nots (Boraginaceae).<br />
Its scientific name, a mix of Latin and Greek, means 'Five-tongued always-green' (<i>Penta</i> = five + <i>glottis</i> = tongue: from Greek glōtta, Attic form of Ionic glōssa, <i>semper</i> = always + <i>virens</i> = to be green/verdant: Latin).
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD5ED6XRiglulIGXtz51PmL3v3P9AG8lV3BtzFGI6A9G-0S6OcATsTQD3yhcg9-v7kEecBq2KZzfEQfT-1nxCFOGL4ol3aegl_ykQGoPeoe-9QfAXArkradp8eDc_QcDAB2of36i5YMQ_/s1600/Greater+Sand-spurrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Greater Sand Spurrey Spergularia media" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD5ED6XRiglulIGXtz51PmL3v3P9AG8lV3BtzFGI6A9G-0S6OcATsTQD3yhcg9-v7kEecBq2KZzfEQfT-1nxCFOGL4ol3aegl_ykQGoPeoe-9QfAXArkradp8eDc_QcDAB2of36i5YMQ_/s400/Greater+Sand-spurrey.jpg" width="378" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greater Sand Spurrey (<i>Spergularia media</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There are other very similar Spergularia species but Greater Sand Spurrey (<i>Spergularia media</i>) can be identified by these 3 key features:<br />
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1) Hairless.<br />
2) Flowers have petals LONGER than sepals.<br />
3) 10 stamens.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2CeVieF1muPpD4Mwku80WvfP5q_2xmBV5Ff68zNtvNTKO8CTgDurmZCrQXfa5i0CG4pEg_mWeQBl58hcAFc9Ff9KZJ4bMQgUrI9onQHyFdIb0kFKVABvg4_KgClkJpHMxLmZZdfDVTyO/s1600/Pale+Toadflax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pale Toadflax Linaria repens" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2CeVieF1muPpD4Mwku80WvfP5q_2xmBV5Ff68zNtvNTKO8CTgDurmZCrQXfa5i0CG4pEg_mWeQBl58hcAFc9Ff9KZJ4bMQgUrI9onQHyFdIb0kFKVABvg4_KgClkJpHMxLmZZdfDVTyO/s400/Pale+Toadflax.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pale Toadflax (<i>Linaria repens</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pale Toadflax is a naturalized non-native which mostly grows in dry, rocky waste ground habitats.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XNY6U_7GjHLI5fk5Q1mn01d8jFD3ynr55ohINYQsuUs0GECFKMutc45M7dzPH7hFFJezTCcoyjA05FT8TZof_I00vMzQkg6tEAsX8JKFNCfr7rL14JHtfiWSKzpYa3Y8wyjiJMv3Svu2/s1600/Sea+Aster+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Aster Aster tripolium" border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XNY6U_7GjHLI5fk5Q1mn01d8jFD3ynr55ohINYQsuUs0GECFKMutc45M7dzPH7hFFJezTCcoyjA05FT8TZof_I00vMzQkg6tEAsX8JKFNCfr7rL14JHtfiWSKzpYa3Y8wyjiJMv3Svu2/s400/Sea+Aster+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea Aster (<i>Aster tripolium</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmwW0V1FumjBpwUXxCepQKzdYdipnxeZZmJMN2TfDloWMMK3HHrU-Hb0l0baHWNnQDF8yO2KERgvvii6atX7nPGSJ9ZjJ4mrkMW6Ux2j8uHWp58x-XUfh4NLVpixMIE7AK9HbC_7guCuv/s1600/Sea+Aster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Aster Aster tripolium" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmwW0V1FumjBpwUXxCepQKzdYdipnxeZZmJMN2TfDloWMMK3HHrU-Hb0l0baHWNnQDF8yO2KERgvvii6atX7nPGSJ9ZjJ4mrkMW6Ux2j8uHWp58x-XUfh4NLVpixMIE7AK9HbC_7guCuv/s400/Sea+Aster.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea Aster (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Aster tripolium</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Despite looking a lot like the common garden-escapee Michaelmas Daisy, Sea Aster is one of our 2 native Aster species. It's a saltmarsh and maritime specialist able to tolerate high salinities.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sea Aster Recipes: </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/buttered-sea-aster">Buttered Sea Aster</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/sea-aster-fish-bake">Sea Aster Fish Bake</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/sea-aster-tomato-soup">Sea Aster and Tomato Soup</a><br />
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Inland from Ardmore south bay (near Ardardan), I had excellent views of a singing Sedge Warbler. Also, flocks of Starling and House Sparrow. Ardmore north bay was filled with Curlew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPzvU8rA6DRkLwZkZhI9CGMT7oPbTYRw72FQ2hLEs5h4sAJP2v4DDb9IjhzOH_KrGWMJK8xikw3C7f5ROnVoENGWYfFAKJ-lUDmQkSZnzJeOlXEacSZXDAf-fuH8iqLd7I3b2GB-KJkRB/s1600/Lichen+CROP+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="lichen white" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPzvU8rA6DRkLwZkZhI9CGMT7oPbTYRw72FQ2hLEs5h4sAJP2v4DDb9IjhzOH_KrGWMJK8xikw3C7f5ROnVoENGWYfFAKJ-lUDmQkSZnzJeOlXEacSZXDAf-fuH8iqLd7I3b2GB-KJkRB/s400/Lichen+CROP+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5cOOI5TB9y7fH9qFobsmEe71fNjXM6oTZnF19v1PqOI_oshO9qQyreQehls8BZqCIXkzi2JYT21iGVL0vsXcrah5n-POVyOdUvnyI5kl3lIyVrQl5uEW2uknQVYekmiM4DPu3zSz_hDM/s1600/Aspen+bark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aspen bark" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5cOOI5TB9y7fH9qFobsmEe71fNjXM6oTZnF19v1PqOI_oshO9qQyreQehls8BZqCIXkzi2JYT21iGVL0vsXcrah5n-POVyOdUvnyI5kl3lIyVrQl5uEW2uknQVYekmiM4DPu3zSz_hDM/s400/Aspen+bark.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aspen bark</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hezms1zeMuBTDtT098HhrnVyJMFFL-ITizJLhg6baWn2yzrqkmU57WH5A7Zc83ht676InxuhNMtxn5ZOjMaF-NGFHN0g2iH0KPxQfVQMuRb3ljwbfG-Glq8sL0E4PtxYA3lqqhUrZEVV/s1600/Cattle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ardmore point cattle" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Hezms1zeMuBTDtT098HhrnVyJMFFL-ITizJLhg6baWn2yzrqkmU57WH5A7Zc83ht676InxuhNMtxn5ZOjMaF-NGFHN0g2iH0KPxQfVQMuRb3ljwbfG-Glq8sL0E4PtxYA3lqqhUrZEVV/s400/Cattle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyP9eaS7WlRLgN2BVOmXGhllfjP45tktxDnYgNvPqqZm6dDmKEQjUNh2ueaVTIVkr1MWpdZE4-7e1TZl44U1Ml5MEt7eMhfNubed-qck9rk0UtHoTh6B_q2Blakw4z2NtbcE2dgOXITiO/s1600/Mugwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyP9eaS7WlRLgN2BVOmXGhllfjP45tktxDnYgNvPqqZm6dDmKEQjUNh2ueaVTIVkr1MWpdZE4-7e1TZl44U1Ml5MEt7eMhfNubed-qck9rk0UtHoTh6B_q2Blakw4z2NtbcE2dgOXITiO/s400/Mugwort.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mugwort (<i>Artemisia vulgaris</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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When crushed in the hand, Mugwort releases a strong and deliciously medicinal aroma, reminiscent of absinthe. In fact, it belongs to the same genus as Wormwood (<i>Artemisia absinthium</i>): the chief flavouring in absinthe.<br />
<br />
Unlike most members of the daisy family (Asteraceae), it has wind-pollinated flowers.<br />
<br />
Mugwort has been used for centuries worldwide in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for treating worms, menstrual cramps and digestive complaints. It was also used as a flavouring in beer (before hops) and food (especially in Asian cookery).
Experiments show that it has insecticidal (<a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/hr56x27512562u94/">mosquitoes</a> and <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022474X05000548">beetles</a>) and <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014489408000258">antihelminthic</a> properties.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mugwort Recipes:</span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/ssukbeomul">Mugwort Rice Cakes</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/injeolmi">Korean Injeolmi Rice Cakes</a><br />
<br />
Note: It's very bitter-tasting and contains thujone (toxic in large doses) so consumption should be avoided by pregnant women.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9eI1Zapzi_nKjO4AfimOxh109RCZVL3wzFTxhfjN7He6KR_9NIkxNNQDQ1SlncrWJ1Jf3ZHcYOTbdlL4HRPJcXisXKrglQ9avKJO47uzLuOnaagVq5G_8TtNMi6NOrDiNWVpb8fsqKJO/s1600/Tansy+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tansy Tanacetum vulgare" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9eI1Zapzi_nKjO4AfimOxh109RCZVL3wzFTxhfjN7He6KR_9NIkxNNQDQ1SlncrWJ1Jf3ZHcYOTbdlL4HRPJcXisXKrglQ9avKJO47uzLuOnaagVq5G_8TtNMi6NOrDiNWVpb8fsqKJO/s400/Tansy+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tansy (<i>Tanacetum vulgare</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8bmqxeJ9NQStVcPeXOaedFlOMn5ZRgGHN9ZkuAMGT5aljGd1oVHtRlY9QWHIur5Y6gyEig3H0C41qOMrdWRY2AI-3SKw9fQ3pFlZDdrt0aJaqVjY6fPTK7unYCmQMwrZLb_i5s95oJ6/s1600/Tansy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tansy Tanacetum vulgare" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrF8bmqxeJ9NQStVcPeXOaedFlOMn5ZRgGHN9ZkuAMGT5aljGd1oVHtRlY9QWHIur5Y6gyEig3H0C41qOMrdWRY2AI-3SKw9fQ3pFlZDdrt0aJaqVjY6fPTK7unYCmQMwrZLb_i5s95oJ6/s400/Tansy+2.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tansy (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Tanacetum vulgare</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Tansy is a petal-less member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), belonging to the same genus as Feverfew.
In the past it was frequently cultivated as a medicinal herb and was valued as a treatment for worms and external parasites, for repelling insects, to control menstrual bleeding and to induce abortions.<br />
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Like Mugwort, Tansy has a strongly medicinal scent, is very bitter and contains thujole (pregnant women should avoid eating it).
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<br />
Both the leaves and the button-like flowers yield a pale yellow dye when boiled.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dyeing with Tansy: </span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ibrakeforyarnhooksandbooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/tansy-time.html">http://ibrakeforyarnhooksandbooks.blogspot.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.allfiberarts.com/library/dyeplants/bltansy.htm">http://www.allfiberarts.com</a> (Showing the effects of alum, tin and rhubarb mordants).<br />
<a href="http://thirtyeightstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/tansy-dye.html">http://thirtyeightstitches.blogspot.com</a> (Showing the effects of copper, iron and alum/cream of tartar mordants).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeWRKzDdSEws65roXAviWTQvnSiYI0Pbe0dG61OWeJ2-0wavciUw1tTXJK7yLCKVwYMSGBP-Nzy2Yw0HFvspV2Xvr0O4hXGptzMXgJWyRufD_kJbRsj4F9KMuj3qRukPV4wvbk9dLhaQm/s1600/Sweet+Cicely+seedpods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata seedpods" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeWRKzDdSEws65roXAviWTQvnSiYI0Pbe0dG61OWeJ2-0wavciUw1tTXJK7yLCKVwYMSGBP-Nzy2Yw0HFvspV2Xvr0O4hXGptzMXgJWyRufD_kJbRsj4F9KMuj3qRukPV4wvbk9dLhaQm/s400/Sweet+Cicely+seedpods.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sweet Cicely (<i>Myrrhis odorata</i>) ripe seedpods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sweet Cicely can be identified by the following features:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Strongly and sweetly scented. </li>
<li>Leaves and stems covered in DOWNY HAIRS. </li>
<li>White flowers. </li>
<li><u>Whitish, splash-like markings</u> at base of leaves. </li>
<li>Seedpods = ridged, linear-oblong (<u>canoe-shaped!</u>), becoming shiny brown when ripe. </li>
</ul>
As both its common and scientific name attest, all parts of Sweet Cicely have a pleasant anise-like fragrance and sweet flavour. It was traditionally used to treat coughs and to aid digestion.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Cicely Recipes: </span></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://waldenlocalfood.co.uk/recipes/rhubarb-sweet-cicely-pudding.html">Rhubarb and Sweet Cicely Pudding</a> (www.waldenlocalfood.co.uk)<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/8782495/River-Cottage-Baking-recipes-buns-and-puddings.html?image=10">Rhubarb and Sweet Cicely Pudding</a> (www.telegraph.co.uk)<br />
<a href="http://www.laetitiamaklouf.com/2010/05/sweet-cicely-for-custard/">Sweet Cicely Custard</a> (www.laetitiamaklouf.com)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzSGyCwj1hBD2flSzVaHi22P900pyuarH5Jbm7W0MaUghoERZ7QGkaS9LzBQsjt3-78w0VrD-nH8VaDjTqg9MZHCER-i-y0jCTc6Co19S48yd5kzGKfHNRfCm22SX6GgwSiNuJvCH1WJ/s1600/Valerian+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valerian Valeriana officinalis" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXzSGyCwj1hBD2flSzVaHi22P900pyuarH5Jbm7W0MaUghoERZ7QGkaS9LzBQsjt3-78w0VrD-nH8VaDjTqg9MZHCER-i-y0jCTc6Co19S48yd5kzGKfHNRfCm22SX6GgwSiNuJvCH1WJ/s400/Valerian+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Valerian (<i>Valeriana officinalis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz1Kh-XsYcAo0OSf9iqolaVevFFFqo92fUdJdS-Ozx2Jbu-1uzsS5abOxQPHmGx4WTqMD6IJ5yEYNsAXJbnRAp9jh4O2TsgxuwoDxPxPXgLB2C1BhKauyWgcxykPBu3CQ8sw77O8qDD8q/s1600/Valerian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valerian Valeriana officinalis" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaz1Kh-XsYcAo0OSf9iqolaVevFFFqo92fUdJdS-Ozx2Jbu-1uzsS5abOxQPHmGx4WTqMD6IJ5yEYNsAXJbnRAp9jh4O2TsgxuwoDxPxPXgLB2C1BhKauyWgcxykPBu3CQ8sw77O8qDD8q/s400/Valerian.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Valerian (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Valeriana officinalis</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMekokt59xWtT6H4lyK_7_bMOsh9hcDN5INjlf-WrvIO5Nbzg1HKAajojOhr9Kc825X6mL_wqOrtC7X7vbil_qg_m45yDNNNtzP3iTKn-D1BC4ffluWKonzqVDo-QGSLEOaoBXZ-MU5M2S/s1600/Valerian+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Valerian Valeriana officinalis" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMekokt59xWtT6H4lyK_7_bMOsh9hcDN5INjlf-WrvIO5Nbzg1HKAajojOhr9Kc825X6mL_wqOrtC7X7vbil_qg_m45yDNNNtzP3iTKn-D1BC4ffluWKonzqVDo-QGSLEOaoBXZ-MU5M2S/s400/Valerian+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Valerian (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Valeriana officinalis</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Well known for its powerful sedative effects, Valerian also contains the alkaloid actinidine; a powerful cat-attractant, and may provoke a response in cats unresponsive to catnip. More info can be found <a href="http://www.messybeast.com/catnip-valerian.htm">here</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybTh17w6Nd1tmMUlyGCmYBUpDgtyHsX7SH3VhA2WWVh5wb_x7MOaQbj52xS9B9TmfXo69LIlcdRabz2lXzU79h0qzAbpa4SRN25YVSx36nmWPh__tX-6Kz0KlyJ8Bz6YcgkJbaHMzHlZV/s1600/Yarrow+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yarrow Achillea millefolium pink" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybTh17w6Nd1tmMUlyGCmYBUpDgtyHsX7SH3VhA2WWVh5wb_x7MOaQbj52xS9B9TmfXo69LIlcdRabz2lXzU79h0qzAbpa4SRN25YVSx36nmWPh__tX-6Kz0KlyJ8Bz6YcgkJbaHMzHlZV/s400/Yarrow+Pink.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarrow (<i>Achillea millefolium</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDuPPY3o95C7j0k32KqJF58FAdQSELuui8tGdrTXiNVQWDiT0tXntJO47ctdoKLPkc7ZWrgjZGhoQV5WD4dzozd3XqXIrxxgyJwUaRSXrw-GRx_DVU3rM43hL2-Qscg1HJv6V2lBxipKN/s1600/Yarrow+White.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yarrow Achillea millefolium white" border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDuPPY3o95C7j0k32KqJF58FAdQSELuui8tGdrTXiNVQWDiT0tXntJO47ctdoKLPkc7ZWrgjZGhoQV5WD4dzozd3XqXIrxxgyJwUaRSXrw-GRx_DVU3rM43hL2-Qscg1HJv6V2lBxipKN/s400/Yarrow+White.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarrow (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Achillea millefolium</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Two species of crucifer were growing along the edge of the path: the white flowered Garden Radish and the lemon-yellow flowered Sea Radish.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3kWK1NXqcYCLxpq_yWUlFMK3T-3qmtO8NKNX-YYl4m63kpptUTvoSQLaMATjQyglsdYxyTRNqd7VSMAajuwVuvJbIlc0heBRM0IG57s44UnZTsDcJsFt2d8dXOx9bAOcUcOVQDI0qoJ6/s1600/Garden+Radish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Garden Radish Raphanus sativus white flowers" border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3kWK1NXqcYCLxpq_yWUlFMK3T-3qmtO8NKNX-YYl4m63kpptUTvoSQLaMATjQyglsdYxyTRNqd7VSMAajuwVuvJbIlc0heBRM0IG57s44UnZTsDcJsFt2d8dXOx9bAOcUcOVQDI0qoJ6/s400/Garden+Radish.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Garden Radish (<i>Raphanus sativus</i>)</span>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81tdIPdS6uUkXJ-z3x7W28JAYhdHfTtp0wBM0lgPrjsy3q40LD1fB6w6bZNilSEqzNEjhGG9VnzxtnnVKT0dLpjJYb3myDNV4lHjqNvmomqPntJfLy0tstdUnlPOWNhqi7U0Ie4hShdqL/s1600/Sea+Radish+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sea Radish Raphanus raphanistrum maritimus yellow flowers" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81tdIPdS6uUkXJ-z3x7W28JAYhdHfTtp0wBM0lgPrjsy3q40LD1fB6w6bZNilSEqzNEjhGG9VnzxtnnVKT0dLpjJYb3myDNV4lHjqNvmomqPntJfLy0tstdUnlPOWNhqi7U0Ie4hShdqL/s400/Sea+Radish+1.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sea Radish (<i>Raphanus raphanistrum maritimus</i>) </span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Wild Radish (<i>Raphanus raphanistrum</i>), the native ancestor of the Garden Radish, lacks the swollen root of its domesticated relative but is just as edible!<br />
I *think* the Wild Radish pictured above is the subspecies <i>maritimus</i>, known as the Sea Radish, but I could be wrong. There's lots of variation within <i>Raphanus</i> and Wild Radish can have yellow, white or mauve flowers.<br />
<br />
The most reliable way of separating them is to look at their seedpods:<br />
<ul>
<li>Consists of globular BEADS, EASILY BROKEN at joints and has long BEAKED tip = Wild Radish. </li>
<li> Consists of globular BEADS, NOT EASILY BROKEN at joints and has long BEAKED tip = Sea Radish. </li>
<li> UNBEADED = Garden Radish.</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk1rr5RSUi0y_Gt_omGzUGRSRqa0rDLYk8Mn3rtyvcStVleiDdxrvFiVWD7W6qe7EWH_TCMD13X6IDr9kb5A-E9WBug51tSs0g1XfKxGakML6Y3zeVw2Ac_PEiJ5vdSuilfceNYdd6F8j/s1600/Dark+Mullein+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dark Mullein Verbascum nigrum" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk1rr5RSUi0y_Gt_omGzUGRSRqa0rDLYk8Mn3rtyvcStVleiDdxrvFiVWD7W6qe7EWH_TCMD13X6IDr9kb5A-E9WBug51tSs0g1XfKxGakML6Y3zeVw2Ac_PEiJ5vdSuilfceNYdd6F8j/s400/Dark+Mullein+2.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dark Mullein (<i>Verbascum nigrum</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The densely packed, pale yellow flowers (with a slightly waxy appearance) and dark red, hairy stamens of Dark Mullein are very distinctive. It also lacks the coating of silvery hair found on most mulleins.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VXU1EUSoX5mLpra_pkjlFzlT1yqPeKgQV372vIF044agqv-EqL6iS9ysEuKrH8CM-5V4IW7e96hE5-Sq1O5euhxVD-AWMf-GW4veygScaCasvfMxWmPEPEfbVwmtWWaOpfbHk32o_uNU/s1600/Dotted+Loosestrife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dotted Loosestrife Lysimachia punctata" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VXU1EUSoX5mLpra_pkjlFzlT1yqPeKgQV372vIF044agqv-EqL6iS9ysEuKrH8CM-5V4IW7e96hE5-Sq1O5euhxVD-AWMf-GW4veygScaCasvfMxWmPEPEfbVwmtWWaOpfbHk32o_uNU/s400/Dotted+Loosestrife.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Dotted Loosestrife (<i>Lysimachia punctata</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Dotted Loosestrife (Myrsinaceae family) is yet another non-native and despite its name, it's not closely related to our native Purple Loosestrife (Lythraceae family).<br />
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This plant doesn't produce nectar, instead the flowers produce fatty oils in order to attract specialist pollinators: <i>Macropis</i> sp. 'oil bees' (which are absent from Scotland).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKYDyxzUptHeBu5UE_DCxnDqT2DmzRcRpr6eRgRevAL9H5D_JNtmWnaQ6WzoDTnkpjylqyfpNvEy1JccYobCwysLldFbntAGjL9Om6_TJLOYY51OXPnbQ-vLwpWnZ_Yq4ULbooMqaOl__/s1600/Perennial+Sow-thistle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKYDyxzUptHeBu5UE_DCxnDqT2DmzRcRpr6eRgRevAL9H5D_JNtmWnaQ6WzoDTnkpjylqyfpNvEy1JccYobCwysLldFbntAGjL9Om6_TJLOYY51OXPnbQ-vLwpWnZ_Yq4ULbooMqaOl__/s400/Perennial+Sow-thistle+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perennial Sow-thistle (<i>Sonchus arvensis</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus-p9E9ZOyQLnWX0TnKcCg_1G8-JQg_OK4CJCTJvAbma4XipoN-aSmlk0-rX_X__VogHqwFp5ScVCJTYLBBuIYY2_Y-RZPauwba7EVgPhoAGxljHzClIzH86kmJJv-K8mJOWkCgvcPjwV/s1600/Perennial+Sow-thistle+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Perennial Sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhus-p9E9ZOyQLnWX0TnKcCg_1G8-JQg_OK4CJCTJvAbma4XipoN-aSmlk0-rX_X__VogHqwFp5ScVCJTYLBBuIYY2_Y-RZPauwba7EVgPhoAGxljHzClIzH86kmJJv-K8mJOWkCgvcPjwV/s400/Perennial+Sow-thistle+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perennial Sow-thistle (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Sonchus arvensis</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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Set amongst brilliant blue skies and waters, the fireball flowers of Perennial Sow-thistle burn brightly in the sunshine. These sunbursts are savoury too! The slightly bitter leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked and a coffee substitute can be made from the roots.<br />
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Sow-thistles exude a milky white sap when damaged - much like Dandelion's.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sow-thistle Recipes:</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.foragingfoodie.net/sauteed-sow-thistle.html">Sauteed Sow-thistles</a> (from www.foragingfoodie.net)<br />
<a href="http://weirdcombinations.com/2010/03/sauteed-wild-serralha-aka-sow-thistle/">Sauteed Sow-thistles</a> (from weirdcombinations.com)<br />
<a href="http://wildfoodplants.com/sow-thistle-lasagna">Sow-thistle Lasagne</a><br />
<a href="http://www.enjoychinesediet.com/chinese-food-cooking/vinegar-peanut-recipe.html">Chinese Vinegar Peanut Salad (with Sow-thistles</a>)<br />
<a href="http://www.foragingfoodie.net/stir-fried-sow-thistle-and-pork.html">Stir-fried Sow-thistles and Pork</a><br />
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In terms of <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0010(199804)76:4%3C628::AID-JSFA997%3E3.0.CO;2-U/abstract">nutrition</a>, Sow-thistles contain at least as much vitamin C per gram as oranges, have a high 'omega 3' fatty acid content and, like other leafy greens, are a rich source of minerals.<br />
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At this time of year the shore is quieter, though I did see a large (easily disturbed) flock of Oystercatchers and some Curlew.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFghApRSFKp6y4QIfzDnqxQrbfb6Hwa2yKIy4R8skv81D8-tiyaadARGhZiM3BALQIeJwG1fuGBf97a8T-B3nZgHmGmptK89EnEdy9CfIwz3aK-ldZU-0BX35fwU76utQliBrk7cUxcHvN/s1600/Oystercatcher+%2528Starlings+too%2529+flock+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oystercatcher Starlings flock" border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFghApRSFKp6y4QIfzDnqxQrbfb6Hwa2yKIy4R8skv81D8-tiyaadARGhZiM3BALQIeJwG1fuGBf97a8T-B3nZgHmGmptK89EnEdy9CfIwz3aK-ldZU-0BX35fwU76utQliBrk7cUxcHvN/s400/Oystercatcher+%2528Starlings+too%2529+flock+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oystercatchers (below) and Starlings (above)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I walked around Ardmore Point peninsula, where there are impenetrable thickets of hawthorn, golden-yellow gorse scrub and silvery-barked Aspens.<br />
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From the path, I saw a male Whitethroat singing prominently from a hawthorn - what a handsome bird! Warm sunlight caught the suffusion of pink on his breast and lent his white-rimmed eyes a reddish tint.<br />
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Common Blue butterflies were frequent on the upper shore (Ardmore Point).<br />
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On my return home I spotted a Turnstone and later, a Commic Tern*, both on the lower shore between Ardmore Point south bay and Cardross. There was also a flock of Goldfinches flitting about close to the path.<br />
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*Not a tern trying to be funny...birder-speak for those which can't be positively identified as either a Common Tern (<i>Sterna hirudo</i>) or an Arctic Tern (<i>Sterna paradiseae</i>).<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="350" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bqhgzltzh.html" width="450"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-79670394450269541732011-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:002012-02-17T20:44:38.755-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireI walked from Duntocher to the Test again, taking the longer route above Little Round Top Wood to avoid the boisterous bullocks in the fields below. This route is short yet encompasses a wide variety of habitats (Ash/Hazel woodland, gorse scrub, dry grassland, damp flower-rich meadows, moorland and reedy willowy marshland).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtCLLkOFHybhPhqroI1sWy7_BjIL0Ydldj_li_LgjhOC_6LCCYtZah8zWZVduB94SpgFCfDTWsPF5WUZ_ejRSXPuNh43M7YlFEwJDJS5UnzmMYhDpE1AAu4PfFOV5LLOYQwGOs6YGGMvq/s1600/Marsh+Ragwort+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marsh Ragwort Senecio aquaticus" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtCLLkOFHybhPhqroI1sWy7_BjIL0Ydldj_li_LgjhOC_6LCCYtZah8zWZVduB94SpgFCfDTWsPF5WUZ_ejRSXPuNh43M7YlFEwJDJS5UnzmMYhDpE1AAu4PfFOV5LLOYQwGOs6YGGMvq/s400/Marsh+Ragwort+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Ragwort (<i>Senecio aquaticus</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmAW2DZVGEFSfi9Z1T0pByIAQJ8_Li8rc_uofDOOT4ZST6NT_jsmDLfQqcwlY39qK6qcv4u9Sm8nT-LObKPmwgnZWTFeVOxn__8Iv5ZCQKnu2Y46S_Yw3zF9KGa5x-8rTDi8YQpc5RQxd/s1600/Marsh+Ragwort+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marsh Ragwort Senecio aquaticus" border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmAW2DZVGEFSfi9Z1T0pByIAQJ8_Li8rc_uofDOOT4ZST6NT_jsmDLfQqcwlY39qK6qcv4u9Sm8nT-LObKPmwgnZWTFeVOxn__8Iv5ZCQKnu2Y46S_Yw3zF9KGa5x-8rTDi8YQpc5RQxd/s400/Marsh+Ragwort+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Ragwort (</span><i style="font-size: medium;">Senecio aquaticus</i><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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</tbody></table>
Despite receiving lots of bad press, both Marsh Ragwort (<i>Senecio aquaticus</i>) and Common Ragwort (<i>Senecio jacobaea</i>) are native plants and are a vital food source for many insects (for example, the plume moth <i>Platyptilia isodactylus</i> feeds ONLY on Marsh Ragwort).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_gXDkyThBmh15Wqc9FH_OfF7P3MT-qLdUx-h7AVtj4PJ4pQjlLZeCs3RuXPXrJskX4qjI3GQsDPaA06K3lKw2E_YYIKbIafqXlb55ZdG4aSbfjx5uOBkDYmiQ37mlv82Ft_1KxFrDeqo/s1600/Meadowsweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_gXDkyThBmh15Wqc9FH_OfF7P3MT-qLdUx-h7AVtj4PJ4pQjlLZeCs3RuXPXrJskX4qjI3GQsDPaA06K3lKw2E_YYIKbIafqXlb55ZdG4aSbfjx5uOBkDYmiQ37mlv82Ft_1KxFrDeqo/s400/Meadowsweet.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meadowsweet (<i>Filipendula ulmaria</i>)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Meadowsweet is a sweet scented, non-toxic plant with analgesic (pain relieving) and antiseptic properties. Salicylic acid extracted from Meadowsweet was used by chemists at Bayer AG to synthesize a new painkiller - acetylsalicylic acid - which they named aspirin (derived from Meadowsweet's old genus name rearranged: <i>Spiraea</i>).
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXQ1mVp3QrvuC_uncS4DtHE_Tj-KEk6dCOcF5sQS5DSVkRSFcmnpsseb8QmUrQsKYfi2kAtg4lbDWglXAhCjl2Zx6HYWAGr1s21wnrgr1HiQYU48R0b8Sw43wrlzG4TdcjVdB7kzBaEV9/s1600/Yarrow+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yarrow white Achillea millefolium" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXQ1mVp3QrvuC_uncS4DtHE_Tj-KEk6dCOcF5sQS5DSVkRSFcmnpsseb8QmUrQsKYfi2kAtg4lbDWglXAhCjl2Zx6HYWAGr1s21wnrgr1HiQYU48R0b8Sw43wrlzG4TdcjVdB7kzBaEV9/s400/Yarrow+white.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarrow (<i>Achillea millefolium</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTPh5d9lqu3_IOby47IWepTP2imTptobjnwAWNaWB503bRbNZ-tUTNUSDwKNutctHgE5CstpxRgftVNpFtTZUJkkwj212zsF1eaOAbzcCOxwGk8rw6UOH24nhJqMBcF7SgvOiBk4EQYB1/s1600/Yarrow+white+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yarrow white Achillea millefolium" border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTPh5d9lqu3_IOby47IWepTP2imTptobjnwAWNaWB503bRbNZ-tUTNUSDwKNutctHgE5CstpxRgftVNpFtTZUJkkwj212zsF1eaOAbzcCOxwGk8rw6UOH24nhJqMBcF7SgvOiBk4EQYB1/s400/Yarrow+white+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yarrow (<i>Achillea millefolium</i>)</span>
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Yarrow has flat-topped clusters of potently aromatic flowers coloured either milky white or various shades of pink (from pale candyfloss to a deep raspberry icecream).<br />
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One of the most highly regarded plants in herbal medicine, Yarrow is antimicrobial/antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic (increasing bile secretion), vasodilatory and promotes the healing of wounds.<br />
Its feathery leaves are mentioned in its other common names Milfoil and Thousand-leaf and also in the species name <i>millefolium</i> (<i>mille</i> = thousand +<i> folium</i> = leaf: Latin).<br />
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There were plenty of Meadow Brown butterflies on the wing and I managed to photograph one with its wings open for a change, revealing the foxy-orange patches and black eye-spots.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywleEu73B6eJwHIbXsLAVQcHSCth-nx7C7lTaqrraz8zJoBvBuXSbEZOkG5T6Hn858wOQG0BRKuiuJIzaAxK2WZcSb5fCQy7fnJ5t6w_znWvDxntGXp1VYJVb3ew6vsF5pBd2moNeFiW/s1600/Meadow+Brown+female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina female" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzywleEu73B6eJwHIbXsLAVQcHSCth-nx7C7lTaqrraz8zJoBvBuXSbEZOkG5T6Hn858wOQG0BRKuiuJIzaAxK2WZcSb5fCQy7fnJ5t6w_znWvDxntGXp1VYJVb3ew6vsF5pBd2moNeFiW/s400/Meadow+Brown+female+1.jpg" width="369" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meadow Brown (<i>Maniola jurtina</i>) female</span></td></tr>
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This individual is a female, males are a darker brown with much smaller orange patches.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-GfwRb5VG_dF_Igdy3Jr8Rzd-IjzajGfFxhyphenhyphenj6crnCisizQHJz8XHHKHWZClgBsAtcRYuxwIG-8qMhxj8KKUMT4mnYNt1lDGx2TD1NhEDn5CLgbtuyMc5DQw2r7d1mLmhhTjFpHRxUsC/s1600/Harebells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Harebell Campanula rotundifolia" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-GfwRb5VG_dF_Igdy3Jr8Rzd-IjzajGfFxhyphenhyphenj6crnCisizQHJz8XHHKHWZClgBsAtcRYuxwIG-8qMhxj8KKUMT4mnYNt1lDGx2TD1NhEDn5CLgbtuyMc5DQw2r7d1mLmhhTjFpHRxUsC/s400/Harebells.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harebell (<i>Campanula rotundifolia</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In late summer the moorland is at its most vivid: heather is freshly magenta-purple or lilac and the wild grasses have dried to a crispy gold.
Above the Test there is mostly Bell Heather (<i>Erica cinerea</i>) with some Cross-leaved Heather (<i>Erica tetralix</i>) in the boggier parts.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHypir7DaNenEZULGjeU_ygLp-05hzca9KSAA1Kx22SjlJAmCVWYhXVldkrsQnjnguBfIkb69K1i31hLPFnFWPc5asLXQ5cNBxr89EkoRTsoASZTlSRLcXdSsG9R2OOHXEmboH5A5g_yG/s1600/Grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="moorland grasses golden heather" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHypir7DaNenEZULGjeU_ygLp-05hzca9KSAA1Kx22SjlJAmCVWYhXVldkrsQnjnguBfIkb69K1i31hLPFnFWPc5asLXQ5cNBxr89EkoRTsoASZTlSRLcXdSsG9R2OOHXEmboH5A5g_yG/s400/Grass.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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I followed the old track (overgrown with Gorse) that leads down from the Test southeast to Little Round Top. At a marshy point to the side of this path I discovered a plant which I have never seen before: Knotted Pearlwort (<i>Sagina nodosa</i>).
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXg6oRF0C8ht6wDnO4bj5xICcATyrXaW3E1G3gVs51dRocLXU395Ums22r_qp9ml4IqOI8CxqQSDeA4DUdLRobh0bv1GTwA0RbgPvDoX9KKpc_EEUhyOU5mT8TqYcG3WNNn1FgxLEyLrXW/s1600/x+Knotted+Pearlwort+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Knotted Pearlwort Sagina nodosa" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXg6oRF0C8ht6wDnO4bj5xICcATyrXaW3E1G3gVs51dRocLXU395Ums22r_qp9ml4IqOI8CxqQSDeA4DUdLRobh0bv1GTwA0RbgPvDoX9KKpc_EEUhyOU5mT8TqYcG3WNNn1FgxLEyLrXW/s400/x+Knotted+Pearlwort+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knotted Pearlwort (<i>Sagina nodosa</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0dtUPNH7AfelOzXYHvUjEOGFdfFLnxHf420VM_9hCncCK2ky3lyd0PpGQCkmacGXu9McYLxSdgyR2pb3E9Ui0Ml8M5k2eCo0g9aF62mAQSb9CXVrVYPPNOI1mOit2QpIC0qUEhbzsE3x/s1600/x+Knotted+Pearlwort+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Knotted Pearlwort Sagina nodosa" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0dtUPNH7AfelOzXYHvUjEOGFdfFLnxHf420VM_9hCncCK2ky3lyd0PpGQCkmacGXu9McYLxSdgyR2pb3E9Ui0Ml8M5k2eCo0g9aF62mAQSb9CXVrVYPPNOI1mOit2QpIC0qUEhbzsE3x/s400/x+Knotted+Pearlwort+6.jpg" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knotted Pearlwort (<i>Sagina nodosa</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The key features identification features of Knotted Pearlwort are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Stubby bunches of leaf shoots which form<b> </b><u>'knots' along the stems</u>. </li>
<li>Completely white (unnotched) <u>petals twice as long as sepals</u> (the green flaps underneath petals). </li>
<li><u>5 white centrally-placed styles</u> surrounded by <u>10 white stamens</u>. </li>
</ul>
Knotted Pearlwort's scientific name translates as 'Fodder, knotted' (<i>sagina</i> = fodder, <i>nodosa</i> = knotted: Latin).<br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boiot6unr.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-64275273960302548472011-07-10T18:08:00.000-07:002012-02-17T20:33:28.108-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireThe route I followed on today's (short) walk was: Duntocher to the Test (OS map grid reference: NS 475 743) via Little Round Top Wood (NS 476 735), this time crossing the marshland meadow above it. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-ilSXQF1JPkcqUzI0wmlHgyuYLayYdS5on-Kbm4Vt6XnxS8EUEHEtnElXzLSJmcIEAkFjA5y2cOtqlcbt9Lwx-DiYo7TscZoo1e7yEbPdQRvbELY4V0eqNwvSMsuZ5bFBPreAH5m09vl/s1600/Bittersweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-ilSXQF1JPkcqUzI0wmlHgyuYLayYdS5on-Kbm4Vt6XnxS8EUEHEtnElXzLSJmcIEAkFjA5y2cOtqlcbt9Lwx-DiYo7TscZoo1e7yEbPdQRvbELY4V0eqNwvSMsuZ5bFBPreAH5m09vl/s400/Bittersweet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bittersweet (<i>Solanum dulcamara</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bittersweet (also known as Woody Nightshade) was growing through a hedge at the side of Beeches Road (field boundary near crossroads).<br />
<br />
Bittersweet is a close relative of Potato, Tomato and Aubergine (all these plants belong to the genus <i>Solanum</i> and all have poisonous foliage). Unlike its partially edible relations: all parts of Bittersweet (including the attractive fruits) contain the glycoalkaloid poison solanine and cause nausea and stomach cramps if consumed.<br />
<br />
I found 3 Six-spot Burnet moths in the rough grassland above Little Round Top Wood, they all looked a bit worn (probably the end of their flight period).<br />
These day-flying moths produce cyanogenic glucosides and can also sequester those produced by their foodplant (Common Bird's-foot Trefoil). When broken down, the cyanogenic glucosides release poisonous hydrogen cyanide: their crimson-spotted wings are an aposematic warning to predators.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W-kxhs6uqWzzpXz1-J6nXjU3GKvufJetQldqDA3N3AY3jw4FpEdBM0oir33gy9nblHQSYZLEBWYBaDXPYTExAm4hbU7sxN2sA5i0OiMCVOWutSEytgrLm6IRMFhR8VcJn2HC0OsyDes5/s1600/6-spot+Burnet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Six-spot Burnet Zygaena filipendulae" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7W-kxhs6uqWzzpXz1-J6nXjU3GKvufJetQldqDA3N3AY3jw4FpEdBM0oir33gy9nblHQSYZLEBWYBaDXPYTExAm4hbU7sxN2sA5i0OiMCVOWutSEytgrLm6IRMFhR8VcJn2HC0OsyDes5/s400/6-spot+Burnet+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Six-spot Burnet (<i>Zygaena filipendulae</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFxVkl6C_psthYnKWYIuQw-LfMMA9e5ERZbm1zItiTCSKXIYunROaoRfiQl4saMB6wW3ADpGFnzhQxWTnUIR7gxjsil2vvhyphenhyphenjtLhPhiQ3TuHIrKe1iyHTA0eNCUKLt1ccauF8uhKpW8K2/s1600/Hairy+Thyme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hairy Thyme Thymus praecox" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFxVkl6C_psthYnKWYIuQw-LfMMA9e5ERZbm1zItiTCSKXIYunROaoRfiQl4saMB6wW3ADpGFnzhQxWTnUIR7gxjsil2vvhyphenhyphenjtLhPhiQ3TuHIrKe1iyHTA0eNCUKLt1ccauF8uhKpW8K2/s400/Hairy+Thyme.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hairy Thyme (<i>Thymus praecox</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Surprisingly few bees around at the moment - I've scarcely seen any this summer, even the dense clumps of thyme were empty. <br />
<br />
At the Test I found a Sparrowhawk kill: a clump of feathers which probably belonged to a Meadow Pipit. <br />
<br />
I also found this large female Drinker moth: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMI1IWghe_mvY-ni44y6QcdTZ-H5J_ZMy87kgGsSMVec3ZnrFFFRK3myVKksA3wjJ6GP_0YQET7aGrSbXZt2UuOLa6wBV7WCYsXsO4ZxtL1OYoTigt1pIlmmA7-YXmotqAZYgZfMkWNL/s1600/Drinker+Moth+female+3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria female" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlMI1IWghe_mvY-ni44y6QcdTZ-H5J_ZMy87kgGsSMVec3ZnrFFFRK3myVKksA3wjJ6GP_0YQET7aGrSbXZt2UuOLa6wBV7WCYsXsO4ZxtL1OYoTigt1pIlmmA7-YXmotqAZYgZfMkWNL/s400/Drinker+Moth+female+3b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drinker moth (<i>Euthrix potatoria</i>) female</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17q1O2miHOxzQmghgiY7xq4y5lVSka7cDhmCoGw9WGBWvSSm6MJNlmBRgVNX0Pf6gPFf55QmPJYlyvznL3ewCUJ8celLe7j3ogOJEACzpvqT7Dr9Y8ZQA5n-fZKdvErGxB-iH24GYqzAj/s1600/Drinker+Moth+female+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria female" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17q1O2miHOxzQmghgiY7xq4y5lVSka7cDhmCoGw9WGBWvSSm6MJNlmBRgVNX0Pf6gPFf55QmPJYlyvznL3ewCUJ8celLe7j3ogOJEACzpvqT7Dr9Y8ZQA5n-fZKdvErGxB-iH24GYqzAj/s400/Drinker+Moth+female+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drinker moth (<i>Euthrix potatoria</i>) female</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEiy6umcq4IR0ZNPn3Z6lyylI7zYB0QHcr-oKE-z_uWT9dR8u8QMQ3V1TkgPDbTcaK27qYHiHm9xsFtaCJZUXkiGmSWcX5jYhz54oL1u07ZTj87aRs16iC3lY68piMdoMhe9WydS-Rb-u/s1600/Drinker+Moth+female+9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria female laying eggs" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEiy6umcq4IR0ZNPn3Z6lyylI7zYB0QHcr-oKE-z_uWT9dR8u8QMQ3V1TkgPDbTcaK27qYHiHm9xsFtaCJZUXkiGmSWcX5jYhz54oL1u07ZTj87aRs16iC3lY68piMdoMhe9WydS-Rb-u/s400/Drinker+Moth+female+9b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drinker moth (<i>Euthrix potatoria</i>) female, laying eggs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx47FkTABwsK94El-HwPttzRyk0KsdsaFO7FdIPQCe-l3XbrEcOMODlEjCgzNZ5hIitwT1AGZG52sO05Xh581qXQFm-QFsirVzSxaX27HZazkIVtKJEyGnD4OiDS5oRj2WfSnMQxa2xce/s1600/Drinker+Moth+female+egg-laying+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria female laying eggs" border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx47FkTABwsK94El-HwPttzRyk0KsdsaFO7FdIPQCe-l3XbrEcOMODlEjCgzNZ5hIitwT1AGZG52sO05Xh581qXQFm-QFsirVzSxaX27HZazkIVtKJEyGnD4OiDS5oRj2WfSnMQxa2xce/s400/Drinker+Moth+female+egg-laying+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drinker moth (<i>Euthrix potatoria</i>) female, laying eggs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Difficult to photograph due to the blustery wind!<br />
The <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvfadMACxmRwXXHcLNJmWN_nlxMIKT_3EG3czAHIYcQjeXhNYwvlPg9IGlrafqHO7a-_N7lFD6aa-ycg-oMh0eHssoB3MPUnlDxx3R0cw48lCghoOwL0wxBjFL_R6S6x3Rgz9PSjGITA/s400/drinker+caterpillar.jpg">irritatingly hairy caterpillars</a> of this moth feed on wild grasses and reeds: these eggs will hatch in a month's time and the larvae will spend the winter in their larval stage (pupating the following summer).<br />
<br />
In the sheep-grazed grassland south of the Test, I found the diminutive white flowers of Fairy Flax (<i>Linum catharticum</i>): a non-edible, wild relative of Flax (the plant from which linseed is obtained). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-aXXyLg_KQ_BDhqZ4Vj29_lL3JNEF7McL9QzTa7WQWc92EG-v0WxdsursZqZe_Y2RrRZvEwAHi0buYHRxvfs3PfZc3nUnQFRxOA49ll5PJhhzqZjuWkCY8-gcrXJWVrwQTynjQiEPAGy/s1600/Fairy+Flax+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fairy Flax Linum catharticum" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-aXXyLg_KQ_BDhqZ4Vj29_lL3JNEF7McL9QzTa7WQWc92EG-v0WxdsursZqZe_Y2RrRZvEwAHi0buYHRxvfs3PfZc3nUnQFRxOA49ll5PJhhzqZjuWkCY8-gcrXJWVrwQTynjQiEPAGy/s400/Fairy+Flax+1.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Fairy Flax (<i>Linum catharticum</i>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boiot6unr.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-85942648574253930072011-06-20T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-17T21:17:50.678-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireToday I walked to the hidden valley of Haw Craig (via the Humphrey Road) and followed the treeline north of the Hill of Dun, to Glenarbuck and the Triangle Reservoir.<br />
<br />
I found a dead Stoat at the bottom of Beeches Road, close to the collapsed WW2 bomb shelter (now a pile of concrete slabs).<br />
<br />
As I crossed the sheep field above Haw Craig, a Brown Hare started up from under my feet - a magnificently large individual.<br />
<br />
Sitting on the cliff overlooking Haw Craig, I heard harsh chattering and caught a brief flash of colour as a Jay swiftly glided from one tree to another.
They had good reason to be nervous: I soon spotted the steely-grey back of a male Sparrowhawk slipping stealthily between the Hawthorn scrub.<br />
<br />
Tall spikes of magenta Foxgloves filled the valley and Hairy Thyme furnished the tops of boulders and loose scree with pink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPxRJJcwGH_72jVOPLxvvzu3txLWsKPCkUXM5la4InouhLeUCMLAbsTbkJgSY7SJbeV2mjMD9rmkkepzN4vHat0v3EsLTn9mxnSnQW0keSPdLmjm_EWRbKjRfp6r87M9CV93rNUQ_UJSw/s1600/Foxglove+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxglove Digitalis purpurea" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPxRJJcwGH_72jVOPLxvvzu3txLWsKPCkUXM5la4InouhLeUCMLAbsTbkJgSY7SJbeV2mjMD9rmkkepzN4vHat0v3EsLTn9mxnSnQW0keSPdLmjm_EWRbKjRfp6r87M9CV93rNUQ_UJSw/s400/Foxglove+1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Foxglove (<i>Digitalis purpurea</i>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA3VOhBxE49eBVztXUfBIDVuex8eqxych2Ffn4RFSOjo_LHarIR0vOYlrrRWhGCJRFI_-Bk1IMY75S9PqePvhLdQtXUDpZn4pvW9ln59ujR1zfFzIjnsgeildJ37pb_pPd_IDm6ELnUjK/s1600/Foxglove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxglove Digitalis purpurea" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIA3VOhBxE49eBVztXUfBIDVuex8eqxych2Ffn4RFSOjo_LHarIR0vOYlrrRWhGCJRFI_-Bk1IMY75S9PqePvhLdQtXUDpZn4pvW9ln59ujR1zfFzIjnsgeildJ37pb_pPd_IDm6ELnUjK/s400/Foxglove+2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Foxglove (<i>Digitalis purpurea</i>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79hlumxPrPJOcpSp_U3pj3OTkT08ROddH_IhNa52Sy04Fr_Lwa63LdGWcm7xSizNSy2EZ8XOuzNFk5n8RX-PcV8UgDwJx-nk0Wk86_XiHTlioiA_coJV-whkOeur1BCOYiUG83fvPkgb5/s1600/Foxglove+white+mutation+1+%2528large%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxglove Digitalis purpurea white" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79hlumxPrPJOcpSp_U3pj3OTkT08ROddH_IhNa52Sy04Fr_Lwa63LdGWcm7xSizNSy2EZ8XOuzNFk5n8RX-PcV8UgDwJx-nk0Wk86_XiHTlioiA_coJV-whkOeur1BCOYiUG83fvPkgb5/s400/Foxglove+white+mutation+1+%2528large%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Foxglove (<i>Digitalis purpurea</i>) white mutation</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6q7bPP0OEzrrIZ48sQk3bjVprh_JmK5mewpqJJlp493C1vsUw22TZq9cbinI4W9C2buo_CAgGOqCZl-V7iar8lPe6dBCsixG7z4zADldnq2mBwt06mXPZcr71Ww49ryO4wkeC1Lk3XOA/s1600/Foxglove+white+mutation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxglove Digitalis purpurea white" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6q7bPP0OEzrrIZ48sQk3bjVprh_JmK5mewpqJJlp493C1vsUw22TZq9cbinI4W9C2buo_CAgGOqCZl-V7iar8lPe6dBCsixG7z4zADldnq2mBwt06mXPZcr71Ww49ryO4wkeC1Lk3XOA/s400/Foxglove+white+mutation.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Foxglove (<i>Digitalis purpurea</i>) white mutation</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI22GaEYj07hX_q8kBl7RPhTqafvIOtn_oPIoNFTNA67KuDNQ79zmWV7Y0d7E9v4fi2ZC6DbXmvBqxyJETj4tCuBMB6NEHSQTUFhhyTKbhXXlDwJQbAepEoO__pUTMTg4BjNPZbrO1-DtJ/s1600/Foxglove+white+mutation+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foxglove Digitalis purpurea colours" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI22GaEYj07hX_q8kBl7RPhTqafvIOtn_oPIoNFTNA67KuDNQ79zmWV7Y0d7E9v4fi2ZC6DbXmvBqxyJETj4tCuBMB6NEHSQTUFhhyTKbhXXlDwJQbAepEoO__pUTMTg4BjNPZbrO1-DtJ/s400/Foxglove+white+mutation+3.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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Foxglove (<i>Digitalis purpurea</i>) colour variations</div>
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Foxglove is deadly poisonous, even in small quantities. The entire plant contains cardiac glycosides (particularly digoxin) which cause dizziness/nausea, visual disturbances and potentially dangerous changes in heart rate and rhythm (digoxin is sometimes used medicinally to treat heart conditions).<br />
Foxglove's scientific name means 'Of-the-fingers purple' in Latin (<i>Digitalis</i> = of the fingers & <i>purpurea</i> = purple) referring to the way in which the flowers can be fitted thimble-like onto the fingertips.<br />
<br />
Amongst the foxgloves I found this toothless old fox skull:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnknT33VI8UI00PaiUTQv_3XLrrRN8Im696xuxiwn5L8sKqVWrWLRqZm4OB6Q6SjHZUrOIE42ROoTpitS8lE-knd30iOKR64cOwGkyzug3u9Ap6EOTH5lzmoU8HbN6Kw0xRoCTvVSUN9y/s1600/Fox+Skull+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fox skull vulpes vulpes" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnknT33VI8UI00PaiUTQv_3XLrrRN8Im696xuxiwn5L8sKqVWrWLRqZm4OB6Q6SjHZUrOIE42ROoTpitS8lE-knd30iOKR64cOwGkyzug3u9Ap6EOTH5lzmoU8HbN6Kw0xRoCTvVSUN9y/s400/Fox+Skull+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fox skull (<i>Vulpes vulpes</i>)</div>
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Flat or concave post-orbital processes (the projections at the upper rear of the eye socket) indicate that this is a fox's skull.<br />
In dogs, the post-orbital processes are convex and elevated above the muzzle (forming a distinct stop between forehead and base of nose).<br />
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An excellent guide to skull identification can be found here: <a href="http://www.btinternet.com/~alison.gilsland/hedbone/lists.htm.">http://www.btinternet.com/~alison.gilsland/hedbone/lists.htm.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHdYKbVZIA4Ip8pbyx-zfesI04c7ogULfXjxOmcU2wWGMNBNoL-iRWFDGUryB3fST3RlwuW-AKjJbo-7qEJGvpnE-rhnnWV6CQVUltjp8-Jv6dgCgWd-xK6u-dE7i_WN3Wo8914U-Amo/s1600/Hairy+Thyme+1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hairy Thyme Thymus praecox" border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHdYKbVZIA4Ip8pbyx-zfesI04c7ogULfXjxOmcU2wWGMNBNoL-iRWFDGUryB3fST3RlwuW-AKjJbo-7qEJGvpnE-rhnnWV6CQVUltjp8-Jv6dgCgWd-xK6u-dE7i_WN3Wo8914U-Amo/s400/Hairy+Thyme+1b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hairy Thyme (<i>Thymus praecox</i>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfoliSjxsdMPS9cGrdNkjwCYyHQheNS9WaKstu45pvlQ7n5tpJLFQDrr_9rl-Y8tL1P0xX8KVNlJg4PgSh8FMZyolpICTthZDK1LwtLJZlJUEOR47ivhDvJUWB8bmJpBPgYtuOXGepG1t/s1600/Hairy+Thyme+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hairy Thyme Thymus praecox" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfoliSjxsdMPS9cGrdNkjwCYyHQheNS9WaKstu45pvlQ7n5tpJLFQDrr_9rl-Y8tL1P0xX8KVNlJg4PgSh8FMZyolpICTthZDK1LwtLJZlJUEOR47ivhDvJUWB8bmJpBPgYtuOXGepG1t/s400/Hairy+Thyme+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hairy Thyme (<i>Thymus praecox</i>)</div>
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Hairy Thyme, one of several species of wild thyme, is strongly aromatic when crushed and is highly attractive to bees.<br />
This species can be used in recipes in exactly the same way as cultivated varieties, though the flavour is weaker. Thyme also has medicinal properties: it contains thymol (aka 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) which is strongly antiseptic and antimicrobial.<br />
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Orchid Beetles (<i>Dascillus cervinus</i>) were present in large numbers on the patches of thyme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuQfRHkEcYSTDwPP3u_iYXZeOFnGl1v33UrG4u6zqyYFQY3rwZziPCDCqRbWszQ1luY9pZVwReImBYMY2fVT_VoUX9R0tJhN6wJ2TMKOBB7CE_-bx5OOruTiSgZdAd8DkeM-yoRrQqIkp/s1600/Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Broom Cytisus scoparius" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfuQfRHkEcYSTDwPP3u_iYXZeOFnGl1v33UrG4u6zqyYFQY3rwZziPCDCqRbWszQ1luY9pZVwReImBYMY2fVT_VoUX9R0tJhN6wJ2TMKOBB7CE_-bx5OOruTiSgZdAd8DkeM-yoRrQqIkp/s400/Broom.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Broom (<i>Cytisus scoparius</i>)</div>
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Broom (<i>Cytisus scoparius</i>) is a leguminous, nitrogen-fixing shrub belonging to the Faboideae subfamily (alongside Clovers and Gorses). As its common name suggests, the slender branches of this shrub were once used as brooms: the species name '<i>scoparius</i>' is Latin for 'the sweeper'.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLmERAhh8dWC-q533y4uGzGixve6hECHHEWVWuVz5IIt4YwCQK7yYivIyCg5OApichp0dBxqrOEVc8ilcqDajpsHtTMd5Sd9WrrKrOkO5YAVPInsbcXb5fPo7gwLFfrsq1rlZt2EMAOFO/s1600/Wood+Avens+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wood Avens Geum urbanum" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLmERAhh8dWC-q533y4uGzGixve6hECHHEWVWuVz5IIt4YwCQK7yYivIyCg5OApichp0dBxqrOEVc8ilcqDajpsHtTMd5Sd9WrrKrOkO5YAVPInsbcXb5fPo7gwLFfrsq1rlZt2EMAOFO/s400/Wood+Avens+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wood Avens (<i>Geum urbanum</i>)</div>
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Wood Avens, also known as Herb Bennet, has edible leaves which can be cooked into soups & stews. The roots; which have an aromatic clove-like taste; can be boiled into a beverage or used to flavour soups.<br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wood Avens Recipes: </span></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/dandelion_and_wood_avens_52768">Wood Avens & Dandelion Coffee (from www.bbc.co.uk)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/woodland_spiced_rosehip_92742">Woodland Spiced Rosehip and Beetroot Soup (from www.bbc.co.uk)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/herb-bennet-recipe">Fried Wood Avens Leaves (from www.eatweeds.co.uk)</a><br />
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Common Blue Damselflies (<i>Enallagma cyathigerum</i>) are beginning to emerge where the river runs through Haw Craig.<br />
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The Triangle Reservoir was rather quiet: I saw only 1 Sand Martin.<br />
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On the stony banks of the reservoir I nearly managed to catch a vole. Then I somehow managed to fall INTO the Triangle Reservoir (oops!) whilst observing the thick black mass of tadpoles congregated at the bottom.<br />
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On my return home I found this guy:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxvrNxlG1213CThN7kA2NOf488Du00cD2Bl5rr3uRsMCynQjGqRWWgGFDg73svsOQo8btkkVX7XVCuChouCbuT6Lr5a2wz8AqmQKNJ1cHEhdjLsnMFOUYucfT6pmUxFa2Vwdp8QxIRyiG/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxvrNxlG1213CThN7kA2NOf488Du00cD2Bl5rr3uRsMCynQjGqRWWgGFDg73svsOQo8btkkVX7XVCuChouCbuT6Lr5a2wz8AqmQKNJ1cHEhdjLsnMFOUYucfT6pmUxFa2Vwdp8QxIRyiG/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male</div>
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Unusually, in this species the hindwings are held in front of the forewings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsq9zEFRQUVieew1QlpCRxV-hXOdrenxZsNKxYhmfruFUSOJTF0zU2r_OtGCb-GTeDsTcmNFlcZgsMTw4UEYvYUPXWjYPikpUnqkXoASW3Ron061sJ9t9U18RKH2CN0th7_AQhnma3tOv/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPsq9zEFRQUVieew1QlpCRxV-hXOdrenxZsNKxYhmfruFUSOJTF0zU2r_OtGCb-GTeDsTcmNFlcZgsMTw4UEYvYUPXWjYPikpUnqkXoASW3Ron061sJ9t9U18RKH2CN0th7_AQhnma3tOv/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr0zTRxqXXI6ZfgxU5TbIkn-HW9Wc8aUCGPS0uswXuKJBgAHwmWlG5XIwdSgbe810C3PEnKvt7zoi5YBPtMmkyim7hPucppQ7JaQ0bCtLUwsi-KjE067-WRx5ObBS4V6bhy0wyuO79vq8/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrr0zTRxqXXI6ZfgxU5TbIkn-HW9Wc8aUCGPS0uswXuKJBgAHwmWlG5XIwdSgbe810C3PEnKvt7zoi5YBPtMmkyim7hPucppQ7JaQ0bCtLUwsi-KjE067-WRx5ObBS4V6bhy0wyuO79vq8/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmFKXDFkTulgqYgf03BN3hrWLVdwXthZrwgRMqrwam3dQbf8iEZK0AcE87n1iDu1nc7s-4qY_ZDF12zBRRTxnGiOTBXBH9ZfeRd9vESvGjH04-oYfdavdqKq7sXcxy184yZbdmEaPkjXz/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmFKXDFkTulgqYgf03BN3hrWLVdwXthZrwgRMqrwam3dQbf8iEZK0AcE87n1iDu1nc7s-4qY_ZDF12zBRRTxnGiOTBXBH9ZfeRd9vESvGjH04-oYfdavdqKq7sXcxy184yZbdmEaPkjXz/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male - wing detail</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43-Zwf07RBEi2xuShxv83eyB0fivKqZ-9M9phflvXF40X3r4S8fQCGGZ9HzZukv23HVrmo1jQdd1DQTnMBVnO8OVzSufnkr2hnqMYNNcVVEyVwCwLwks6ZkwZ4lRm-9HKu6DBrAEL5Gbx/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wing+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43-Zwf07RBEi2xuShxv83eyB0fivKqZ-9M9phflvXF40X3r4S8fQCGGZ9HzZukv23HVrmo1jQdd1DQTnMBVnO8OVzSufnkr2hnqMYNNcVVEyVwCwLwks6ZkwZ4lRm-9HKu6DBrAEL5Gbx/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wing+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfh7D1UoaQin2d68Fm_N511ioW86tyfbTrRIGXsIEYqks3GOnyEyCxJqIwI_GkPlCAMNn35NjEULORFGwVVVRxz9C16psVfl9-spyLpMGY6FQ6MDhyh3YAOob6XwqjrgPSbqgcDj_N30B/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfh7D1UoaQin2d68Fm_N511ioW86tyfbTrRIGXsIEYqks3GOnyEyCxJqIwI_GkPlCAMNn35NjEULORFGwVVVRxz9C16psVfl9-spyLpMGY6FQ6MDhyh3YAOob6XwqjrgPSbqgcDj_N30B/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+front+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycA8npqmNl-9aja1rMuN09iKtoX4Pl1DM2QCtTSUvOyu36HRX5dRCPDegNgqSfIu8IP1mVh3XCtl4Esq9hWuGxFYzX6BMtWAxdjDc8ukfV-6QSp6eU_T9CjTLkamsFYhVEKgXMF8SB30h/s1600/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wings+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poplar Hawkmoth Laothoe populi male" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycA8npqmNl-9aja1rMuN09iKtoX4Pl1DM2QCtTSUvOyu36HRX5dRCPDegNgqSfIu8IP1mVh3XCtl4Esq9hWuGxFYzX6BMtWAxdjDc8ukfV-6QSp6eU_T9CjTLkamsFYhVEKgXMF8SB30h/s400/Poplar+Hawkmoth+wings+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Poplar Hawkmoth (<i>Laothoe populi</i>) male</div>
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Common, but still an impressive moth: about 5cm in length from wing to wing!
This species lacks a functional proboscis and therefore cannot feed during adulthood.
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Poplar Hawkmoths can be sexed easily: males have narrow, blunt-tipped abdomens while females have pointed abdomens.<br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boixoheo7.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-72517864616350926742011-06-06T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-23T23:54:19.530-08:00Kildonan, Isle of ArranArran has a very varied geology, which has given rise to a rich diversity of shore types. The shores at Kildonan are a mixture of white sandy bays, shingle beaches and basalt dykes (with plenty of rockpools). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ87k6vzTvkonjGvlQ5spWe-_KdmaRtRWJqqzBhQc5Bm2Kg5DKiJWgQTvW7LPCeOrMoJveAaxW2fVOp64JpQELa4TkqK1y7L5GFEnb8K6uMdOrE2rJg5r5lMX1-C8jwJuBO5hiKEGc23Tg/s1600/Kildonan+Bay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kildonan Port a'Ghille Ghlais raised shore" border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ87k6vzTvkonjGvlQ5spWe-_KdmaRtRWJqqzBhQc5Bm2Kg5DKiJWgQTvW7LPCeOrMoJveAaxW2fVOp64JpQELa4TkqK1y7L5GFEnb8K6uMdOrE2rJg5r5lMX1-C8jwJuBO5hiKEGc23Tg/s400/Kildonan+Bay.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Raised Beach near Kildonan at Port a'Ghille Ghlais</div>
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The luxuriantly vegetated cliffs of the hinterland are a classic example of a post-glacial raised shore, formed when land rose after the melting of glacial ice sheets, whose weight previously kept this land depressed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVGXCyg7pvevgPKTZZGvGaqeGnCm3tuUUhMYVPrz2zO5ynhAm8oRrKNnv7NG_jRx2TSZ44C2x3yYbuVsls8RCVxdqu9BQnbfaGLF3LGEkJ71r3-whc_iZftNj9Ho_TGGZ-SuwEQsunuc/s1600/Kildonan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kildonan Tertiary basalt dykes" border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6aVGXCyg7pvevgPKTZZGvGaqeGnCm3tuUUhMYVPrz2zO5ynhAm8oRrKNnv7NG_jRx2TSZ44C2x3yYbuVsls8RCVxdqu9BQnbfaGLF3LGEkJ71r3-whc_iZftNj9Ho_TGGZ-SuwEQsunuc/s400/Kildonan.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Tertiary basalt dykes at Kildonan</div>
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Basalt dykes and sills form tall, lichen-crusted rock-walls which chop the shore into segments and extend into the sea. These intrusions were formed in the Tertiary when molten magma intruded into pre-existing rock layers, in this case Triassic mudstone (sedimentary rock formed from clay or mud). <br />
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When many dykes arise from a single volcanic event they form what is known as a 'dyke swarm', of which Kildonan has one of the best examples in the world.<br />
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More in-depth info on Kildonan's geology can be found at these sites:<br />
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<a href="http://www.scapetrust.org/html/clyde3_download.html">Coastal Zone Assessment Survey of Port a' Ghille Ghlais to Kildonan (Map 5)</a> produced by SCAPE & Historic Scotland.<br />
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<a href="http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4174&gcr=1239">Site Report by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bHxFcwrPeJhdsPhcx2d_Sko4-Jfba3C7hKIAo-x_DP43OP59O-twDTzDiRHynnGBriT9VIzusSoUJSv0hIQUVHO-5PePo6gZ4W7tnpfLDMMElPwGg1qnJ7DQ6b_clmoz9Mgs47KFyD_/s1600/Kildonan+Bay+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pladda Ailsa Craig" border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2bHxFcwrPeJhdsPhcx2d_Sko4-Jfba3C7hKIAo-x_DP43OP59O-twDTzDiRHynnGBriT9VIzusSoUJSv0hIQUVHO-5PePo6gZ4W7tnpfLDMMElPwGg1qnJ7DQ6b_clmoz9Mgs47KFyD_/s400/Kildonan+Bay+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Isle of Pladda (left) and the Ailsa Craig (right) from Kildonan</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTTAvZUHYrADStCYqAGnuhf3RmPZzvgkA9-j7H7N8YR5QgCTUXh5d4uxlbm2Cm0ZNAnaNALPo9Jdjpdr9DLiQldILRmplbBJhePUk0I6c6P26f4hlQThH0AVkXbpp42U9PF5s6Vov93YS/s1600/Pladda+and+Ailsa+Craig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pladda Ailsa Craig" border="0" height="262px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTTAvZUHYrADStCYqAGnuhf3RmPZzvgkA9-j7H7N8YR5QgCTUXh5d4uxlbm2Cm0ZNAnaNALPo9Jdjpdr9DLiQldILRmplbBJhePUk0I6c6P26f4hlQThH0AVkXbpp42U9PF5s6Vov93YS/s400/Pladda+and+Ailsa+Craig.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Isle of Pladda with Ailsa Craig behind</div>
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Lighthouse on Pladda</div>
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The Isle of Pladda is a flat-topped volcanic sill and was formed when magma flowed sideways between pre-existing rock layers. Once cooled, this magma was harder than surrounding rocks and resisted erosion, forming a cliff above softer rocks. It has had a lighthouse since 1790, though the current building dates from around 1830. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5CJiLUc5HTiJF4Qzz42J6shZHWF1AUlS9prbpBMWy2fgtwmgjcQ7Sf2KI2ZGMQ_dBjjz1joctabCCGc2CSctbOx6GiBtBjq8kwS6XqGL3z5e9Qb5KEjnarEvDfz5jvL0Ut63bLeEh8Th/s1600/Ailsa+Craig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ailsa Craig" border="0" height="318px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5CJiLUc5HTiJF4Qzz42J6shZHWF1AUlS9prbpBMWy2fgtwmgjcQ7Sf2KI2ZGMQ_dBjjz1joctabCCGc2CSctbOx6GiBtBjq8kwS6XqGL3z5e9Qb5KEjnarEvDfz5jvL0Ut63bLeEh8Th/s400/Ailsa+Craig.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Ailsa Craig</div>
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The Ailsa Craig (also known as Paddy's Milestone) is a sharply conical volcanic plug composed mostly of microgranite (a very hard, fine-grained granite) which contains the minerals riebeckite and aenigmatite. It has the 3rd largest Gannet colony in the UK and many of these birds can be seen fishing around the coasts of Arran.<br />
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Kildonan is a great place to see Common Seals (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>): a large colony is present all year and the seals seem surprisingly tolerant of human presence. As we approached the seals we could hear their snorts, grunts and wails echoing off the green cliffs curving round the bay.<br />
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Dog-owners should keep their pets on a leash along this stretch of shore to avoid disturbing the seals, as they haul out very close to the coastal path.<br />
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BDVf7ZSr17sSeVdarMAZfXa8fb9jCL27YJXI2C0T3dhAvmxXzLONeLv6urgUPdVzG-sQE7Ue9TlzGHfdt4ev4CqNlDcVtqYj8hfcaw8JJp692Cyz4HyNaBVbxztotr5ZgF5ULzQ7cWb/s1600/Common+Seal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Common Seal Phoca vitulina" border="0" height="290px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9BDVf7ZSr17sSeVdarMAZfXa8fb9jCL27YJXI2C0T3dhAvmxXzLONeLv6urgUPdVzG-sQE7Ue9TlzGHfdt4ev4CqNlDcVtqYj8hfcaw8JJp692Cyz4HyNaBVbxztotr5ZgF5ULzQ7cWb/s400/Common+Seal+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuoUfHJCgAwBEA_HaJ2wWbmilGH6h_VVfmN0Njxwqy96gn_WyIQRfWuoGkprjyULaoShx9j_uiGnDDzHU9QBWfZcVbkHMXipey6jGudAcvlNq-ur0NCwdXuaDSdAHLnj7id5ujIP-ZxMO/s1600/Common+Seal+CROP+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Common Seal Phoca vitulina" border="0" height="342px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuoUfHJCgAwBEA_HaJ2wWbmilGH6h_VVfmN0Njxwqy96gn_WyIQRfWuoGkprjyULaoShx9j_uiGnDDzHU9QBWfZcVbkHMXipey6jGudAcvlNq-ur0NCwdXuaDSdAHLnj7id5ujIP-ZxMO/s400/Common+Seal+CROP+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Common Seals (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>) can be distinguished from Grey Seals (<em>Halichoerus grypus</em>) by the following features:<br />
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<ul>
<li><u>V-shaped nostrils</u> (the Grey Seal has almost parallel nostrils).</li>
<li><u>Rounded head</u> with short <u>snub-nosed muzzle</u>. Pronounced <u>dip between forehead and muzzle</u> (the Grey Seal has a long 'Roman nosed' muzzle and a flat forehead). </li>
<li><u>Eyes positioned on the front of the face</u>, closer to the nose than the back of the head (Grey Seals have their eyes positioned slightly on the sides of the head, halfway between nose and back of head).</li>
<li>Fur is very <u>finely and uniformly mottled</u> with pale outlines/rings around darker grey spots (Grey Seals have more strikingly marked, blotchier coats often with sharply contrasting patterning).</li>
</ul>
Common Seals are the smaller of the two species, weighing 45-105 kg (males are only slightly bigger than females). Unlike Grey Seals, Common Seals are born without a woolly white fetal coat (called lanugo) as it is shed in the womb.<br />
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The Common Seal's scientific name means 'calf-like seal' (<em>Phoca</em> = seal: from Latin which is derived from the Greek phoke, <em>vitulina</em> = calf-like: Latin).<br />
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Common Seal (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Seals have highly sensitive whiskers known as vibrissae (those on the muzzle are mystacial vibrissae) which are used in the tactile detection and identification of prey.<br />
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Common Seals (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Seals may look sluggish and ungainly on land but in the water they're amazingly graceful and possess an amazing array of adaptations to their marine habitat including the ability to fully collapse their lungs when diving, the ability to drink seawater and the presence of myoglobin in their muscles (which has a 40% higher oxygen-carrying capacity than haemoglobin). <br />
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Common Seals (<em>Phoca vitulina</em>)</div>
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Some of these Common Seals will be heavily pregnant females and will give birth over the next few weeks (Grey Seals pup at a different time of year: from September til early December).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM10DTRM4mYOPxiagwrEkgZtaz7TEDOmnq7UY18ELOcD0jvvzIOTuZQ0mlVAdD5hu5LtXL5atV2RMtXD83nVGdaYqY9yAy8HTHCiqNtZCzlqKuPn-AZKAujBDVFxQsrMRr54XP0CNKtCZ/s1600/Common+Gull+juv+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Common Gull Larus canus first-summer" border="0" height="365px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRM10DTRM4mYOPxiagwrEkgZtaz7TEDOmnq7UY18ELOcD0jvvzIOTuZQ0mlVAdD5hu5LtXL5atV2RMtXD83nVGdaYqY9yAy8HTHCiqNtZCzlqKuPn-AZKAujBDVFxQsrMRr54XP0CNKtCZ/s400/Common+Gull+juv+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Common Gull (<em>Larus canus</em>) first-summer<br />
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We found an Oystercatcher's nest on the upper shore, it contained four cream eggs marked with blackish speckles and scribbles - the parent quickly and quietly returned to incubate once we were a few metres away.</div>
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A quick list of some of the birds seen today in Kildonan bay: a Curlew, 3+ pairs of Oystercatchers, a Hooded Crow, 2 Gannets, countless Rock Pipits, numerous Common and Herring Gulls, 5 Shelduck, 3 Merganser and a Buzzard.<br />
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Common Stork's-bill (<em>Erodium cicutarium</em>)</div>
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Common Stork's-bill is a delicate pink-petalled flower related to geraniums, so-named because its long seed pods supposedly resemble storks' bills. <br />
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The seeds of this plant each possess a long bristle (known as an awn) which gives them the unusual ability to bury themselves. These awns, although composed of dead cells, are hygroscopically-active: they straighten when wet and coil into corkscrew helices when dry. <br />
Coiling of the awn causes the seed to be fired from the seedpod and the motor action which results from the coiling and uncoiling of the awn causes the seed to move across the ground surface - until it falls into a crevice - and then enables it to drill itself into the soil.<br />
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A detailed account of this unusual process can be found <a href="http://jeb.biologists.org/content/214/4/521.full">here</a>.<br />
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Dove's-foot Crane's-bill (<em>Geranium molle</em>)</div>
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Hemlock Water Dropwort (<em>Oenanthe crocata</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw1lxwjZuHsbgt0gKaS25WOHle-cRO7VKbuA1TQiV1LkExvn2CPSN_QbORP22uy6GqpxfQ9dVyFEix6T0T4nFtsSmLqOuqhoYnCH1SptzAlIzzLVZejQu_NTSf3YFoIgtyi5w1ZZmGpCD/s1600/Hemlock+Water-dropwort+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hemlock Water Dropwort Oenanthe crocata" border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw1lxwjZuHsbgt0gKaS25WOHle-cRO7VKbuA1TQiV1LkExvn2CPSN_QbORP22uy6GqpxfQ9dVyFEix6T0T4nFtsSmLqOuqhoYnCH1SptzAlIzzLVZejQu_NTSf3YFoIgtyi5w1ZZmGpCD/s400/Hemlock+Water-dropwort+2.jpg" width="326px" /></a></div>
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Hemlock Water Dropwort (<em>Oenanthe crocata</em>)</div>
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Hemlock Water Dropwort (<em>Oenanthe crocata</em>)<br />
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Hemlock Water Dropwort has leaves which smell appetisingly of Celery and bear a strong likeness to Lovage, however the whole plant (particularly the tuberous root) is deadly poisonous. It contains oenanthetoxin which affects the central nervous system, causing severe convulsions and in many cases, death.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How to Identify Hemlock Water Dropwort:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The whole plant is <u>entirely hairless</u>.</li>
<li><u>Leaves are 3-4 pinnate</u>, <u>toothed</u>, slightly glossy and <u>parsley-scented</u>. </li>
<li>Stout <u>stem is grooved</u>.</li>
<li><u>Flowers are white</u> and possess <u>both upper and lower bracts</u>.</li>
</ul>
3-4 pinnate = leaves are composed of leaflets arranged along an axis, each of which is further subdivided into leaflets which are themselves subdivided (and again for 4-pinnate leaves).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUzHfyaR1CTltb09w7ViAMkEB9PJHqKmmugyfIynpJ_t3R01ksuSIZiBCswA_K2J72I7YeShgpdk-q6gbpctB6WRs8YJKjgFeVNCDFloZ8CD51uHqUm8AcZOFeve7hmE9LtRx5jfs76PD/s1600/Northern+Marsh+Orchid+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Northern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella" border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUzHfyaR1CTltb09w7ViAMkEB9PJHqKmmugyfIynpJ_t3R01ksuSIZiBCswA_K2J72I7YeShgpdk-q6gbpctB6WRs8YJKjgFeVNCDFloZ8CD51uHqUm8AcZOFeve7hmE9LtRx5jfs76PD/s400/Northern+Marsh+Orchid+2.jpg" width="294px" /></a></div>
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Western Marsh Orchid (<em>Dactylorhiza purpurella</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgTB0FmJEO4NudX0n41NZE-jyRW5eZpIHmn6R7aWkWK251C7Nw9U0KFK8pQgRQpkHAvcg6WkadT0jCY01aL0Fe3-yxelh8ggy5M_2nhnmFT47WHfyor3vaZX_BMw7WtiDJAPHyoAXxmQS/s1600/Northern+Marsh+Orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Northern Marsh Orchid Dactylorhiza purpurella" border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgTB0FmJEO4NudX0n41NZE-jyRW5eZpIHmn6R7aWkWK251C7Nw9U0KFK8pQgRQpkHAvcg6WkadT0jCY01aL0Fe3-yxelh8ggy5M_2nhnmFT47WHfyor3vaZX_BMw7WtiDJAPHyoAXxmQS/s400/Northern+Marsh+Orchid.jpg" width="284px" /></a></div>
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Western Marsh Orchid (<em>Dactylorhiza purpurella</em>)</div>
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Rock Arch</div>
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Sea Milkwort (<em>Glaux maritima</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuXFjcDzjugnQah5Dl4dBOsVerAYAZRFjLZP7vvhUhWpzIg7DFJaZG2m8Zkni0D34ljxVm6gE9IMbtrcRuPdgGs54IwFyLBXBhyphenhyphenxTWlcU9_NlYRxhtwkqVxP4fGdgEirS0wLWDbxidA_n/s1600/Sea+Milkwort++3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sea Milkwort Glaux maritima" border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuXFjcDzjugnQah5Dl4dBOsVerAYAZRFjLZP7vvhUhWpzIg7DFJaZG2m8Zkni0D34ljxVm6gE9IMbtrcRuPdgGs54IwFyLBXBhyphenhyphenxTWlcU9_NlYRxhtwkqVxP4fGdgEirS0wLWDbxidA_n/s400/Sea+Milkwort++3.jpg" width="296px" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sea Milkwort (<em>Glaux maritima</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKgExkGcnqLF5t35kvtTkauDs-4t1F1AR6GlgsUA183_N6zXVl2MrFovVDqh3MZzYy4drhvtkXzQnPA13JkD7zSIUdcUaw1yXkthgkejXhSRri8i1gQ6tN04mszPyJWtI7xb_OCktVvvB/s1600/Smooth+Hawksbeard+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smooth Hawksbeard Crepis capillaris" border="0" height="331px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKgExkGcnqLF5t35kvtTkauDs-4t1F1AR6GlgsUA183_N6zXVl2MrFovVDqh3MZzYy4drhvtkXzQnPA13JkD7zSIUdcUaw1yXkthgkejXhSRri8i1gQ6tN04mszPyJWtI7xb_OCktVvvB/s400/Smooth+Hawksbeard+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smooth Hawksbeard (<em>Crepis capillaris</em>)</div>
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Smooth Hawksbeard (<em>Crepis capillaris</em>)</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Rock Pipit (<em>Anthus petrosus</em>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH6nz8t3oKmp5Ux9pGLqTs4K2S3faRgfY2-CfRxS6rD6uIDE64juDgzFPSH7ew336-u1uJLEPBUtjjsWJAHVIwj4gxhAKnU0yzn6C5VomTnVdMEhXt-7CVDN2nO43MHui7SH86t1HhFCU/s1600/Wren+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wren Troglodytes troglodytes" border="0" height="375px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH6nz8t3oKmp5Ux9pGLqTs4K2S3faRgfY2-CfRxS6rD6uIDE64juDgzFPSH7ew336-u1uJLEPBUtjjsWJAHVIwj4gxhAKnU0yzn6C5VomTnVdMEhXt-7CVDN2nO43MHui7SH86t1HhFCU/s400/Wren+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wren (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes</em>)</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Wren (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes</em>)</div>
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Wren (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes</em>)</div>
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Wren (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes</em>)</div>
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Wren (<em>Troglodytes troglodytes</em>)<br />
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I followed this little Wren as it hopped over boulders and deftly snatched insects out of the air. <br />
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Male Wrens are polygamous: each male builds a series of nests on his territory and tries to entice females to visit them: female Wrens prefer males who have more nests. <br />
A female who is impressed with his collection of 'cock's nests' will mate with him and line a nest with feathers before laying her eggs. The male will then set about attracting another female to another one of his nests (the females incubate the eggs & do most of the young-rearing).<br />
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Lichens - <em>Lecanora rupicola</em>?</div>
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Lichens - <em>Lecanora rupicola</em>?<br />
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As they compete for space, these lichens form a beautiful map-like pattern of crackled continents with boldly demarcated borders.<br />
<br />
I found them growing on boulders in the supralittoral or 'splash zone' of the upper shore - I think they *might* be <em>Lecanora rupicola.</em> <br />
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Orange-tip (<em>Anthocharis cardamines</em>) female</div>
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<br />
We walked back along the bay, until we reached Kildonan Hotel: to the side of the carpark there is a huge, rusty propeller leaning against the wall of a white-washed boathouse. House Sparrows nest in gaps under the roof.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO50c1-qO3Lq8Ym8g1nEd3fdgHGrrGbLjilb7WDwe4jgV8zgToG8baHDw5q4BNJNc97aEonlwI4e9rzw2PXf6WDvKpXPrz9zztJlWm4wiBkBlOqzbh-lrWKcxigTn5E4QSUxnde3s-USe/s1600/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="House Sparrow Passer domesticus male" border="0" height="296px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO50c1-qO3Lq8Ym8g1nEd3fdgHGrrGbLjilb7WDwe4jgV8zgToG8baHDw5q4BNJNc97aEonlwI4e9rzw2PXf6WDvKpXPrz9zztJlWm4wiBkBlOqzbh-lrWKcxigTn5E4QSUxnde3s-USe/s400/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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House Sparrow (<em>Passer domesticus</em>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho77uHY3n_nFh7jOVzvOCERocpwCMIS0qhWRps3KcbcfWsseT4t82MwrtLdh8J__aWrW2MUiyLX5aRlgk_GWMu2zp_jBGxjeOFXgHta6G5j07n18zjQoYSG9jTXJJYhqOZV0-rYBeaE8ES/s1600/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="House Sparrow Passer domesticus male" border="0" height="331px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho77uHY3n_nFh7jOVzvOCERocpwCMIS0qhWRps3KcbcfWsseT4t82MwrtLdh8J__aWrW2MUiyLX5aRlgk_GWMu2zp_jBGxjeOFXgHta6G5j07n18zjQoYSG9jTXJJYhqOZV0-rYBeaE8ES/s400/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+8b.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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House Sparrow (<em>Passer domesticus</em>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bOLfQduYs3I7yFQ0CaUc0Daj0aoZaOL7c2GVXURGBQxpoMx6yOPCcP2msP749rsr_5N34KnCm_bT78MolB5kXu3XHAOsC-J-yNlH6h64uGkQIYIEOlk2KiHSmDYj_uHu-GWDlyC4tfo/s1600/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="House Sparrow Passer domesticus male" border="0" height="395px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3bOLfQduYs3I7yFQ0CaUc0Daj0aoZaOL7c2GVXURGBQxpoMx6yOPCcP2msP749rsr_5N34KnCm_bT78MolB5kXu3XHAOsC-J-yNlH6h64uGkQIYIEOlk2KiHSmDYj_uHu-GWDlyC4tfo/s400/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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House Sparrow (<em>Passer domesticus</em>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IguRYgf4JH73HnqIbjUHfopT_HO8SmBBJJkdSSqTJlw2qCX26oOglisEx1CCioSxyOPnF67cNWUjGpxaggX5nag_3Y4GVk7ghtuTwHjao6LhtP6smmk9C-wmFQWfImaLUs9RHbpPEzqi/s1600/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="House Sparrow Passer domesticus male" border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IguRYgf4JH73HnqIbjUHfopT_HO8SmBBJJkdSSqTJlw2qCX26oOglisEx1CCioSxyOPnF67cNWUjGpxaggX5nag_3Y4GVk7ghtuTwHjao6LhtP6smmk9C-wmFQWfImaLUs9RHbpPEzqi/s400/House+Sparrow+%2528male%2529+5.jpg" width="393px" /></a></div>
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House Sparrow (<em>Passer domesticus</em>) male</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlYVR0onPGtzmal7ghs57l7iZEow3LZe04q2SwhyphenhyphenUDLf5CZpgEhcEsugnb_PpOx5Syg1fRGq6fIeFzIp_8Rs5c800qAfNRawH1eFLjuyq1XaY-fuBNxSTI_lp6k_FVBhyphenhyphenvgfQCGSaSzzr/s1600/Brown-lipped+Banded+Snail+%2528Cepaea+nemoralis%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brown-lipped Banded Snail Cepaea nemoralis hyalozoate yellow" border="0" height="398px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlYVR0onPGtzmal7ghs57l7iZEow3LZe04q2SwhyphenhyphenUDLf5CZpgEhcEsugnb_PpOx5Syg1fRGq6fIeFzIp_8Rs5c800qAfNRawH1eFLjuyq1XaY-fuBNxSTI_lp6k_FVBhyphenhyphenvgfQCGSaSzzr/s400/Brown-lipped+Banded+Snail+%2528Cepaea+nemoralis%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Brown-lipped Banded Snail (<em>Cepaea nemoralis</em>)</div>
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The Brown-lipped Banded Snail (<em>Cepaea nemoralis</em>) is one of two <em>Cepaea</em> species found in Britain (the other being <em>Cepaea hortensis</em> - the White-lipped Banded Snail). Due to the extreme polymorphism of shell patterning and colour found in both species, they can only be identified conclusively by dissection. However, most Brown-lipped Snails have a brown lip to their shells.<br />
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Studies on the genetics of shell colour and pattern in <em>Cepaea nemoralis</em> (<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1210058/">here</a> and <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:77w98SzSY20J:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1210497/pdf/605.pdf+cepaea+nemoralis+filetype:pdf&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjsyWzhJPp98gwx889q9mVG1zspiFSuJb5K1-o0ktNluypzWwYTGNszCnQFNVp1JG7ry1tL2U3YKm6oKhm3Wuj4c4F0SH5rgxlxcyCqEOv4vc-v7gyTJs2APbRA_nLTvLwQf2e9&sig=AHIEtbQZ7RMOPm_tL7Fijjnq5YiYv19jHw">here</a>) have demonstrated that brown shell colour is dominant over both pink and yellow, that pink colouration is dominant over yellow, unbanded is dominant to banded patterns, and that darker banding is dominant over paler banding.<br />
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<a href="http://evolutionmegalab.org/">Evolutionmegalab.org</a> has excellent photos of the various <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:Lk3gLtA9ZksJ:www.open.ac.uk/emlsupport/pics/d97500.ppt+hyalozonate&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh1H0LomgUW6OwwXg7MEcQliEilWzjCp_WCh9Ctx3GzzDPQZn4qugW-ZscFbKAFIIIqGeDBICoIsnADrZ1dLe0u7Cw7-8HpqZFIaiY4dBI3TEXrXLwAPYAD4bD3AdyziUT65PAV&sig=AHIEtbQJa9NSXiFOk78mXDItWNcdsWQjAA">colour morphs</a>.<br />
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My specimen is a yellow, hyalozonate (transparent banded) individual (very faint double banding is visible in the full-size photo). Some shell morphs provide better camouflage in certain habitats - yellow snails are more common in grassland and darker snails predominate in woodland. Shell colour also affects the thermal properties of a shell: lighter (yellow) shells reduce heat absorption.<br />
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I collected lots of holey stones from the shingle shore between Port a'Ghille Ghlais and Bennan Head: <br />
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFKAmrjtpoNKpdeVqwaSsGwgHw7VxmZ3nXB9zgn4PFkFTwLfGCJMdZV3vAYSNbdfC4vmhDx4Bk0_4wzf1f7agDtbFtkfeOycuQUG1SDIrJZMfMQ4CI-_Vv61ETUqMWWIDTIfzY3toQ_8S/s1600/Stones+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="piddock holes Hiatella arctica pebble" border="0" height="363px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFKAmrjtpoNKpdeVqwaSsGwgHw7VxmZ3nXB9zgn4PFkFTwLfGCJMdZV3vAYSNbdfC4vmhDx4Bk0_4wzf1f7agDtbFtkfeOycuQUG1SDIrJZMfMQ4CI-_Vv61ETUqMWWIDTIfzY3toQ_8S/s400/Stones+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ0GA0Iw94Wqxe3Lalb3dDjpI2lk-porSiHqc9C0kQRXQPHh5KwCRt7YwhnkkFdYkm201W0hSawzuktqmA2W2sxaFKBPuV4cO36MTm19OgXsJ662mq79UgagKJP1aXFHv_OK9VzxKMXqE/s1600/Stones+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="piddock holes Hiatella arctica pebble" border="0" height="262px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQ0GA0Iw94Wqxe3Lalb3dDjpI2lk-porSiHqc9C0kQRXQPHh5KwCRt7YwhnkkFdYkm201W0hSawzuktqmA2W2sxaFKBPuV4cO36MTm19OgXsJ662mq79UgagKJP1aXFHv_OK9VzxKMXqE/s400/Stones+11.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik279wjQI0F8voPGurRv8gT2LHlnDyYaCbKMw7i8cDSH7M_veGI7i7hlI-EdxQvRUDpzPoDHjvwyH0gBtdMHTAjNtRMmu8qwl-Tvhw8REwrGB76GLGAo9mxmuJM712Dy4hipEWtYqGxzLP/s1600/Stones+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="piddock holes Hiatella arctica pebble" border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik279wjQI0F8voPGurRv8gT2LHlnDyYaCbKMw7i8cDSH7M_veGI7i7hlI-EdxQvRUDpzPoDHjvwyH0gBtdMHTAjNtRMmu8qwl-Tvhw8REwrGB76GLGAo9mxmuJM712Dy4hipEWtYqGxzLP/s400/Stones+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQP7OuDvTfIfjJZMR5zJ5iGYhbEpsixyxPk_rwR8H1EhdhLAr-PVzskzs2eZWVg4UVm4XIM_S7CK3_2b0u7qRLSMBE1axJ3Mc5kVE1za7CnDIbZ48dKn4vwEeBzKiawGdGsRJnPzWBUJE/s1600/Stones+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="piddock holes Hiatella arctica pebble" border="0" height="262px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQP7OuDvTfIfjJZMR5zJ5iGYhbEpsixyxPk_rwR8H1EhdhLAr-PVzskzs2eZWVg4UVm4XIM_S7CK3_2b0u7qRLSMBE1axJ3Mc5kVE1za7CnDIbZ48dKn4vwEeBzKiawGdGsRJnPzWBUJE/s400/Stones+8.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEekh_6zQ3IS59qSDFK2DznEy3qBPvC4MS8QS7hQIKdZIMoRNJaRUx0BZRFjT-1C0NghNet3aYkxrMuav2Vk7nEEuyzVjrhjWSDDhT-wk0H4KYZ2QUHW9X0BoLRdxrT3oTvQXdkGtmZBB/s1600/Stones+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="piddock holes Hiatella arctica pebble" border="0" height="279px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEekh_6zQ3IS59qSDFK2DznEy3qBPvC4MS8QS7hQIKdZIMoRNJaRUx0BZRFjT-1C0NghNet3aYkxrMuav2Vk7nEEuyzVjrhjWSDDhT-wk0H4KYZ2QUHW9X0BoLRdxrT3oTvQXdkGtmZBB/s400/Stones+12.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Pebbles with bivalve (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>?) bore holes</div>
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These smoothly drilled holes, up to 1.5cm in diameter, are the work of bivalve molluscs: most likely the Wrinkled Rock Borer (<em>Hiatella arctica</em>), given the location and size of burrow. <br />
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Juveniles attach themselves to substrates using byssus threads and gradually carve burrows for themselves using the valves of their shells to mechanically abrade solid rock. <br />
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<iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boizgud5z.html" width="420"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-17694967490990376842011-05-26T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-17T21:47:22.485-08:00Mugdock Country Park, East DunbartonshireI joined West Dunbartonshire's Over 50's Walking Group on a trip to Mugdock Country Park where there are ancient 'bluebell woods' and the opportunity to see a variety of warblers!<br />
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We walked northwest from Mugdock Country Park Visitor Centre through mixed woodland near the Craigallian & Carbeth Lochs and followed the path along the western edge of Craigallian Loch to the deciduous woodland to the south. Then we took the track leading eastwards to the grounds of Craigend Castle (and the ruins of Craigend Zoo) and returned to the visitor centre.<br />
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In the woods northwest of Mugdock Castle we passed an old, rotten tree in which there was a Great Spotted Woodpecker's nesthole - the young could be heard peeping. Soon after, one of the parents was sighted nearby.<br />
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Willow Warblers sang from every scrubby tree as we entered a marshy clearing to the east of the Carbeth & Craigallian Lochs. Here we saw a pair of Roe Deer run down the hillside and a Grey Heron which flew over and made an ungracious and unsuccessful attempt to land on top of a tall pine.<br />
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Suddenly, a large, long-winged bird of prey glided past us through the clearing in the direction of Carbeth Loch: an Osprey! <br />
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Definitely the highlight of the day for me, as I have never seen one of these birds so close to home.<br />
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On the path around Craigallian Loch we heard the singing of Sedge Warblers concealed amongst the vegetation: their song is a fast, frenetic (slightly crazy) warble full of harsh cackles and chattering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCWoGHw3nViro85GwNdDyufJr7-HT8bbpl4Ph3f9vUYxJmFIZJVfI8WzaQ9jEaCALOYRAUNtBBSnxd25xwm_ZmHGWE7sKhOa5N4DNzG6YuCuAJHgSzZ9lDrbP0-9JPAy_hOFmNTugIjhw/s1600/Mugdock+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCWoGHw3nViro85GwNdDyufJr7-HT8bbpl4Ph3f9vUYxJmFIZJVfI8WzaQ9jEaCALOYRAUNtBBSnxd25xwm_ZmHGWE7sKhOa5N4DNzG6YuCuAJHgSzZ9lDrbP0-9JPAy_hOFmNTugIjhw/s400/Mugdock+woods.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ancient woodland (south of the visitor centre)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In the woods surrounding Craigend Castle we could hear the songs of both Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. We also saw a pair of Treecreepers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGPyTU3rUUc2cxjAp9FLjB6KkuD08c5FHr5J4eJ2l7eU98NhGkGGVl5DCGn0UW7RQIusXaVgB-vgoW0mcD-5vYS_HZUKZoFHR0s8jMe9Jl888xGdJNZg8u5dJFpTD23IJIoA8hseNjfAw/s1600/Beech+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGPyTU3rUUc2cxjAp9FLjB6KkuD08c5FHr5J4eJ2l7eU98NhGkGGVl5DCGn0UW7RQIusXaVgB-vgoW0mcD-5vYS_HZUKZoFHR0s8jMe9Jl888xGdJNZg8u5dJFpTD23IJIoA8hseNjfAw/s400/Beech+tree.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beech tree (<em>Fagus sylvestris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPz0WX3609vOzrCMjjP_lqd8xpvG13UQqucgfYeynPdezXU3XE4Rn91O7GJSs7Sf7PB_poRqFWwF0eoTEiXpV30DY56EYdkYDZg3QRpUE-MBbOKlzshwPC57hk93IeI096L7ojID_ZaiY/s1600/Telegraph+pole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPz0WX3609vOzrCMjjP_lqd8xpvG13UQqucgfYeynPdezXU3XE4Rn91O7GJSs7Sf7PB_poRqFWwF0eoTEiXpV30DY56EYdkYDZg3QRpUE-MBbOKlzshwPC57hk93IeI096L7ojID_ZaiY/s400/Telegraph+pole.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Distribution transformer on telegraph poles<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfBoODtZZf7ZP-66bVD9NDjyTeVGcQyNTx7q7UME4Uah9GS-oX4KWlDsXSRBanouHa37z7p6tBv5VWdBcIwBrxgmyjXF5uNT8uSiFutIymqIWJJMLbXJv6Z5qDlpHAQLj7Yof6hyDIxTk/s1600/Bistort+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfBoODtZZf7ZP-66bVD9NDjyTeVGcQyNTx7q7UME4Uah9GS-oX4KWlDsXSRBanouHa37z7p6tBv5VWdBcIwBrxgmyjXF5uNT8uSiFutIymqIWJJMLbXJv6Z5qDlpHAQLj7Yof6hyDIxTk/s400/Bistort+1.jpg" width="288px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bistort (<em>Persicaria bistorta</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Bistort leaves are the main ingredient of Dock pudding (also known as Easter Ledge Pudding), a fried dish traditionally eaten during Lent in Yorkshire (where the World Dock Pudding Competition is held each April in Calderdale), Cumberland and the Lake District.<br />
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<strong>Dock Pudding Recipes:</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/dock_pudding_35210">Dock Pudding Recipe from BBC Food</a><br />
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<a href="http://historicalfoods.com/easter-ledge-pudding-recipe">Assorted Dock Pudding Recipes from Historicalfoods.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://voyageofthebattenberg.blogspot.com/2011/05/dark-nights-and-dock-pudding.html">Vegetarian Dock Pudding Recipe from Voyageofthebattenberg.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boj1fr3bb.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-72294934003628456892011-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-17T22:03:20.673-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West/East DunbartonshireAnother search for the elusive Adders at Burncrooks Reservoir! <br />
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I walked with my parents from Duntocher to the Humphrey Reservoir, past Duncolm and the Lily Loch, to Burncrooks Reservoir and on the way home we crossed the Slacks and Little Round Top instead of following the Humphrey Road.<br />
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The Humphrey Road and the Slacks afford some brilliant aerial views of the River Clyde:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP-pXC3iynNSOd9tbYBQz0XvcimG1_FN6EeiFM5H1aASUjSw8xVFdZW_uqTd8dc79jO8PkMjfB53HZ9i5axrGxuwP38MIPVrinopQa6TpvRRZ5QE2roFeertCg19wJXZrLYSUCQ6GwmzL/s1600/River+Clyde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUP-pXC3iynNSOd9tbYBQz0XvcimG1_FN6EeiFM5H1aASUjSw8xVFdZW_uqTd8dc79jO8PkMjfB53HZ9i5axrGxuwP38MIPVrinopQa6TpvRRZ5QE2roFeertCg19wJXZrLYSUCQ6GwmzL/s400/River+Clyde.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The River Clyde from the Slacks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdXsRPOd8a-fUZ5Tc3WSz5KIa5dUE2YkmK5zMUA2_SRiG6ahobjEIe62foBeRhks3j4hFJWuHCe2JimDTNkB2EAaGOde69_IjvAfIhRpahEAWFpn2Y2XvVsQBwZE00uHqSGVQjt7CX0E7/s1600/River+Clyde+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdXsRPOd8a-fUZ5Tc3WSz5KIa5dUE2YkmK5zMUA2_SRiG6ahobjEIe62foBeRhks3j4hFJWuHCe2JimDTNkB2EAaGOde69_IjvAfIhRpahEAWFpn2Y2XvVsQBwZE00uHqSGVQjt7CX0E7/s400/River+Clyde+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The River Clyde from the Slacks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We cut across the moorland (to the left of the Humphrey Road) where we found a Meadow Pipit's nest in the heather: a neat grass-lined cup holding a set of four tiny, chocolate-mottled eggs.<br />
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On the path around Duncolm I saw the first Green Hairstreak butterfly of the day: small, rapidly darting, with wings brown on top and irridescent green underneath.<br />
The drystone wall near the Lily Loch was covered with basking Green Hairstreaks - they fluttered erratically in the sunshine and when they landed they orientated their wings sharply in the direction of the sun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-jt_cqE5s3VHOK0IonegT8LlAX_QMp8k2Ki3SktShm5kjS9h5ldWRofXyLZ2F1vn006nT_vNnmRgFdQ7YFoN6t2sb_vuhiBlvxPun9ILmIGsXQ9yq0vBk4q197lKbWKFWfPE6ITN3WkR/s1600/Green+Hairstreak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-jt_cqE5s3VHOK0IonegT8LlAX_QMp8k2Ki3SktShm5kjS9h5ldWRofXyLZ2F1vn006nT_vNnmRgFdQ7YFoN6t2sb_vuhiBlvxPun9ILmIGsXQ9yq0vBk4q197lKbWKFWfPE6ITN3WkR/s400/Green+Hairstreak.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Green Hairstreak (<em>Callophrys rubi</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKSKchmYonTp-S37WlTRv9qwBC-vzoa9LM7J3S9X_nzXqaw3JjsmzzwFJH2fi-9IP9sZbT3tJD2U_uQAkhkOVca-ZoyhvjHRphn1I7tAb9AuyLaNGf0vzElMXT2dG4rPIwtC5fIpIPmOV/s1600/Lily+Loch+from+Duncolm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKSKchmYonTp-S37WlTRv9qwBC-vzoa9LM7J3S9X_nzXqaw3JjsmzzwFJH2fi-9IP9sZbT3tJD2U_uQAkhkOVca-ZoyhvjHRphn1I7tAb9AuyLaNGf0vzElMXT2dG4rPIwtC5fIpIPmOV/s400/Lily+Loch+from+Duncolm.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the Lily Loch from the base of Duncolm - the Green Hairstreak's habitat</div><br />
Hundreds of huge Horse Leeches (<em>Haemopis sanguisuga</em>) could be seen in the Lily Loch's peaty waters (still bare of vegetation), fattening themselves on a glut of tadpoles.<br />
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These large leeches are safe to handle as they're unable to bite through human skin - in Britain, only the rare Medicinal Leech (<em>Hirudo medicinalis</em>) is capable of this (it doesn't stop them from sucking onto you though!).<br />
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This plump leech is (rather endearingly) still clutching the reed it grabbed onto as it tried to avoid capture:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm4W5PdFkCTjZskZvQGs5fTS4D7ACzsXAAwJZYSgnpj9GERQjW8AqI0p6tZerMqafOszShcTt4kSBPA1UCVGOjL9vERjM0QjnVyRS-_xki3H_cDvMdrgakmcJaav_uaVNjLyB8pCFrLz0/s1600/Leech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm4W5PdFkCTjZskZvQGs5fTS4D7ACzsXAAwJZYSgnpj9GERQjW8AqI0p6tZerMqafOszShcTt4kSBPA1UCVGOjL9vERjM0QjnVyRS-_xki3H_cDvMdrgakmcJaav_uaVNjLyB8pCFrLz0/s400/Leech.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Horse Leech (<em>Haemopis sanguisuga</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGM6DaXR7BUFwpDZR9BLfjWdNCalgqVpBH_Yb0ONgixd4lvxDFTQ_IRDJjwE3fu9hODQJAc7nlVZufT5NDroP7uEpqpaLa9-0XHgchU6OJ9CVfb5RgU4X4EPPIgG3DS-GQCD2TyryLTYY/s1600/Lily+Loch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGM6DaXR7BUFwpDZR9BLfjWdNCalgqVpBH_Yb0ONgixd4lvxDFTQ_IRDJjwE3fu9hODQJAc7nlVZufT5NDroP7uEpqpaLa9-0XHgchU6OJ9CVfb5RgU4X4EPPIgG3DS-GQCD2TyryLTYY/s400/Lily+Loch.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lily Loch with Duncolm behind</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Lily Loch is part of the Dumbarton Muir SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) - it's the only oligotrophic (nutrient poor) loch in Dunbartonshire and is surrounded by an area of raised bog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcs3h7EcA9hBHBecM1olxuAJ6IeegM9ouddzDVUAEKCiANkSz6lyiMwg7kl5mrUIj5KtqVVoxcKPCctC51BJhd0jc4t5sAvDS0cOz3gae4UWmwDO2-blxVFPA9xCG-AwM4RvaiXn83D-S/s1600/Burncrooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcs3h7EcA9hBHBecM1olxuAJ6IeegM9ouddzDVUAEKCiANkSz6lyiMwg7kl5mrUIj5KtqVVoxcKPCctC51BJhd0jc4t5sAvDS0cOz3gae4UWmwDO2-blxVFPA9xCG-AwM4RvaiXn83D-S/s400/Burncrooks.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Burncrooks Reservoir</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As we crossed the grassy hill where the river feeds into Burncrooks, a Sparrowhawk flew up from the ground.<br />
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We saw a pair of Greylag Geese (<em>Anser anser</em>) feeding at the edge of Burncrooks Reservoir - these are nervous wild birds and hard to get close to, quickly entering the water the minute they see you. I tried to creep closer through the rushes but the geese began to honk with alarm and were soon swimming out of sight.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4h3a4j5I79D6C0MDwNwwVShCxqEegnhN-vx3KIYpQvJUga4tcC_vQ5DIcVVXP9U7gsjNwOEByVT_PCwU-mvTxifpEFeC6rTM3MBEFtfj1Z4WH7pF22byNoD8RcVNU7Ad_MFPdxpbffwN/s1600/Greylag+Goose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4h3a4j5I79D6C0MDwNwwVShCxqEegnhN-vx3KIYpQvJUga4tcC_vQ5DIcVVXP9U7gsjNwOEByVT_PCwU-mvTxifpEFeC6rTM3MBEFtfj1Z4WH7pF22byNoD8RcVNU7Ad_MFPdxpbffwN/s400/Greylag+Goose.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Greylag Goose (<em>Anser anser</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4-jVMTkD3s7TF_OS7deJFlwKS6vb7mqhzREvv7KRsVWxdClowT7Gy2zoL8d9wS6QwgLW5LGVKtXYuJgSISTLCCwzQWLiwPMr3OSaPuALfu4wTeNKHAMUP5JAGPyohFWWCapOAdUpLjoX/s1600/Greylag+Geese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4-jVMTkD3s7TF_OS7deJFlwKS6vb7mqhzREvv7KRsVWxdClowT7Gy2zoL8d9wS6QwgLW5LGVKtXYuJgSISTLCCwzQWLiwPMr3OSaPuALfu4wTeNKHAMUP5JAGPyohFWWCapOAdUpLjoX/s400/Greylag+Geese.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Greylag Geese (<em>Anser anser</em>)</div><br />
We searched amongst the dried golden grasses, dark heather, scree and the russet, wiry tangle of old Bracken fronds...but didn't find any Adders.<br />
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On the grassy bank of the smallest Burncrooks Dam, we found a glittering Heath Goldsmith beetle (<em>Carabus nitens</em>).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF09MravqrkKeMFir-mgRFYSByjx5Bi9zFzoHU0doEDPtqwhHzig-Owmaxt7GcO1MOGMtPTvmPQSZizqaPQu4A9WwDgMyhNJA5Jit0LNak-R52KfQzLNXPLzwxfhTg76QgLM-TzJasGE-w/s1600/Duncolm+burn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF09MravqrkKeMFir-mgRFYSByjx5Bi9zFzoHU0doEDPtqwhHzig-Owmaxt7GcO1MOGMtPTvmPQSZizqaPQu4A9WwDgMyhNJA5Jit0LNak-R52KfQzLNXPLzwxfhTg76QgLM-TzJasGE-w/s400/Duncolm+burn.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The river which feeds into the Lily Loch, Duncolm behind</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVEi7bhMGuRXnfi9lc5NlJUEZe4J9hOvAHISNL2dRhSh2rotKiS2c0ki2vzRJ9rabzrVltsSr0JbhhV7pBHU7Co38oZXzw6bR7WHac0v7QJfYYTCsehqK7Og0yDr9o2q3wO-v0e-hlYQY/s1600/The+Slacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVEi7bhMGuRXnfi9lc5NlJUEZe4J9hOvAHISNL2dRhSh2rotKiS2c0ki2vzRJ9rabzrVltsSr0JbhhV7pBHU7Co38oZXzw6bR7WHac0v7QJfYYTCsehqK7Og0yDr9o2q3wO-v0e-hlYQY/s400/The+Slacks.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Slacks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6e3rHOgAR6UKvSuiENQMUbKg59kkrGWLiA6oHTF-uXES3HwuE8boMjnAeFYRrsAl5MI70HMPxTr3GydcExRu90oJzPwfzD56sctY_P3Og-6UNcWOcPepbJQvKtRVtlXw0gMh2wu2_M4X/s1600/Orange-tip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="353px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6e3rHOgAR6UKvSuiENQMUbKg59kkrGWLiA6oHTF-uXES3HwuE8boMjnAeFYRrsAl5MI70HMPxTr3GydcExRu90oJzPwfzD56sctY_P3Og-6UNcWOcPepbJQvKtRVtlXw0gMh2wu2_M4X/s400/Orange-tip.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orange-tip (<em>Anthocharis cardamines</em>) female on foodplant - Cuckoo Flower (<em>Cardamine pratensis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61OP6lX3osSAbZEqNYnOZt_b_hDWkGkdMRed-f4jl1ZRQCAYYmZwYEXYDkwIAkty-QU_Zgcje3Zt-8W7Ypr2drPiJFj_OEvAmBf0I7_sqkBnOmnrvWmM-ClGlKRzztWuqzh63IfAAgpzN/s1600/Wild+Pansies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61OP6lX3osSAbZEqNYnOZt_b_hDWkGkdMRed-f4jl1ZRQCAYYmZwYEXYDkwIAkty-QU_Zgcje3Zt-8W7Ypr2drPiJFj_OEvAmBf0I7_sqkBnOmnrvWmM-ClGlKRzztWuqzh63IfAAgpzN/s400/Wild+Pansies.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Pansies (<em>Viola tricolor</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLzo7J2ssMtQsyK6qKQhht8SwuXTKfMjVFUezxdD2HM4e-RTZV8IRlYTJKx4OY1QEjHyia2GLRYXidy-gFd9Fryq9FT_U5_gU8Img3yLSuaPUcK33SsL9LMsk7VrQgUcMjlZpUE-3Ggtg/s1600/Bracken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLzo7J2ssMtQsyK6qKQhht8SwuXTKfMjVFUezxdD2HM4e-RTZV8IRlYTJKx4OY1QEjHyia2GLRYXidy-gFd9Fryq9FT_U5_gU8Img3yLSuaPUcK33SsL9LMsk7VrQgUcMjlZpUE-3Ggtg/s400/Bracken.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bracken (<em>Pteridium aquilinum</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1zJbCcVuidJhXIX9bi7N6FWUkVuOMddKTcDgZbFqjRkOCjBV7xro4KGkLU3MY_ya75TM7Tsp8r0MdFv043cx6saAAUCES5Pt0dgc6vLq6MogHzBacH5gp8EbgZpqOU4ZtV2R_qFvSk-/s1600/Little+Round+Top+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz1zJbCcVuidJhXIX9bi7N6FWUkVuOMddKTcDgZbFqjRkOCjBV7xro4KGkLU3MY_ya75TM7Tsp8r0MdFv043cx6saAAUCES5Pt0dgc6vLq6MogHzBacH5gp8EbgZpqOU4ZtV2R_qFvSk-/s400/Little+Round+Top+wood.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little Round Top Wood</div><br />
<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boj30m7av.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-65714436416068375982011-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-17T23:12:54.362-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West Dunbartonshire<br />
Little Round Top Wood (OS map grid reference - NS4773) is an excellent 'bluebell wood' rarely visited by walkers - I spent the day listening for the songs of arriving warblers and trying to immortalize with photos the ephemeral newly-minted-lushness of spring foliage. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9hMo3RmtAL0QG4suaZfIrIPf4JrqGp_HabS9PEjJd0TVHJjJYP0gJV6hyphenhyphenzliF9zt5zcPukVHAxG94RrW1KKS6Xbwdm33tuOaqP4Tr70UPrCQvuTZzh0QzCN5N4HzbwOGgoiJbMIxKoH-/s1600/Bluebell+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9hMo3RmtAL0QG4suaZfIrIPf4JrqGp_HabS9PEjJd0TVHJjJYP0gJV6hyphenhyphenzliF9zt5zcPukVHAxG94RrW1KKS6Xbwdm33tuOaqP4Tr70UPrCQvuTZzh0QzCN5N4HzbwOGgoiJbMIxKoH-/s400/Bluebell+2.jpg" width="314px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bluebell (<em>Hyacinthoides non-scripta</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom7AXDMwsUnqKT-VyabP7KRdJqlPdywRWigfxtyOIKltHaVPUxFhD5gSv32jofrH4XU197ok3xHlMTIdI05GebGaJ2XkcgCwrHIsH0zheTaVCWgSOgw7klAX5zXeJ-GemBC6aMdZd6guy/s1600/Bluebell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom7AXDMwsUnqKT-VyabP7KRdJqlPdywRWigfxtyOIKltHaVPUxFhD5gSv32jofrH4XU197ok3xHlMTIdI05GebGaJ2XkcgCwrHIsH0zheTaVCWgSOgw7klAX5zXeJ-GemBC6aMdZd6guy/s400/Bluebell.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bluebell (<em>Hyacinthoides non-scripta</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrgtAmx_t-SZSx86exJkM1hU4thoGBjJ8cQ1Iepk1DQJ1zTjlE6HMBAtKDIwMA2FW1AvWNYlULa_WEXFO2EdpG9s6vLhJNXCPDtXQOkg_TttuoZMk_w68ghMetV8d0C2flq0W6Ak5pbm_/s1600/Crab+Apple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrgtAmx_t-SZSx86exJkM1hU4thoGBjJ8cQ1Iepk1DQJ1zTjlE6HMBAtKDIwMA2FW1AvWNYlULa_WEXFO2EdpG9s6vLhJNXCPDtXQOkg_TttuoZMk_w68ghMetV8d0C2flq0W6Ak5pbm_/s400/Crab+Apple.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crab Apple (<em>Malus sylvestris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hUgLlvDNVkvElmykYQGPmbPgTZTGa-hvSNNL1sdaJ5B6aNfuzJ5XCZu3vw9yorLats2ToCNqCQaJWdqXnqnV09mN8mDyYuwSqiWdozC2J_SesER5MgaHnNtc3XOwxWGuVnig8ctnRI03/s1600/Crab+Apple+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hUgLlvDNVkvElmykYQGPmbPgTZTGa-hvSNNL1sdaJ5B6aNfuzJ5XCZu3vw9yorLats2ToCNqCQaJWdqXnqnV09mN8mDyYuwSqiWdozC2J_SesER5MgaHnNtc3XOwxWGuVnig8ctnRI03/s400/Crab+Apple+2.jpg" width="375px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Crab Apple (<em>Malus sylvestris</em>)</div><br />
Cultivated or Domestic Apples (<em>Malus domestica</em>) are mostly descended from the Central Asian Wild Apple (<em>Malus sieversii</em>) which was brought to Europe and later crossed with closely related 'Malus series' apples, including our native Crab Apple (<em>Malus sylvestris</em>).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8TtvWpJit3fRA8jjOTLy5NqxQlTgJTXEb93KzwwxmQE0buWFY_Mo8h-aFZSPukEPAGgNZTWcRH-OqOlrkaeO7wb-FC87qvKtCZaDBI35yal3Ikq42NbhAxFgDPv-ZjQZh_WJ4q-IZqT-/s1600/Cuckoo+Flower+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8TtvWpJit3fRA8jjOTLy5NqxQlTgJTXEb93KzwwxmQE0buWFY_Mo8h-aFZSPukEPAGgNZTWcRH-OqOlrkaeO7wb-FC87qvKtCZaDBI35yal3Ikq42NbhAxFgDPv-ZjQZh_WJ4q-IZqT-/s400/Cuckoo+Flower+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cuckoo Flower (<em>Cardamine pratensis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZFVD77mhSFQjAbbYKjUMKsMAsItEWFbF5dCi30aKaPhhWmgko9MsjU-DRrdJvWsc0a5KMUhc-q1qvALoViX61m3LJlvM_7Vw0krssAqGOusNY09otHrYSTEsMsBAbdEbEyCl5Nk4adje/s1600/Cuckoo+Flower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZFVD77mhSFQjAbbYKjUMKsMAsItEWFbF5dCi30aKaPhhWmgko9MsjU-DRrdJvWsc0a5KMUhc-q1qvALoViX61m3LJlvM_7Vw0krssAqGOusNY09otHrYSTEsMsBAbdEbEyCl5Nk4adje/s400/Cuckoo+Flower+2.jpg" width="313px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cuckoo Flower (<em>Cardamine pratensis</em>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix29GIKZbA8AoDBN5VF4PxxpLC1JLtkgpqyNpyu-L4jYMU0pSN1Gd8TPoZMkWwBiwXyhGMrf4zWvO_bchyphenhyphenUrqZ0P3KS9e03CO9hec86N6Y7nkAm6HuMqgG3_bppPRtgddFhRKeLSCALXfM/s1600/Cuckoo+Flower+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix29GIKZbA8AoDBN5VF4PxxpLC1JLtkgpqyNpyu-L4jYMU0pSN1Gd8TPoZMkWwBiwXyhGMrf4zWvO_bchyphenhyphenUrqZ0P3KS9e03CO9hec86N6Y7nkAm6HuMqgG3_bppPRtgddFhRKeLSCALXfM/s400/Cuckoo+Flower+4.jpg" width="319px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cuckoo Flower (<em>Cardamine pratensis</em>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNSA9v8SnTYqV1ECmVP7l-t9TOAqU5r2TW5uxwRAvoThg4CpQ0pmsGyzxcqUX_kixfFcJSvEfrHY92xIv7T40xyq23cnLCR5zVwHZJDBwJ4IzGGeTmYNh8u1XCUrMf55Bl8GnviPVeNa/s1600/Blackthorn+blossom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkNSA9v8SnTYqV1ECmVP7l-t9TOAqU5r2TW5uxwRAvoThg4CpQ0pmsGyzxcqUX_kixfFcJSvEfrHY92xIv7T40xyq23cnLCR5zVwHZJDBwJ4IzGGeTmYNh8u1XCUrMf55Bl8GnviPVeNa/s400/Blackthorn+blossom+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blackthorn or Sloe (<em>Prunus spinosus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRFDnkHUR-xFY5omnIMkrBi5VNTJF6dPjasRIcwEnIkfMfR_fQ9Qr02sR6528qUzE-WivrNPlk8dY8EXHSEKdJ7m83vUAWG1B7_PxppWDdd5THZDDGKIh7gUnZjqlpXJtwM9hx0vrAc1p/s1600/Crab+Spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRFDnkHUR-xFY5omnIMkrBi5VNTJF6dPjasRIcwEnIkfMfR_fQ9Qr02sR6528qUzE-WivrNPlk8dY8EXHSEKdJ7m83vUAWG1B7_PxppWDdd5THZDDGKIh7gUnZjqlpXJtwM9hx0vrAc1p/s400/Crab+Spider.jpg" width="395px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">crab spider (<em>Xysticus cristatus</em>) female</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaXhelDMhXrfOeXDJpsyeehmHJWaJn7urK6WVUkGoD7evc0CgIdeHW1TNY2XWAR80NTDb_dcQKvMG15D_2TqA-kTQN3TKhy7wkMJi6oetuzRhKM9f6dLRhTRyEuLWGnWdCmo5VfgyIvjN/s1600/Little+Round+Top+wood+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaXhelDMhXrfOeXDJpsyeehmHJWaJn7urK6WVUkGoD7evc0CgIdeHW1TNY2XWAR80NTDb_dcQKvMG15D_2TqA-kTQN3TKhy7wkMJi6oetuzRhKM9f6dLRhTRyEuLWGnWdCmo5VfgyIvjN/s400/Little+Round+Top+wood+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dog's Mercury (<em>Mercurialis perennis</em>) in Little Round Top Wood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU_Nkg9aWnijCTbZjbgbk2Yk5mI2HSHHrN287xkgRU5gAlRTsuBD2VBPRH1WjrNqUEFxHH08xfYFd_fCjP1YwLuisSKkT9w1Pe5PqFjaPtwmeceGDgb2tCh1iMppFDw1t6l-H2pnqJ4J6/s1600/Little+Round+Top+wood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSU_Nkg9aWnijCTbZjbgbk2Yk5mI2HSHHrN287xkgRU5gAlRTsuBD2VBPRH1WjrNqUEFxHH08xfYFd_fCjP1YwLuisSKkT9w1Pe5PqFjaPtwmeceGDgb2tCh1iMppFDw1t6l-H2pnqJ4J6/s400/Little+Round+Top+wood+2.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dog's Mercury (<em>Mercurialis perennis</em>) in Little Round Top Wood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7SRBRihOixAmVE0WtuprMUoBg2yWcoXKcTr__3rQji_7oa99O7gRE3mXdWI3Wawsxwopg8RoapRd9N_bNb5WDXpnWj7DewcBI7yOo57BTX-SEst8plt4SgW8v3WozoT7nRA_KKcxiyti/s1600/Little+Round+Top+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7SRBRihOixAmVE0WtuprMUoBg2yWcoXKcTr__3rQji_7oa99O7gRE3mXdWI3Wawsxwopg8RoapRd9N_bNb5WDXpnWj7DewcBI7yOo57BTX-SEst8plt4SgW8v3WozoT7nRA_KKcxiyti/s400/Little+Round+Top+wood.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dog's Mercury (<em>Mercurialis perennis</em>) in Little Round Top Wood</div><br />
At this time of year, Dog's Mercury (<em>Mercurialis perennis</em>) forms a thick carpet of fresh green leaves in Little Round Top Wood. Few creatures seem to nibble at this pristine foliage, possibly due to its poisonous nature. <br />
Culpeper's Complete Herbal (published in 1653) warns <span style="font-size: large;">'there is not a more fatal plant, native of our country, than this'</span>. Ingestion causes severe haemorrhagic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrx0JcsCiaAe_BakJJ0PB87X2epLHJNIpBVWKKSSkgrAdUgLjc-j4xRSgI0xVMDqzFZQXgH9piwsSzyLFyLlpr7epPt9i1duIHZv8xjWrOZWByPLiBHSPXHUD-V6EDz6cq_Lqzpee_w1B/s1600/Ground+Ivy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="349px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrx0JcsCiaAe_BakJJ0PB87X2epLHJNIpBVWKKSSkgrAdUgLjc-j4xRSgI0xVMDqzFZQXgH9piwsSzyLFyLlpr7epPt9i1duIHZv8xjWrOZWByPLiBHSPXHUD-V6EDz6cq_Lqzpee_w1B/s400/Ground+Ivy.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ground Ivy (<em>Glechoma hederacea</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzmvOnODYN8c2WknNGp_3DeW-1eJrk_c342peQGDgSoLyJIJekgggzXcHR0fY3HYjS6kIuMwPFzSDKZuwhrb88RKwH8mTNHtOAZmj6ocdAYYfXgGAS3reQRks7IrX710q8MROR1YKCgCe/s1600/Gorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzmvOnODYN8c2WknNGp_3DeW-1eJrk_c342peQGDgSoLyJIJekgggzXcHR0fY3HYjS6kIuMwPFzSDKZuwhrb88RKwH8mTNHtOAZmj6ocdAYYfXgGAS3reQRks7IrX710q8MROR1YKCgCe/s400/Gorse.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gorse (<em>Ulex europaeus</em>)</div><br />
I had a look at the steepest part of Little Round Top Wood (above the marsh) which will be overgrown with nettles & bracken, and inaccessible within a month or two. <br />
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Hairy St. John's-wort (<em>Hypericum hirsutum</em>) grows on the scrubby slope and Square-stalked St. John's-wort (<em>Hypericum tetrapterum</em>) grows in the marsh below. St. John's-worts, of which there are many species, are better identified by their leaves and stalks than by their golden-yellow flowers (which appear in late June).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UbFfOkqxikLCtg9XfEbv8pGOpfABwer-T_oQkF5B9HvqIg6v5pqyQDA0z80YEnSR1aFEOdLEyWCyo2zwcm8jcDUrHiAI21QOP7T0C-aiiAcZgyhFdW7Pfu6pIyQeowbYfNuKvgYVRso2/s1600/Hairy+St+John%2527s+Wort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UbFfOkqxikLCtg9XfEbv8pGOpfABwer-T_oQkF5B9HvqIg6v5pqyQDA0z80YEnSR1aFEOdLEyWCyo2zwcm8jcDUrHiAI21QOP7T0C-aiiAcZgyhFdW7Pfu6pIyQeowbYfNuKvgYVRso2/s400/Hairy+St+John%2527s+Wort.jpg" width="312px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hairy St. John's-wort (<em>Hypericum hirsutum</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHhz629UBNGnv-Ib8Ack91oPFttQ_UwOIo79ZiMv5LRrY-yOisqJ3hi0EAR09kMa1q-1wHii_Tqdiqo6qfgS-qxkIcHJzVzvj3uMHH5vjK4OzcJOzn-5Pke_B0yFvLuqIIUwuDG_3BIZL/s1600/Hairy+St+John%2527s+Wort+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHhz629UBNGnv-Ib8Ack91oPFttQ_UwOIo79ZiMv5LRrY-yOisqJ3hi0EAR09kMa1q-1wHii_Tqdiqo6qfgS-qxkIcHJzVzvj3uMHH5vjK4OzcJOzn-5Pke_B0yFvLuqIIUwuDG_3BIZL/s400/Hairy+St+John%2527s+Wort+2.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hairy St. John's-wort (<em>Hypericum hirsutum</em>)</div><br />
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Hairy St. John's-wort has a <strong><u>rounded, hairy stem</u></strong> and the <strong><u>leaves are hairy</u></strong>, elliptical in shape and <strong><u>do not possess the black gland-dots</u></strong> which are found on many other <em>Hypericum</em> species.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sLu1Cd0NbF8POu6clCIuGwJLzWQqxIigTYX9tKzmxMOWm-UZwHl8FbxQWvqktm0V7jqh9ByB0n-caFZ_ZuMxCFfofpC0ujjafFgKVX5ESwYrtzLdIj1tfdyYVYm5xVutAMF1urX5PS-7/s1600/Wild+Pansies+below+Test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sLu1Cd0NbF8POu6clCIuGwJLzWQqxIigTYX9tKzmxMOWm-UZwHl8FbxQWvqktm0V7jqh9ByB0n-caFZ_ZuMxCFfofpC0ujjafFgKVX5ESwYrtzLdIj1tfdyYVYm5xVutAMF1urX5PS-7/s400/Wild+Pansies+below+Test.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Pansies (<em>Viola tricolor</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boj9x8lt3.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-58150201193302974892011-03-20T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T09:13:02.577-08:00Mugdock Country Park & Kilpatrick Hills, East & West DunbartonshireI'm not usually a twitcher, but repeated sightings of a Great Grey Shrike at Craigallian Loch over the last few weeks proved too much to resist! <br />
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My dad and I caught a train from Dalmuir to Milngavie, walked through Mugdock Country Park to Craigallian Loch and then walked back to Duntocher (via Burncrooks Reservoir, Duncolm and the Greenside).<br />
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We saw a pair of Treecreepers as we walked through the soaking wet woodland in Mugdock Country Park. Near Craigallian Loch we saw a male Kestrel hunting and heard a Tawny Owl hooting.<br />
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Clouds of mist and rain drifted through the trees and the valley echoed with the drumming of Great Spotted Woodpeckers. On the loch there were groups of Tufted Duck and Goosander.<br />
We wandered along the path, fruitlessly scanning every fencepost and scrubby tree for the shrike. As we waited, a Green Woodpecker landed clumsily atop a nearby pine. <br />
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Disappointingly, the shrike never made an appearance.<br />
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On the way home, at Edenmill Farm, we saw a large flock of Goldfinches and a ploughed field full of Lapwings - their zipping calls are like radios tuning. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnRDrWoEDtbhQ0w4a8cJZgmbVSnG5UEvf3M4fbWPH4YmpvVKeU0R-D5h27pBa3Fke1Ehs6EVRyi4-u5iK0W6uvOHpVNjvYKj3iC9PB4p4hHEFwZk9aazpV8p4nRX2SYGEDtnlePbIXsEM/s1600/Greenside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnRDrWoEDtbhQ0w4a8cJZgmbVSnG5UEvf3M4fbWPH4YmpvVKeU0R-D5h27pBa3Fke1Ehs6EVRyi4-u5iK0W6uvOHpVNjvYKj3iC9PB4p4hHEFwZk9aazpV8p4nRX2SYGEDtnlePbIXsEM/s400/Greenside.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Greenside Reservoir</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_lAbJyFkm6N9dfjPuV-o_m4oIkoKeNeftMi4dKQBu6Rv78Hi_SMn5hekLX9XDHAx4b7blGWCKQxDSPxm11oGskyy3OPMPTVT8xRphq3h-ppdqC8wg2QiBrLk6OE9Qkb34xYr0WtQuVPC/s1600/Hills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_lAbJyFkm6N9dfjPuV-o_m4oIkoKeNeftMi4dKQBu6Rv78Hi_SMn5hekLX9XDHAx4b7blGWCKQxDSPxm11oGskyy3OPMPTVT8xRphq3h-ppdqC8wg2QiBrLk6OE9Qkb34xYr0WtQuVPC/s400/Hills.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Above the Greenside looking towards Duncolm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>By the side of the burn flowing into the Greenside, I found the inedible Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>) growing on a mossy boulder. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8GqY4GVG1rQ5YaiH9-ebJXKz5GInvHpOMeg6cyxK43yxjaErrotEa2OoQZKS1cyit0yTSrQNco8pev728vDcOcAHNsy1HBCfd5SjhUIQS7LSRO8fyUo8Q5mBxqAV59DH5pZqnde4rovU/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8GqY4GVG1rQ5YaiH9-ebJXKz5GInvHpOMeg6cyxK43yxjaErrotEa2OoQZKS1cyit0yTSrQNco8pev728vDcOcAHNsy1HBCfd5SjhUIQS7LSRO8fyUo8Q5mBxqAV59DH5pZqnde4rovU/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LPKhrWkOjRB04Y9RaLO4G4g395_18zKdYKADyuVcknTiU5Sy5OJYX-7YauVvif4vvuzkK9RKPs-RsnTC_XwZScr-7WBD80GTpbJl6oJ0LHfxc9URCxelEXRyIXnWUqY12XpvO-IdVZdx/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LPKhrWkOjRB04Y9RaLO4G4g395_18zKdYKADyuVcknTiU5Sy5OJYX-7YauVvif4vvuzkK9RKPs-RsnTC_XwZScr-7WBD80GTpbJl6oJ0LHfxc9URCxelEXRyIXnWUqY12XpvO-IdVZdx/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOJBEvwG8x1s_riYj5Pz_Umio4HaERj9OdGElRjnMun4gUfLP214cx_HnTtYq0I1OJIbUJWJ35jCdQhIUoqKPwbd05Jfl9gJuoQvv-ZoO_pMUPxCoZrgBSE5EoF37l5asK5_csUK1tce_/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOJBEvwG8x1s_riYj5Pz_Umio4HaERj9OdGElRjnMun4gUfLP214cx_HnTtYq0I1OJIbUJWJ35jCdQhIUoqKPwbd05Jfl9gJuoQvv-ZoO_pMUPxCoZrgBSE5EoF37l5asK5_csUK1tce_/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+5.jpg" width="369px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5DuIHjivBjvuwn0j0Vzj87hKZ7Duk39nF_QcHGpBoxASwI-Eb64PaJa4cLKqfEg4ptBE6CnMNTQctd-w-ZX-orOc55zpEU5fdijoLSwSqBGhNFv1O5o67s5GGLYIqORjzKAYZEXaQnGL/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5DuIHjivBjvuwn0j0Vzj87hKZ7Duk39nF_QcHGpBoxASwI-Eb64PaJa4cLKqfEg4ptBE6CnMNTQctd-w-ZX-orOc55zpEU5fdijoLSwSqBGhNFv1O5o67s5GGLYIqORjzKAYZEXaQnGL/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++13.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0CeC4-hNBNKAVtlZU93zm80zmfoX1FqicoszkYtBeHlZLlkjVu9jxD7YbR5INnjbuCbMQOkTfLZJDU_pZ8ShK7KGsGHKCnzBm-06RZiESd0w1-vfWbZlseWhgCPfpMcT5r6a0kEbgAsb/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0CeC4-hNBNKAVtlZU93zm80zmfoX1FqicoszkYtBeHlZLlkjVu9jxD7YbR5INnjbuCbMQOkTfLZJDU_pZ8ShK7KGsGHKCnzBm-06RZiESd0w1-vfWbZlseWhgCPfpMcT5r6a0kEbgAsb/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+16.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15GHyU_d0npDeYsllziGXtv2fc-t6zLyU8PdQ3TIBWEpRjO_cSg2G9diXaacfJxXTd4ZEvBIR00WppCXC3TrP60Dp15tEK8sGSPmJod4lF2uAlm_TG61hHdwQm23UPVSdKpxyFm1IScSF/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15GHyU_d0npDeYsllziGXtv2fc-t6zLyU8PdQ3TIBWEpRjO_cSg2G9diXaacfJxXTd4ZEvBIR00WppCXC3TrP60Dp15tEK8sGSPmJod4lF2uAlm_TG61hHdwQm23UPVSdKpxyFm1IScSF/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++11.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsRF60npH0tdOXvACYpoU7snalHCG2Tjt6PxFEo3jMy3WBpnePAOadL93n14nLhRjKZMTSO8_MgN4SIvbrJkO2HPnowlcJdNJ_8LFKddeUIIU0mDg7UfVuzdkp0RLlt9ngoYMS4nazi6U/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsRF60npH0tdOXvACYpoU7snalHCG2Tjt6PxFEo3jMy3WBpnePAOadL93n14nLhRjKZMTSO8_MgN4SIvbrJkO2HPnowlcJdNJ_8LFKddeUIIU0mDg7UfVuzdkp0RLlt9ngoYMS4nazi6U/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529++12.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaoh-ekRBcVpqcLAbNoT9JdH1UkQyx6AvOXjkUVkMXYZKNcn8Vsty-LVv3PfqzTlGH5J3znf80wYTdjzoVSfkhEpgaTtLR9hFA4njND4Y8RIgyMQ44DzzBfhBHHIPNHnJwtYHHP7XO7Jw/s1600/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaoh-ekRBcVpqcLAbNoT9JdH1UkQyx6AvOXjkUVkMXYZKNcn8Vsty-LVv3PfqzTlGH5J3znf80wYTdjzoVSfkhEpgaTtLR9hFA4njND4Y8RIgyMQ44DzzBfhBHHIPNHnJwtYHHP7XO7Jw/s400/Twisted+Deciever+%2528Laccaria+tortilis%2529+6.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Twisted Deciever (<em>Laccaria tortilis</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>
<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bokxe32uf.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-92146728578089746252011-03-19T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T10:39:50.501-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireToday I walked from Duntocher to the Mohican Woods, over the Slacks and to The Test marsh. It didn't rain but the sky was darkly overcast and snow survives in colder hollows on the hills.<br />
<br />
Below the Mohican Woods I disturbed a group of Roe Deer (two hinds and a buck) which were grazing along the forest edge. The two hinds - with flared white rumps - disappeared deep into the undergrowth, but the buck only retreated a little way into the trees. <br />
I lay down on the ground, making myself as unhuman-like as possible. A few seconds later, the buck re-emerged and high-stepped towards me cautiously, until the shutter of my camera startled him back into the forest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuu9Ell1b9UDh2UKeDveqruc05ilaqnydNqA-7lj47brGk9jRKS9EgzbYCqfTJqc_RHkxE6RFJzlPDYxVMhWwSV6K3JcGfUwJRFTqjMDh8_oFx7GqNPNlQo-Fm9ApA1Pl3bY25U6WJusp/s1600/Roe+Deer+buck+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuu9Ell1b9UDh2UKeDveqruc05ilaqnydNqA-7lj47brGk9jRKS9EgzbYCqfTJqc_RHkxE6RFJzlPDYxVMhWwSV6K3JcGfUwJRFTqjMDh8_oFx7GqNPNlQo-Fm9ApA1Pl3bY25U6WJusp/s400/Roe+Deer+buck+1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roe Deer (<em>Capreolus capreolus</em>) male</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E6OQBbfgAbI6ND6rD9M-J0-hozd8414FU89wLozOdJ1LjWDYYx1840HQMzm-GLwbveBj_9yarczK1yIqN1nYBT1XD_5ICQBxPaozMiTJhr7MkwjoeFB3BjmiQcSGZS0DW_QdW9cWtU6X/s1600/Roe+Deer+buck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E6OQBbfgAbI6ND6rD9M-J0-hozd8414FU89wLozOdJ1LjWDYYx1840HQMzm-GLwbveBj_9yarczK1yIqN1nYBT1XD_5ICQBxPaozMiTJhr7MkwjoeFB3BjmiQcSGZS0DW_QdW9cWtU6X/s400/Roe+Deer+buck+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roe Deer (<em>Capreolus capreolus</em>) male</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg829fFOJ5RtW1gNXo8Z2HmMp-yTJz81qnUOamQOnrVpv_J_0M6LKXxZ1d7Zkc51ERs24haOwyAgVe89bIPcC0iPfWnxWZqRT3fZtNy8yjaKYtakvA1_9sDzeavELEdsahOpiqFkBJyL70y/s1600/Roe+Deer+buck+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg829fFOJ5RtW1gNXo8Z2HmMp-yTJz81qnUOamQOnrVpv_J_0M6LKXxZ1d7Zkc51ERs24haOwyAgVe89bIPcC0iPfWnxWZqRT3fZtNy8yjaKYtakvA1_9sDzeavELEdsahOpiqFkBJyL70y/s400/Roe+Deer+buck+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roe Deer (<em>Capreolus capreolus</em>) male</div><br />
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Roe Deer are Britain's smallest native deer, weighing only 10-25kg, and are the only hooved mammals which exhibit delayed implantation: an egg fertilized during the summer doesn't begin development until January.<br />
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This male has 3-pronged antlers which means he's at least 3 years old. The furry 'velvet' covering his antlers supplies blood to the antlers as they grow and will be shed within a few weeks. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW1-c0GmB4DuK0nNphL5BCTh81U_CFzby2IJCjdoIVXOyhy9xpY-BgY0hpgp7a6Ns0wB4-T7AA9qDcGYZ6jf35SGVK4NOWrdnaVeW5mF-I3VsKYec2xxWCPg5q03gxmOurLI1zmZoqCC_/s1600/Mohican+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW1-c0GmB4DuK0nNphL5BCTh81U_CFzby2IJCjdoIVXOyhy9xpY-BgY0hpgp7a6Ns0wB4-T7AA9qDcGYZ6jf35SGVK4NOWrdnaVeW5mF-I3VsKYec2xxWCPg5q03gxmOurLI1zmZoqCC_/s400/Mohican+Wood.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mohican Woods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBA0Taa3ffHTDqBmIc7hyphenhyphencVItc2u_aVrLr-rqukU8A0NEUdBlNjUE94t8LMz1DmLLq0rtusoeAe9O_J3vN8RjGPOYp4K_2_ERH5q0c3JQUDF9fkCYmEOTD8pnTFxVv4z7_1QwJgEUXhf3/s1600/Blackface+Sheep+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBA0Taa3ffHTDqBmIc7hyphenhyphencVItc2u_aVrLr-rqukU8A0NEUdBlNjUE94t8LMz1DmLLq0rtusoeAe9O_J3vN8RjGPOYp4K_2_ERH5q0c3JQUDF9fkCYmEOTD8pnTFxVv4z7_1QwJgEUXhf3/s400/Blackface+Sheep+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scottish Blackface Sheep</div><br />
Snow-melt puddles littered the moorland on the Slacks. The only signs of life were a pair of Red Grouse (<em>Lagopus lagopus</em>) which exploded loudly from the heather.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhaznXIfaaEzSphqxReWGO3Pc-d-nJFTxV5mBxUeooT_9i8S8bBkQDg7WMBGbUE-nTS9vXPy6wA0ykfVZcLFTA8sbCV3m29N7KnWGIqt6v0tPzfXzyfask9-HKgdO6DV6fUjBPsQWSHb-/s1600/The+Test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhaznXIfaaEzSphqxReWGO3Pc-d-nJFTxV5mBxUeooT_9i8S8bBkQDg7WMBGbUE-nTS9vXPy6wA0ykfVZcLFTA8sbCV3m29N7KnWGIqt6v0tPzfXzyfask9-HKgdO6DV6fUjBPsQWSHb-/s400/The+Test.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Test marsh</div><br />
In the rocky moorland to the north-east of the Test, a Brown Hare leapt up and sprang like a gazelle over the heather. <br />
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It left behind a pile of fresh droppings:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aFBRaMV148dcmSSVONI-UMp_9AQ2u3OvE9B1z5WLNyaXCqe-WYKjf3cE5k6HZc4XD18sHg2boeIZCDp2hYG-0C_v_dFkh655VQ8XVgMuiBcnsHI1CfBILfEcCvefIX16ztlKQDKoQGbK/s1600/Brown+Hare+droppings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aFBRaMV148dcmSSVONI-UMp_9AQ2u3OvE9B1z5WLNyaXCqe-WYKjf3cE5k6HZc4XD18sHg2boeIZCDp2hYG-0C_v_dFkh655VQ8XVgMuiBcnsHI1CfBILfEcCvefIX16ztlKQDKoQGbK/s400/Brown+Hare+droppings.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown Hare (<em>Lepus europaeus</em>) droppings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEk50059lB0OXWG2vFgDehCo1xImO_CstGsppaegTbad4UlA7sUCNv_3L91x4Bj0BMUL6Yu82UuQMN_Xyie5YnhgohhnFHOt8TUh3eCNJQQQj90pmnhorhf1vOF5H5Ym48NMsmg_kIxpu/s1600/Bomb-hole+at+Test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEk50059lB0OXWG2vFgDehCo1xImO_CstGsppaegTbad4UlA7sUCNv_3L91x4Bj0BMUL6Yu82UuQMN_Xyie5YnhgohhnFHOt8TUh3eCNJQQQj90pmnhorhf1vOF5H5Ym48NMsmg_kIxpu/s400/Bomb-hole+at+Test.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bombhole near the Test (OS map ref. NS 476 741)</div><br />
The Clydebank Blitz (13th & 14th March, 1941) left the Kilpatrick Hills pitted with bombholes and the odd piece of rusty bombshell can still be found lying on the moor. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1XeMGoi4fmjKCZMx_9Wi8IhvuZebcHfa_6bgAM_3bgY8h8nVhDINl2Wv1kqhNs7BMnZb7ssZtAlr0qBBjHlpqZI39n-7IexqO7DImhi39ZYZtv-2s8lVJhi1JZTsXDnCJSgcivq0zU2j/s1600/Fungus+2+-+psathyrella+sp..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1XeMGoi4fmjKCZMx_9Wi8IhvuZebcHfa_6bgAM_3bgY8h8nVhDINl2Wv1kqhNs7BMnZb7ssZtAlr0qBBjHlpqZI39n-7IexqO7DImhi39ZYZtv-2s8lVJhi1JZTsXDnCJSgcivq0zU2j/s400/Fungus+2+-+psathyrella+sp..jpg" width="342px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Psathyrella</em> sp. at Little Round Top Wood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZYkGsP5hZy8lGOsc8pA4bQUsT5K74QgnkZR-Vha8XstLsbZC8ofIZLRr03I-qUIVE7xcEGRqlwzEMCYH_l_7GnrU84vhiCPheyUFdz5WBvesU0aQMoElByM3OdQ-W2rN1PtmbuxoL0V8/s1600/Jackdaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZYkGsP5hZy8lGOsc8pA4bQUsT5K74QgnkZR-Vha8XstLsbZC8ofIZLRr03I-qUIVE7xcEGRqlwzEMCYH_l_7GnrU84vhiCPheyUFdz5WBvesU0aQMoElByM3OdQ-W2rN1PtmbuxoL0V8/s400/Jackdaws.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jackdaws (<em>Corvus monedula</em>) </div><br />
Pairs of Jackdaws nest on every rooftop on my street, they walk the pavements and roads with a bobbing swagger and fill the air with their pleasant calls - an almost musical "chak!" - which gives them their onomatopoeic name. <br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bol63ysyv.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-23260839407339711032011-02-19T13:27:00.000-08:002012-02-18T10:46:47.020-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireI went to the disused curling pond below the Mohican Woods to look for mating Common Frogs (<em>Rana temporaria</em>) - I normally miss them due to the miserable February weather.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotff7atgVVKKnfdN0i7oGrL5Wc7Tm1fhzUteHwmqkLHZie_v3kfgVooFwcFPZHfdDYqXPiqunWZAgNDaDux8twxk88wZvZ6-FLyrojXFj7K0gMCxYGQQOotC0cjvb57Jt-R-jLXLWjJyb/s1600/Ferny+tree+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotff7atgVVKKnfdN0i7oGrL5Wc7Tm1fhzUteHwmqkLHZie_v3kfgVooFwcFPZHfdDYqXPiqunWZAgNDaDux8twxk88wZvZ6-FLyrojXFj7K0gMCxYGQQOotC0cjvb57Jt-R-jLXLWjJyb/s400/Ferny+tree+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mohican Woods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HgyQpbyQjVfZD0UmNiDJRUCsNk-5aQMJhfx4r-f4P5eaKjtnXkkBfVJQOaF0AlOO1XJyvEBk68B_f2p9ykdpu8Sq946qiieiHTFjQ_xDM3EN0A-hGQ5fvrgRXyQKOWJsprZ3zqtgbXu5/s1600/Ferns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HgyQpbyQjVfZD0UmNiDJRUCsNk-5aQMJhfx4r-f4P5eaKjtnXkkBfVJQOaF0AlOO1XJyvEBk68B_f2p9ykdpu8Sq946qiieiHTFjQ_xDM3EN0A-hGQ5fvrgRXyQKOWJsprZ3zqtgbXu5/s400/Ferns.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mohican Woods</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiije37sLDBcHcAa5ZHhiUbYMZN1R3KqzOir1WDA1JKdh5fvgOnxdWhZdEU4vF-2Q86MeSB2uihrd3VKhSSHzucLGY9hcxwtK2LcdDTXu5QKcXuDbrKGGwccY1FpZXkmUtdBPGFzm_GXj9e/s1600/Ferns+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiije37sLDBcHcAa5ZHhiUbYMZN1R3KqzOir1WDA1JKdh5fvgOnxdWhZdEU4vF-2Q86MeSB2uihrd3VKhSSHzucLGY9hcxwtK2LcdDTXu5QKcXuDbrKGGwccY1FpZXkmUtdBPGFzm_GXj9e/s400/Ferns+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ferns in the Mohican Woods</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>No frogs at the curling pond, but I did find a large clump of frogspawn.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiElzxjQHVMH4pnH9UxSNG-i5p4KyvdUr_dQ0x0ipBwWmvsKk2Tct7QFqEJ78yirKpLRj9837Guo4JP_nL10c1iutO6rwaacKBM8_oeuxj2pg6r9X8VoXcxzf5SYTyy-xrGU2tNGeFbfE/s1600/frogspawn+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtiElzxjQHVMH4pnH9UxSNG-i5p4KyvdUr_dQ0x0ipBwWmvsKk2Tct7QFqEJ78yirKpLRj9837Guo4JP_nL10c1iutO6rwaacKBM8_oeuxj2pg6r9X8VoXcxzf5SYTyy-xrGU2tNGeFbfE/s400/frogspawn+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Common Frog (<em>Rana temporaria</em>) eggs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgVduA-174OsS0YX9CMW32ENQ8nNrXZfFX_7wy6WnFh4ZJi7jvbUehMjKwsx_k1B0HLmNU9bFGkcEeyQAVOmL-D9egSGZJzf-snEKlTWefCNH04zBlmysDV0uQoERsX6i_7qN-OAWfn58/s1600/Bracken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgVduA-174OsS0YX9CMW32ENQ8nNrXZfFX_7wy6WnFh4ZJi7jvbUehMjKwsx_k1B0HLmNU9bFGkcEeyQAVOmL-D9egSGZJzf-snEKlTWefCNH04zBlmysDV0uQoERsX6i_7qN-OAWfn58/s400/Bracken.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bracken (<em>Pteridium aquilinum</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO7zEwepY08A7ftyL-_aL-SpuAqPmxvMCBT-6Ro9SbvBX0RVaYArOnqCkIfB410Fy9FzfD2tT3QaOMdlQgomRDeRmduCg8htLadzE1FG5Pw7Am_jMnemzsgNG4QG-5uZ3JGVD5iliaHNB/s1600/buds+%2528elder%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSO7zEwepY08A7ftyL-_aL-SpuAqPmxvMCBT-6Ro9SbvBX0RVaYArOnqCkIfB410Fy9FzfD2tT3QaOMdlQgomRDeRmduCg8htLadzE1FG5Pw7Am_jMnemzsgNG4QG-5uZ3JGVD5iliaHNB/s400/buds+%2528elder%2529.jpg" width="349px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Elder (<em>Sambucus racemosa</em>) bud</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQURXqS0SK3-XgxP8LwW4ILlfsAUO6TZKV8uhgnw8IjwtfNBib4RvTVHcdMOYVsfMMqfHGYgIWy8refNvNzeeTJV0od2ejDSwXQR1vyt02mMJ1KfbM6gRliDm04DH193WBBJ57bT3MVc8-/s1600/Coral+Spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQURXqS0SK3-XgxP8LwW4ILlfsAUO6TZKV8uhgnw8IjwtfNBib4RvTVHcdMOYVsfMMqfHGYgIWy8refNvNzeeTJV0od2ejDSwXQR1vyt02mMJ1KfbM6gRliDm04DH193WBBJ57bT3MVc8-/s400/Coral+Spot.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coral Spot (<em>Nectria cinnabarina</em>) - conidial state</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgajBekUu58TqDFIn1D9zCRIED60ruH_oxEgwqa09fT3QIHxjZNNSipUJLUnDgH68P9FQGbUBe80Csuvon3ztMLsgBWtrhP_oej0FuWOOsHLzyl5bWHxiF3hy86ZJnG1Oc2XbtZhkcWH5/s1600/fungus+on+gorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgajBekUu58TqDFIn1D9zCRIED60ruH_oxEgwqa09fT3QIHxjZNNSipUJLUnDgH68P9FQGbUBe80Csuvon3ztMLsgBWtrhP_oej0FuWOOsHLzyl5bWHxiF3hy86ZJnG1Oc2XbtZhkcWH5/s400/fungus+on+gorse.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yellow Brain fungus (<em>Tremella mesenterica</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Yellow Brain fungus (<em>Tremella mesenterica</em>) was growing profusely on bare Gorse branches near Little Round Top Wood. This fungus is an obligate parasite on other fungi (<em>Periophora</em> sp.).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R_juFiPROC5tG7uVKOufcD9Yb5bIjqgXR9_B4gUHd7B0zckKPEz_r3cLMC3Ltj2OW6UwUoQhs4kIz79VslhD98HvD880Hw7BzeIaMrQMGtR3i0HSh74NCFCWLg9jcnmMh79Kna2oiHyv/s1600/Hazel+catkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R_juFiPROC5tG7uVKOufcD9Yb5bIjqgXR9_B4gUHd7B0zckKPEz_r3cLMC3Ltj2OW6UwUoQhs4kIz79VslhD98HvD880Hw7BzeIaMrQMGtR3i0HSh74NCFCWLg9jcnmMh79Kna2oiHyv/s400/Hazel+catkins.jpg" width="299px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hazel (<em>Corylus avellana</em>) catkins (the male flowers)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_iAnCTWfd3jBz_rHoDHA5vdmwRwU_BS2O4IXw2VZLzIgxkIgNW2GBXUhDZcXnvv530q4261DYkqVHYo6Vl0y4nrkN1TAAedq-C8iYpQsmPlmkKe2ztOgjztiuE_GY643R4B36zMwFf9N/s1600/Oyster+mushroom+%2528Pleurotus%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_iAnCTWfd3jBz_rHoDHA5vdmwRwU_BS2O4IXw2VZLzIgxkIgNW2GBXUhDZcXnvv530q4261DYkqVHYo6Vl0y4nrkN1TAAedq-C8iYpQsmPlmkKe2ztOgjztiuE_GY643R4B36zMwFf9N/s400/Oyster+mushroom+%2528Pleurotus%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oyster Mushrooms (<em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>At Little Round Top Wood, on a massive toppled Ash tree, I found some Oyster Mushrooms (<em>Pleurotus ostreatus</em>). These are the oyster mushrooms encountered in supermarkets and are amongst the best edible wild mushrooms (in my opinion, better-tasting than the bland 'table mushrooms').<br />
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Oyster Mushrooms contain lovastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which lowers cholesterol levels (high cholesterol is a major cause of cardiovascular disease).<br />
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Pleurotus species are both saprotrophic and carnivorous - they feed by secreting digestive enzymes from a microscopic network of 'roots' known as hyphae which digest rotting wood and nematode worms (which are first paralysed by a secreted toxin and then digested alive from the inside by hyphae which enter orifices).<br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bol6t15jb.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-74977565420010756492011-01-22T17:00:00.000-08:002012-02-18T12:09:52.795-08:00Dalmuir Golf Course, West DunbartonshireDalmuir Golf Course is actually a great place to see wildlife, including Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Roe Deer, Dippers, Kingfishers and Barn Owls (the latter two species are scarce in this county).<br />
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Mixed planted woodland and remnants of native, broad-leaved 'bluebell woodland' surround the golf course which is crossed by the Duntocher Burn.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlaedd-aBxujMpkkpVBjwDuwpAaXsOyZX4FnOO60mue62qJMB7I26fsgnRWMHRbKVgTpdhhs3gLiMH-pJC9E8cm-xbt8Eo4MnB6mc1JEl5JVmP5AomSsI-He3q2S9Lh5DOoTPhnH1baYR/s1600/Beech+leaves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSlaedd-aBxujMpkkpVBjwDuwpAaXsOyZX4FnOO60mue62qJMB7I26fsgnRWMHRbKVgTpdhhs3gLiMH-pJC9E8cm-xbt8Eo4MnB6mc1JEl5JVmP5AomSsI-He3q2S9Lh5DOoTPhnH1baYR/s400/Beech+leaves+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beech (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23KHKQzIR9wPXzvNICC2Ee0bwxf3jRiSp1XPv8GZRp5jcrSf0Xz4hOhpe7rmpvfXM6EDmhISQysiUMxVDS1VCv9domvxvUnITcE9QO_iNPSzoiQaeePFcyUNM6pgiUKmqhpKXyelOjkGt/s1600/Beech+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23KHKQzIR9wPXzvNICC2Ee0bwxf3jRiSp1XPv8GZRp5jcrSf0Xz4hOhpe7rmpvfXM6EDmhISQysiUMxVDS1VCv9domvxvUnITcE9QO_iNPSzoiQaeePFcyUNM6pgiUKmqhpKXyelOjkGt/s400/Beech+leaves.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beech (<em>Fagus sylvatica</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Crisp Beech leaves the colour of fox fur clung to nearly-bare branches and the forest floor was carpeted with glossy-leaved Ivy which creeped up trees and formed a viney lattice around their trunks.<br />
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Flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare shifted secretively between the trees and we saw mixed groups of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests in the tree-tops.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCRNyJu1fbhlSZvDHKOTUgvdbCoeWBWgsCXzhczDa0suAZOS2Wix_vU2t6Xmw4re6T6Bb3ebZ187Rb88DYRoMJSfDk1_nnTlVHeD0phEc5tLT-s6EY4U8ZaNjE7mDMbutLxmUnnzUjXK1/s1600/Fox+dead+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCRNyJu1fbhlSZvDHKOTUgvdbCoeWBWgsCXzhczDa0suAZOS2Wix_vU2t6Xmw4re6T6Bb3ebZ187Rb88DYRoMJSfDk1_nnTlVHeD0phEc5tLT-s6EY4U8ZaNjE7mDMbutLxmUnnzUjXK1/s400/Fox+dead+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fox (<em>Vulpes vulpes</em>) - dead</div><br />
The dead Fox we found in the leaf litter, its body frozen stiff, seemed in otherwise healthy condition - no visible disease, injuries or bullet wounds. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that it had been killed by human hands...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuSOiOjhhNpUGVGZ6NJ3uP81c4CRVQt8ybeP7XAEY2HqZboxSrJ59K0tjq-C3yLCmL1CfbltgMnY5_y3qtfa9Wxy5bmacf7uqUdOrOP64YNOu8-Aj51o7_CjXGuIc4CoBwIFbdZ7xxj35/s1600/Orange+Ladybird+%2528Halyzia+16-guttata%2529+hibernation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuSOiOjhhNpUGVGZ6NJ3uP81c4CRVQt8ybeP7XAEY2HqZboxSrJ59K0tjq-C3yLCmL1CfbltgMnY5_y3qtfa9Wxy5bmacf7uqUdOrOP64YNOu8-Aj51o7_CjXGuIc4CoBwIFbdZ7xxj35/s400/Orange+Ladybird+%2528Halyzia+16-guttata%2529+hibernation.jpg" width="359px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Orange Ladybird (<em>Halyzia 16-guttata</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Orange Ladybirds (<em>Halyzia 16-guttata</em>) are herbivores (unlike most ladybirds), feeding on mildews (fungi of the order Erysiphales, which grow on leaves). They are found in deciduous woodland and are often active at night, when they are frequent visitors to lighted windows.<br />
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This species can be distinguished from other white-spotted ladybirds by its very <u>bright orange colouration</u>, <u>12-16 white spots</u> on the elytra and by its <u>unspotted, semi-translucent pronotum</u>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0newkvYgrVGkv-popvZTCTaJOghx3ct6M8dgCcoPhANBHpNrDPJbUaWgIpjoAWF14StafeiJi9LxgFWpVf-0ZaKbbLRhMoYlmKAFgBE4jZqsUNljK8ci_a4aor2UAiitoAZ8625Kg6-d/s1600/Ivy+on+Lime+tree+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0newkvYgrVGkv-popvZTCTaJOghx3ct6M8dgCcoPhANBHpNrDPJbUaWgIpjoAWF14StafeiJi9LxgFWpVf-0ZaKbbLRhMoYlmKAFgBE4jZqsUNljK8ci_a4aor2UAiitoAZ8625Kg6-d/s400/Ivy+on+Lime+tree+2.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ivy (<em>Hedera helix</em>) on Lime tree (<em>Tilia</em> sp.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49C5HW5lnie-T_poYJhyphenhyphen8g2KRbA2icXfcDOJ1qo970io1VptwMCZ3XYVIs1UcUcoDhzZUPIY9voN4H7o_F2boG63cShpdisO-Q6eVT5Zi1rRUJhiOtuJtrQmxMhewCK5uCoJ-I47Cmnjk/s1600/Ivy+on+Lime+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49C5HW5lnie-T_poYJhyphenhyphen8g2KRbA2icXfcDOJ1qo970io1VptwMCZ3XYVIs1UcUcoDhzZUPIY9voN4H7o_F2boG63cShpdisO-Q6eVT5Zi1rRUJhiOtuJtrQmxMhewCK5uCoJ-I47Cmnjk/s400/Ivy+on+Lime+tree.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ivy (<em>Hedera helix</em>) on Lime tree (<em>Tilia</em> sp.)</div>
<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bolf28qpz.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-31029870127379709192010-12-25T17:00:00.000-08:002012-02-18T12:23:33.018-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West DunbartonshireIt snowed heavily from the end of November to mid December, when I was still in Dundee. <br />
Snow ploughs heaped the deep snow from the roads onto the narrow pavements where it froze into impassable mountains of ice. Icicles half a metre long, like glass swords, hung from rooftops and windows (the government even issued warnings, in case anyone should be impaled by falling icicles). Temperatures dropped to -16 degrees centigrade and record numbers of Waxwings surged to our country, driven by the harsh weather conditions.<br />
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By the time I returned to Duntocher for Christmas, the weather had mildened and the snow mostly melted. I went for a short walk up to the Test with my parents in the afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIjK8-AH56blPMAFu9d6ixzb7B57h8mftbrErlVuxkImmzu8Qkfx4AeJX5K2btUnCQBnqeupOXLaZkTgm9FyowFCPZRNgW2m4T5KFJxaVAbpXfsLxSoB5UukcMBk1scXAFfDoUPUUUv5e/s1600/Snowy+Hills+and+Pylons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIjK8-AH56blPMAFu9d6ixzb7B57h8mftbrErlVuxkImmzu8Qkfx4AeJX5K2btUnCQBnqeupOXLaZkTgm9FyowFCPZRNgW2m4T5KFJxaVAbpXfsLxSoB5UukcMBk1scXAFfDoUPUUUv5e/s400/Snowy+Hills+and+Pylons.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Fields near Duntocher</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPAYB0kTf5-nRZZVx9y2dGbGqOVGd2hulET9v1OOVyWLp3cWqFWRPoe3R2dOLXDB0FEdJYOddOkbV8Xg3qww0dQHzrHeDUjD8p3tnnPdzM7vBzBQvKeaM0evSoyjiqjZm9TXv6meNk-6z/s1600/Erskine+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPAYB0kTf5-nRZZVx9y2dGbGqOVGd2hulET9v1OOVyWLp3cWqFWRPoe3R2dOLXDB0FEdJYOddOkbV8Xg3qww0dQHzrHeDUjD8p3tnnPdzM7vBzBQvKeaM0evSoyjiqjZm9TXv6meNk-6z/s400/Erskine+Bridge.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Erskine Bridge</div>
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Above Little Round Top wood we put up a Woodcock which had been resting in the rushes.<br />
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Fieldfares congregated with Wood Pigeons on the fields around Little Round Top and flitted in vast numbers through the dark tangle of Blackthorn bushes. We caught a glimpse of a Sparrowhawk gliding between the trees, sending the panicked Fieldfares scattering.<br />
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I found a dead Common Shrew which had evidently been caught by a predator and then discarded as distasteful. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFHT3gq029QOBI8lgR4qzmhphZXCMrANuZwSurn6DiIwYe0EwNxNuG9xyfXQp-wSDZ-UhCNUaekan8PMzrB6ypsMbK_-fOXyYbvMa1dsIPq397uW5MO1PBzJztdV-7cYJWliBpUJpmpZ6/s1600/Dead+Common+Shrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFHT3gq029QOBI8lgR4qzmhphZXCMrANuZwSurn6DiIwYe0EwNxNuG9xyfXQp-wSDZ-UhCNUaekan8PMzrB6ypsMbK_-fOXyYbvMa1dsIPq397uW5MO1PBzJztdV-7cYJWliBpUJpmpZ6/s400/Dead+Common+Shrew.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>
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Common Shrew (<em>Sorex araneus</em>) - dead</div>
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bolge1ulj.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-5951575825728658912010-08-17T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T12:37:23.177-08:00Tobermory to Ardmore Bay, Isle of MullTo complete our wildlife-watching trip, my dad and I walked Mull's northern coast looking for the UK's largest bird of prey: the White-tailed Eagle.<br />
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In 1975, White-tailed Eagles were successfully reintroduced to the Isle of Rum after being persecuted to extinction in the UK by 1916. Now there are 52 pairs breeding on the West Coast of Scotland, with around 15 of those nesting on the Isle of Mull. <br />
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We followed the main road that leads from Tobermory to Sorne, until we reached the turn-off for the Ardmore forest track, which took us straight to Ardmore.<br />
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To the left of the track there are forestry commission pines and to the left, remnants of the original boggy moorland. Amongst the bog myrtle, bog asphodel and heather, I found some peaty pools swarming with Black Darters. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAONr8S-9n9eySVAH0upq1OlWBBoA77YEit-IjRVJCeVohOTf-q1WLAP8JzrrzGj8Cr5x6rAqOBvzBW1gSR3a7tnB95ToJPYSILl1XEC4n_PN4BbkVDVpx2BbwmPtsJKBEHIsrF_7Jz8Ar/s1600/Black+Darter+immature+male+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAONr8S-9n9eySVAH0upq1OlWBBoA77YEit-IjRVJCeVohOTf-q1WLAP8JzrrzGj8Cr5x6rAqOBvzBW1gSR3a7tnB95ToJPYSILl1XEC4n_PN4BbkVDVpx2BbwmPtsJKBEHIsrF_7Jz8Ar/s400/Black+Darter+immature+male+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Darter (<em>Sympetrum danae</em>) immature male</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMnlluqXbBTUY48vTq8TWuMvZ671chgScDGXvbEeshFl6Ilqy8hRvGNdyO-2OMOlIfbC0T8-z_OOBRtqg7AmHtDkNMQEtLVsosHlUFtQ1IaoY03q5JW9H0FPEqyJmuFMOvMEyKqkrEDVD/s1600/Black+Darter+male+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMnlluqXbBTUY48vTq8TWuMvZ671chgScDGXvbEeshFl6Ilqy8hRvGNdyO-2OMOlIfbC0T8-z_OOBRtqg7AmHtDkNMQEtLVsosHlUFtQ1IaoY03q5JW9H0FPEqyJmuFMOvMEyKqkrEDVD/s400/Black+Darter+male+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Darter (<em>Sympetrum danae</em>) mature male</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Black Darters (<em>Sympetrum danae</em>) are amongst the last dragonflies to emerge (mostly in August). Females and immature males are tawny yellow with eyes that are rusty-orange and green bicoloured. Like a banana skin, the male's integument darkens gradually, the black markings grow until his whole body (and eyes) are jet black.<br />
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In Scotland there are 3 species of heather: Bell Heather (<em>Erica cinerea</em>), Ling (<em>Calluna vulgaris</em>) and Cross-leaved Heather (<em>Erica tetralix</em>). Here's how to tell them apart:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TQtdv5HykCmDO0-PnOFiTnsvOYr7iLFxQMMxslA7Y1z7FAN1tP02hTbzNzefcmxMWn1j6qDh_aW4aon01SrmemsdH80Y0nm6ZTsCf3CqevROV_4D2MrDEWS_C7K4tkHLko8_kFfGPCpI/s1600/Bell+Heather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TQtdv5HykCmDO0-PnOFiTnsvOYr7iLFxQMMxslA7Y1z7FAN1tP02hTbzNzefcmxMWn1j6qDh_aW4aon01SrmemsdH80Y0nm6ZTsCf3CqevROV_4D2MrDEWS_C7K4tkHLko8_kFfGPCpI/s400/Bell+Heather.jpg" width="313px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bell Heather (<em>Erica cinerea</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx6q4-7vajp9wy1SZdqvuBxHGApUFSNDjtGkANMxir62SoqmYKjg2VinCVP90LDGML6efnqAJIXan3dFdSfbc7G_7mcO7eUSMcQxVzjEEfj96XYa7lcZRQe-8A9EOnPn3OgQYRlVe0Cox/s1600/Bell+Heather+%2528Erica+cinerea%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWx6q4-7vajp9wy1SZdqvuBxHGApUFSNDjtGkANMxir62SoqmYKjg2VinCVP90LDGML6efnqAJIXan3dFdSfbc7G_7mcO7eUSMcQxVzjEEfj96XYa7lcZRQe-8A9EOnPn3OgQYRlVe0Cox/s400/Bell+Heather+%2528Erica+cinerea%2529.jpg" width="290px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bell Heather (<em>Erica cinerea</em>) old flowers</div><br />
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Bell Heather (<em>Erica cinerea</em>) has the darkest, most purple flowers which are distinctly bell-shaped. The pine-needle-like leaves are a dark glossy green.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxT-nYnHXQYnR07axaO7shlg4K0KkRw1E4z-Q7kaUMNJ0jip46vm990gC2noJ54RG6arJfHwihQAIkzRfxoTifN66t4wBDS6lGfyjTwamHQbmR2SmMXZmfzi-NuYhlbjbOe6z7FADAQb9/s1600/Ling+a+%2528Calluna+vulgaris%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxT-nYnHXQYnR07axaO7shlg4K0KkRw1E4z-Q7kaUMNJ0jip46vm990gC2noJ54RG6arJfHwihQAIkzRfxoTifN66t4wBDS6lGfyjTwamHQbmR2SmMXZmfzi-NuYhlbjbOe6z7FADAQb9/s400/Ling+a+%2528Calluna+vulgaris%2529.jpg" width="303px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ling (<em>Calluna vulgaris</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Ling (<em>Calluna vulgaris</em>) has tiny pink flowers which are NOT bell-shaped. The leaves are dark glossy green, very short and closely-packed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SuNyBKJMJaZiUZzdvHtPjYphKnxVUzFAdm_ioJrQInx0iU6WpiXop8i2P5FMW2XsMi__Np7k0aT72DBX4MGdiJx5XO4OE6gLE1W3iXvDGWWO_j3aE29J4HsgNhqO4jYNoLig5BQ7POl/s1600/Cross-leaved+Heather+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18SuNyBKJMJaZiUZzdvHtPjYphKnxVUzFAdm_ioJrQInx0iU6WpiXop8i2P5FMW2XsMi__Np7k0aT72DBX4MGdiJx5XO4OE6gLE1W3iXvDGWWO_j3aE29J4HsgNhqO4jYNoLig5BQ7POl/s400/Cross-leaved+Heather+1.jpg" width="278px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cross-leaved Heather (<em>Erica tetralix</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cross-leaved Heather (<em>Erica tetralix</em>) has large, pink, bell-shaped flowers which are clustered at the top of each stem. The leaves are a similar to those of Bell Heather but are covered with tiny hairs - giving them a greyish appearance.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3R7sAf3WDQE3k0L9aQdgupSGQTYqtidLHHVJszJFgX7BJx67Bi1cb4HrdiwxWrFl3yHxWCx966FwF6pRuzwTKD22HyIu1CG_kigBcUXFZ-e3R5oUutF-gDWqQ-SPXDrIKt955WWWrDxy/s1600/Angelica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3R7sAf3WDQE3k0L9aQdgupSGQTYqtidLHHVJszJFgX7BJx67Bi1cb4HrdiwxWrFl3yHxWCx966FwF6pRuzwTKD22HyIu1CG_kigBcUXFZ-e3R5oUutF-gDWqQ-SPXDrIKt955WWWrDxy/s400/Angelica.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wild Angelica (<em>Angelica sylvestris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLgkH4AsUufmxQTIWg3J8bgGvl1zD7_ukwOVz32lfm6UbZzsijfHRvtk9THD2jOdGT0IDed7jutyP88ZQ0BLVMPDo6_sCOnuSK-APkbLAI0cfM3tx843mpYAgMo5aTevJmTSDLKrZ6TtX/s1600/Common+Knapweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLgkH4AsUufmxQTIWg3J8bgGvl1zD7_ukwOVz32lfm6UbZzsijfHRvtk9THD2jOdGT0IDed7jutyP88ZQ0BLVMPDo6_sCOnuSK-APkbLAI0cfM3tx843mpYAgMo5aTevJmTSDLKrZ6TtX/s400/Common+Knapweed.jpg" width="385px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knapweed (<em>Centaurea nigra</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqsE0Ry3I3glUme8vN-zRYyfAgOsUjRh4BBrEVEEWxAfLMMgtCGdXU7we3NXbj_5irYBa-DUeEkHRUGtARP1agQrTqHPZy5rLqWEUSdWBL9Aj42fB2MYTFyA8PshrWBHafl1tPSW0eCYd/s1600/Bramble+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqsE0Ry3I3glUme8vN-zRYyfAgOsUjRh4BBrEVEEWxAfLMMgtCGdXU7we3NXbj_5irYBa-DUeEkHRUGtARP1agQrTqHPZy5rLqWEUSdWBL9Aj42fB2MYTFyA8PshrWBHafl1tPSW0eCYd/s400/Bramble+Flowers.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bramble (<em>Rubus fruticosus</em>)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRRqOOyYzHONpbDCwygdoLpWZcnimU4DM31C_T1ztr4R9qlnj5hWf8CuZR6vlEClARi2pp_tEnQeKGp0BlvLVe0Yf6SridqkOgS2SV_HJDc-pJWZ0MSk0JZY6bbk8Y3thy1HItOf7qnVN/s1600/Bleached+Bark+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRRqOOyYzHONpbDCwygdoLpWZcnimU4DM31C_T1ztr4R9qlnj5hWf8CuZR6vlEClARi2pp_tEnQeKGp0BlvLVe0Yf6SridqkOgS2SV_HJDc-pJWZ0MSk0JZY6bbk8Y3thy1HItOf7qnVN/s400/Bleached+Bark+3.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQJ_5VuuwlQbwMdkM7tnLz6uGzvK3egLUAb0Ufo483XKsLi7O8QcF2Y1ZTcZ79J26TlWI4a1D76guIR4XTPFIv6xz3XiHh2V5I9FBG-hCX1MajCyxo-KKRuk1b4mK1a3oJ4grcQjA7O3W/s1600/Bleached+bark+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQJ_5VuuwlQbwMdkM7tnLz6uGzvK3egLUAb0Ufo483XKsLi7O8QcF2Y1ZTcZ79J26TlWI4a1D76guIR4XTPFIv6xz3XiHh2V5I9FBG-hCX1MajCyxo-KKRuk1b4mK1a3oJ4grcQjA7O3W/s400/Bleached+bark+1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbzgoE2Nfsy0Ttx-5Udw8FIHIWYbNDBi8dlIiHZkrQ_1zvrCIgCMaahRsBR2wAa8NzxFts1VkCH06SDBLKe5ZXl2uevTRY5LHNwdhugXy9W4fMSkjT4XPgc3OdTeKgPSAwWRHdEp_V0la/s1600/Bog+Myrtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbzgoE2Nfsy0Ttx-5Udw8FIHIWYbNDBi8dlIiHZkrQ_1zvrCIgCMaahRsBR2wAa8NzxFts1VkCH06SDBLKe5ZXl2uevTRY5LHNwdhugXy9W4fMSkjT4XPgc3OdTeKgPSAwWRHdEp_V0la/s400/Bog+Myrtle.jpg" width="327px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Bog Myrtle (<em>Myrica gale</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Bog Myrtle (<em>Myrica gale</em>) is an unusual plant: a sweetly aromatic, waxy-leafed, dwarfed tree (of the Order Fagales which includes Birches and Beeches) with symbiotic <em>Frankia</em> bacteria in its root nodules which fix nitrogen into the soil, enabling it to grow in nutrient-poor bogs. <br />
These peculiar mini-trees are dioecious, which means that each individual is either male or female and that both sexes are required for reproduction.<br />
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The richly resinously perfumed leaves were once used to flavour beer and soups (Bog Myrtle is abortifacient and should NOT be consumed by pregnant women!). <br />
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Candles can be made from the fragrant wax obtained by boiling the leaves/fruit and skimming off the floating waxy layer. <br />
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Bog Myrtle leaves contain insect-repellent compounds and have been used for centuries to ward off the formidable Scottish midge (which, from my own experience, is completely undeterred by DEET strong enough to melt plastic in seconds!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3pMHjHc5BCX6JVPaWYJ7dw7920knymh3qQi6Qd9C6YfImbOB8WcetZl5iNrjs7aU6WWQon5sxiQglkSCVxLpKeUNGW0yTpAhHA513oGgtuS6MJvZ5TJeRfrteKBwwJS-PioU4Y2fJPGW/s1600/Rosebay+Willowherb+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3pMHjHc5BCX6JVPaWYJ7dw7920knymh3qQi6Qd9C6YfImbOB8WcetZl5iNrjs7aU6WWQon5sxiQglkSCVxLpKeUNGW0yTpAhHA513oGgtuS6MJvZ5TJeRfrteKBwwJS-PioU4Y2fJPGW/s400/Rosebay+Willowherb+2.jpg" width="286px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rosebay Willowherb (<em>Epilobium angustifolium</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PlJ-mFehyphenhyphen22_Kjw8RuIA23AaA5ALXClxP3IemO3S6Rp_iLOBjf57eaLhIbhsuF_imyvFvchbm-3qwSYPufiodD8_z7tZw3UlkezdtvAMdmn76Xb5GVjs3wNC_HOv6bF6nCER92wj6jk1/s1600/Sneezewort+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PlJ-mFehyphenhyphen22_Kjw8RuIA23AaA5ALXClxP3IemO3S6Rp_iLOBjf57eaLhIbhsuF_imyvFvchbm-3qwSYPufiodD8_z7tZw3UlkezdtvAMdmn76Xb5GVjs3wNC_HOv6bF6nCER92wj6jk1/s400/Sneezewort+a.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sneezewort (<em>Achillea ptarmica</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU322mokxAdfCBw9q7ewyW2L_YZoX8rgjZN1eL2LH0u5TpVNyuhrIwZREHaMPtV0uSsBLrdD7bANkC47J8R-x2pNCACpgBp0dJ9tc83sZwuYjdJsun7tN59pll430-KT16zDPTzAkXC_W/s1600/Rowan+berries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNU322mokxAdfCBw9q7ewyW2L_YZoX8rgjZN1eL2LH0u5TpVNyuhrIwZREHaMPtV0uSsBLrdD7bANkC47J8R-x2pNCACpgBp0dJ9tc83sZwuYjdJsun7tN59pll430-KT16zDPTzAkXC_W/s400/Rowan+berries.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rowan (<em>Sorbus aucuparia</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Along the forest track to Ardmore Bay, we saw numerous butterflies: Common Blues, Speckled Woods, Dark Green Fritillaries, Scotch Argus and Graylings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGzE3icPfz34gdrV6sUniJcHW4V5pMa8XiHGZVyAF0f-LxxXFaNL6_R3cj7c0nMBWiO0mTa1jF7HGXb5Y3wRU2-At6L0Z77yRJB68dJJRaU_x_S_0PRaDCYtuFuQfe9drlwucINCVThdZ/s1600/Dark+Green+Fritillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGzE3icPfz34gdrV6sUniJcHW4V5pMa8XiHGZVyAF0f-LxxXFaNL6_R3cj7c0nMBWiO0mTa1jF7HGXb5Y3wRU2-At6L0Z77yRJB68dJJRaU_x_S_0PRaDCYtuFuQfe9drlwucINCVThdZ/s400/Dark+Green+Fritillary.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dark Green Fritillary (<em>Argynnis aglaja</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9uJibURNHxKvbf_jMlLHohuicN61ZU7WjXEZvFwuXuw1dDKxhkQzeBjt7ZDfdA7h2BxBf8hbM6YZKe1pSReAE2UCi8xo8-DDgkPW25airVsQBJxjxTgLjUK10Dy9eqDSpMyWIXo4CFJq/s1600/Dark+Green+Fritillary+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9uJibURNHxKvbf_jMlLHohuicN61ZU7WjXEZvFwuXuw1dDKxhkQzeBjt7ZDfdA7h2BxBf8hbM6YZKe1pSReAE2UCi8xo8-DDgkPW25airVsQBJxjxTgLjUK10Dy9eqDSpMyWIXo4CFJq/s400/Dark+Green+Fritillary+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dark Green Fritillary (<em>Argynnis aglaja</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
Named after the Latin word for 'dice-box' (fritillus), the fritillary 'group' of butterflies have bright orange uppersides with delicate black chequering. The undersides of the Dark Green Fritillary's wings are mossy green with silver spots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ZXyaYx6mkPvWSqs334QyuNzkFYyqg2ursaPwaJ3rVlDLBZgXOyPUL_u5KvJvAiedhEVOtBwmQM-qZwj29TDBSkrIpm1BTXN3Irqyb4qbiyd0M4NPHb2Kl-R83i2k4QnlJoV7rVZ1ltI/s1600/Grayling+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3ZXyaYx6mkPvWSqs334QyuNzkFYyqg2ursaPwaJ3rVlDLBZgXOyPUL_u5KvJvAiedhEVOtBwmQM-qZwj29TDBSkrIpm1BTXN3Irqyb4qbiyd0M4NPHb2Kl-R83i2k4QnlJoV7rVZ1ltI/s400/Grayling+6.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grayling (<em>Hipparchia semele</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KP_NHDXUvXkb7SCf82eX2M0aSL49bS26ZIjhX-6wXCaSUZS6j7OO75I1J9cIddJaaatWKjx51xzE-fZimuNFNcMgU7mT_Ok8siUJJiR1iuyGpv37eJiSvelN73qpsYEmkbXeJVrh5a_j/s1600/Grayling+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KP_NHDXUvXkb7SCf82eX2M0aSL49bS26ZIjhX-6wXCaSUZS6j7OO75I1J9cIddJaaatWKjx51xzE-fZimuNFNcMgU7mT_Ok8siUJJiR1iuyGpv37eJiSvelN73qpsYEmkbXeJVrh5a_j/s400/Grayling+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grayling (<em>Hipparchia semele</em>)</div><br />
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The Grayling is a coastal butterfly with stony-grey undersides to its wings. This species always rests with wings closed and the rich brown uppersides of its wings are rarely seen. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5Y50Y8a8-KF2U3iSaEAAYurCxudWzbofHGcqP81APtIRfklyqd4K4tWONnyUh7Orjh0Cv7k5-zra_Zdd_5sKYwGbZ1d3zOR6G8f4E8ePXDq0PoYtVzLrXSi1WUDcloxjjhfM_vM4o0uq/s1600/Scotch+Argus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5Y50Y8a8-KF2U3iSaEAAYurCxudWzbofHGcqP81APtIRfklyqd4K4tWONnyUh7Orjh0Cv7k5-zra_Zdd_5sKYwGbZ1d3zOR6G8f4E8ePXDq0PoYtVzLrXSi1WUDcloxjjhfM_vM4o0uq/s400/Scotch+Argus+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scotch Argus (<em>Erebia aethiops</em>)</div><br />
In Britain & Ireland, the Scotch Argus' distribution is restricted to Scotland and 2 locations in Northern England. <br />
Its scientific name describes its dark chocolate colouration: <em>Erebia</em> = from Erebus, the Greek god of darkness, and <em>aethiops</em> = Ethiopian. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguYDVzPbrKO9ylyMoY6WUOMZ06tV8RJIeniPZmXmiCKpc9AJrfxrpNDJr-gZObRKaaBDmVtSLWLqjhh5rWD_u0jjIEmMTBuukbpko3k9UmLHNKylNzLlh1nXKYsQGcuG4d8ehT6hwiFGo/s1600/Speckled+Wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguYDVzPbrKO9ylyMoY6WUOMZ06tV8RJIeniPZmXmiCKpc9AJrfxrpNDJr-gZObRKaaBDmVtSLWLqjhh5rWD_u0jjIEmMTBuukbpko3k9UmLHNKylNzLlh1nXKYsQGcuG4d8ehT6hwiFGo/s400/Speckled+Wood.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speckled Wood (<em>Pararge aegeria</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Curiously absent from most of central Scotland, the Speckled Wood is a butterfly of woodland habitats and is the only British butterfly known to overwinter in both larval and pupal stages.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_KI_ERSIignmMIv-iMkvE88T_dTiVu3X0lV1NEk4loYLUwYNms2a0i2sKMeuPkuPbvKjg_rxcQVbm71cLcA0M45bKD4makMJFJYEhAVMDrJ_OCShUTFZYQ68c99vqxFujql-h-m-Ls6I/s1600/Mull+landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_KI_ERSIignmMIv-iMkvE88T_dTiVu3X0lV1NEk4loYLUwYNms2a0i2sKMeuPkuPbvKjg_rxcQVbm71cLcA0M45bKD4makMJFJYEhAVMDrJ_OCShUTFZYQ68c99vqxFujql-h-m-Ls6I/s400/Mull+landscape.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
At Ardmore we found a group of abandoned cottages, their derelict gardens overgrown with raspberry and fuschia.<br />
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We followed a track down to Ardmore Bay; a sheltered, rocky shore preceded by rough grassland and heather; where we had lunch at a picnic table. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclNt9VbEe-txcXNzhefHyAHxud0s_D2gcGKcB7lbje6fNTlgFQI_a3J0jAvuuweAOsYYLSorRRj_tXGF8mSnsvJbTr0CPmF5MixZrjHmuHDK_5u7-gh4tqa9gsexnevcB7IGT1QWmN3rx/s1600/Creeping+Willow+%2528Salix+repens%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclNt9VbEe-txcXNzhefHyAHxud0s_D2gcGKcB7lbje6fNTlgFQI_a3J0jAvuuweAOsYYLSorRRj_tXGF8mSnsvJbTr0CPmF5MixZrjHmuHDK_5u7-gh4tqa9gsexnevcB7IGT1QWmN3rx/s400/Creeping+Willow+%2528Salix+repens%2529.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Creeping Willow (<em>Salix repens</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Cl6G_Puuk48-VFI2X1IXjZvvJYHt5J9XLk8ykQsH0hSr7GtbHWAB_xSwn92JjehL9rj5yW4vfmxMJrXVjMszibRur7aM63N05NrA-kGHlZWnp4-UJ2PrCumOy_mVJ_YLYEYeVKl-PFP/s1600/Devil%2527s+Bit+Scabious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6Cl6G_Puuk48-VFI2X1IXjZvvJYHt5J9XLk8ykQsH0hSr7GtbHWAB_xSwn92JjehL9rj5yW4vfmxMJrXVjMszibRur7aM63N05NrA-kGHlZWnp4-UJ2PrCumOy_mVJ_YLYEYeVKl-PFP/s400/Devil%2527s+Bit+Scabious.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Devil's-bit Scabious (<em>Succisa pratensis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZAdk-_T4GIyqZNGAMPYIzlkB-FNFPsXUVgN-AeFb7Y0BpFZKUHgBRcW01vU7mjr4QzlOUMb6GDd2Wdmq1Wh4MLsDxykZQSAoDEpqvlbrwKAwrBfUKOcAGr4MHrhcM4rLowSnl64fX3Z1/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZAdk-_T4GIyqZNGAMPYIzlkB-FNFPsXUVgN-AeFb7Y0BpFZKUHgBRcW01vU7mjr4QzlOUMb6GDd2Wdmq1Wh4MLsDxykZQSAoDEpqvlbrwKAwrBfUKOcAGr4MHrhcM4rLowSnl64fX3Z1/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+5.jpg" width="291px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grass of Parnassus (<em>Parnassia palustris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1j26KFqiu19K-4095hDSnBWFOCpZcoIKUTZiRqjyVZrv8uFU2DcQUnQdITJSJSqJ3BWxNiOLzoeGvjXo8JPv55eUXZVbUnRXucNIuvQj5AVh374b1CG7k87PiF5pETCFXNHciJ3CvgbT/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1j26KFqiu19K-4095hDSnBWFOCpZcoIKUTZiRqjyVZrv8uFU2DcQUnQdITJSJSqJ3BWxNiOLzoeGvjXo8JPv55eUXZVbUnRXucNIuvQj5AVh374b1CG7k87PiF5pETCFXNHciJ3CvgbT/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+11.jpg" width="388px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grass of Parnassus (<em>Parnassia palustris</em>)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XzJ0K1tBoaeXpiMUWV6SjZ2cWiFEBF2c8lUMTypMPWD9_v7xyICDkTBZ3pZeqL7KAyMzDStzsbHAUNnHQn6rXllajXVq_gl2iDi13ZvqKQ9dvOSOpk-jIQZsH-Zvzbl2a9I9XbvlCOLS/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="387px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XzJ0K1tBoaeXpiMUWV6SjZ2cWiFEBF2c8lUMTypMPWD9_v7xyICDkTBZ3pZeqL7KAyMzDStzsbHAUNnHQn6rXllajXVq_gl2iDi13ZvqKQ9dvOSOpk-jIQZsH-Zvzbl2a9I9XbvlCOLS/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grass of Parnassus (<em>Parnassia palustris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT1kXYd2qmWTzb1WfAvceqqzrg-wEUW9I58B_QcYBsXEZfn-qFexvMLH-wwEyiAVmVG3-LjW_lX0p-x0Z5RoQW_7evDNcEMv3xmfIAATWNkRB2_q-uFEz3Cf-nn2Qqq5cK-mTEkdzh7_v/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVT1kXYd2qmWTzb1WfAvceqqzrg-wEUW9I58B_QcYBsXEZfn-qFexvMLH-wwEyiAVmVG3-LjW_lX0p-x0Z5RoQW_7evDNcEMv3xmfIAATWNkRB2_q-uFEz3Cf-nn2Qqq5cK-mTEkdzh7_v/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grass of Parnassus (<em>Parnassia palustris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNX5WUEOe1riIQuZFB7J1rcgc-peGpNJTHurQJ8pRixIkIDOng-4bUEaDjURrH6Ym9mcZIzJbkoNOr_rVaHRt3S0pko-7jyeFwgiS4Wqw4HbkuCql-objuHsdKr2JQe7A5i6q8gx_9aW/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNX5WUEOe1riIQuZFB7J1rcgc-peGpNJTHurQJ8pRixIkIDOng-4bUEaDjURrH6Ym9mcZIzJbkoNOr_rVaHRt3S0pko-7jyeFwgiS4Wqw4HbkuCql-objuHsdKr2JQe7A5i6q8gx_9aW/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+1.jpg" width="303px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grass of Parnassus (<em>Parnassia palustris</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z5O2uCHXd2Y-Yrtb5cJwFddq0ZFKirhjd9Fos91tJtIKbKpxblJYlf9pyAtLVXISIv71o0rzC77bIqRvIF_vzgZo365JrR78unlQUrccTYG304uwvQ-w8SKg5zsWJ0BxivepaYSmz91f/s1600/Heath+Pea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="339px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Z5O2uCHXd2Y-Yrtb5cJwFddq0ZFKirhjd9Fos91tJtIKbKpxblJYlf9pyAtLVXISIv71o0rzC77bIqRvIF_vzgZo365JrR78unlQUrccTYG304uwvQ-w8SKg5zsWJ0BxivepaYSmz91f/s400/Heath+Pea.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heath Pea (<em>Lathyrus linifolius</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HsaWND4OzIoZpJFzfx4ejfYzwKQW3xpR15aay404E30ezx_k2aStaDjD3cdSi3XTPkEuXW-wZUAZIeKrQZ5pFI7cImFzMaOE4lhFZreiJr4fp9T4rTqE2Mg46qyMcUkU22ViQ1Xdwu2T/s1600/Heath+Pea+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HsaWND4OzIoZpJFzfx4ejfYzwKQW3xpR15aay404E30ezx_k2aStaDjD3cdSi3XTPkEuXW-wZUAZIeKrQZ5pFI7cImFzMaOE4lhFZreiJr4fp9T4rTqE2Mg46qyMcUkU22ViQ1Xdwu2T/s400/Heath+Pea+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heath Pea (<em>Lathyrus linifolius</em>)</div><br />
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As we were sitting at the Ardmore Bay picnic table, we watched the skies: a Buzzard soared over, mobbed by a pair of Ravens. A shortwhile later, another (more distant) bird of prey appeared, soaring with broad, fingered wings and a wedge-shaped tail...our first White-tailed Eagle!<br />
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These 'flying barn doors' weigh up to 5.5kg with a wingspan of 2.2 metres.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTGEZh_rB8tgk71THUo0Z5hqSNRGv1o0diWoOCLKJYvNMTWvJfTwZo7n-gwGI5cY9F0VwQRLhyphenhyphenvCqc_iz1rB0z9ka1qRLCkiuBX49wlYP8_N0FcbIpHc9_ofX8dMnYqABpEmKblr1B0Ob/s1600/White-tailed+Eagle+juv+4+%2528Haliaeetus+albicilla%2529+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTGEZh_rB8tgk71THUo0Z5hqSNRGv1o0diWoOCLKJYvNMTWvJfTwZo7n-gwGI5cY9F0VwQRLhyphenhyphenvCqc_iz1rB0z9ka1qRLCkiuBX49wlYP8_N0FcbIpHc9_ofX8dMnYqABpEmKblr1B0Ob/s400/White-tailed+Eagle+juv+4+%2528Haliaeetus+albicilla%2529+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">White-tailed Eagle (<em>Haliaeetus albicilla</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnVVGGWWdyB5TJ2NGpAX7QsRDjONliF6NLcBpAFh3ZjTIZVl1zsRD-I7g4EArVOKc0Ap9v5QCcxd-5iI9IXPN8QsPT6puT066frTMaBZYLumHoxF3eV0PdiJzYHuY_Gp9Un62YXLeRYqM/s1600/White-tailed+Eagle+juv+3+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnVVGGWWdyB5TJ2NGpAX7QsRDjONliF6NLcBpAFh3ZjTIZVl1zsRD-I7g4EArVOKc0Ap9v5QCcxd-5iI9IXPN8QsPT6puT066frTMaBZYLumHoxF3eV0PdiJzYHuY_Gp9Un62YXLeRYqM/s400/White-tailed+Eagle+juv+3+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">White-tailed Eagle (<em>Haliaeetus albicilla</em>)</div><br />
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On the coastal path at Ardmore Bay we found a dead Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>), fragile indeed, it appeared to have been pecked to death whilst basking on the path and heavily pregnant (these leg-less lizards give birth to gold-striped live young).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKlMjLl3lf4rzRSeRWWCZ_mUxkkdVeCEJm-79ohWMpGoHM9_KY7EGDMmKoLiK57FKtA5hqHOfB0dDQTosZ_h51zxvxItNU3WuqmQhcrKN8NRJePlA_lf1n9q2IE7NZkxD0VQ9Ipnb6U5l/s1600/Slow+Worm+dead+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKlMjLl3lf4rzRSeRWWCZ_mUxkkdVeCEJm-79ohWMpGoHM9_KY7EGDMmKoLiK57FKtA5hqHOfB0dDQTosZ_h51zxvxItNU3WuqmQhcrKN8NRJePlA_lf1n9q2IE7NZkxD0VQ9Ipnb6U5l/s400/Slow+Worm+dead+1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VFsWMJem6Qe5-kNKdTDyF0SE_4D10Hn0V6xIwQbhF30KPWC-Ugm5pG-MR__kv7nRiUFveKKXTDgv4Rb0TcjHj_TL9HABLBH-TMLcRHFfNRfRvRqI1yQVtTTiPBnd8LG1Lli1CV0kytkJ/s1600/Slow+Worm+head+%2528Anguis+fragilis%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VFsWMJem6Qe5-kNKdTDyF0SE_4D10Hn0V6xIwQbhF30KPWC-Ugm5pG-MR__kv7nRiUFveKKXTDgv4Rb0TcjHj_TL9HABLBH-TMLcRHFfNRfRvRqI1yQVtTTiPBnd8LG1Lli1CV0kytkJ/s400/Slow+Worm+head+%2528Anguis+fragilis%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Jmpc2G9JNMAqE0ZEplE-pROz_3PmXTouqYhzlbup4QaqpgMX3Wnr8_tYdINTk7dnX961AZC-HoqrYWXPUe-mrXE3cXK8hsySHfdd8j01SduHjFV2aNXDQMCdRbew6_gH8IGPD1m2ybm/s1600/Slow+Worm+skin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1Jmpc2G9JNMAqE0ZEplE-pROz_3PmXTouqYhzlbup4QaqpgMX3Wnr8_tYdINTk7dnX961AZC-HoqrYWXPUe-mrXE3cXK8hsySHfdd8j01SduHjFV2aNXDQMCdRbew6_gH8IGPD1m2ybm/s400/Slow+Worm+skin+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>) dorsal surface</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ozLqLceCICUkRsnIjib65eaBjFEJ4BPinzoonVLZBoMsm9zoGN49WVvtfUBTmIa4N3aMyNwhOacFf4QIPalTM9J2t3X8sFVpSZBpLPIG77SFqnLUl4w5mFou1KsGxc6aNVGKfg_OOd5N/s1600/Slow+Worm+skin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ozLqLceCICUkRsnIjib65eaBjFEJ4BPinzoonVLZBoMsm9zoGN49WVvtfUBTmIa4N3aMyNwhOacFf4QIPalTM9J2t3X8sFVpSZBpLPIG77SFqnLUl4w5mFou1KsGxc6aNVGKfg_OOd5N/s400/Slow+Worm+skin+1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>) dorsal surface</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvRDxsYhW-iGU8jmdzt0uIf3cSRvi7Vshhe0XnvfcVkxT6K6rxEhsksFxSBcX364PBI7nRnfvvYO0OQpIvxUubxFvlaVPvcHWjzJOkgG2392kzua9kKr14WuUHyc1__XNU_sK5uZOohwH/s1600/Slow+Worm+underside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvRDxsYhW-iGU8jmdzt0uIf3cSRvi7Vshhe0XnvfcVkxT6K6rxEhsksFxSBcX364PBI7nRnfvvYO0OQpIvxUubxFvlaVPvcHWjzJOkgG2392kzua9kKr14WuUHyc1__XNU_sK5uZOohwH/s400/Slow+Worm+underside.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Slow-worm (<em>Anguis fragilis</em>) ventral surface</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd8UuKPwGciepV1_R9x1ZBBPMpnCMEpm9qzrKpbiWdITZm2oky4y7LRi15a2HklOy4kNpa3_2JQsJ1-KlzIYX6mAzwEaWy2bVEJ4cc7xbsbmwkTTtm-N3HOdNSBKeaLYEowHtFrlaApJs/s1600/Larch+Ladybird+2+%2528Aphidecta+obliterata%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd8UuKPwGciepV1_R9x1ZBBPMpnCMEpm9qzrKpbiWdITZm2oky4y7LRi15a2HklOy4kNpa3_2JQsJ1-KlzIYX6mAzwEaWy2bVEJ4cc7xbsbmwkTTtm-N3HOdNSBKeaLYEowHtFrlaApJs/s400/Larch+Ladybird+2+%2528Aphidecta+obliterata%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Larch Ladybird (<em>Aphidecta obliterata</em>)</div><br />
I searched along crumbling walls and bracken for further Slow-Worms and emerged unsuccessful, my clothes covered in hundreds of tiny ticks. Turning my attention to the shore, I hunted the rock pools and caught some interesting creatures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmWHQdkCGx8Zj61sUvMVMv5hZ9JQHjF57Aa8IOIdqtI_YQwNJbclnPtDp4zqljtCyhQWHZkn3hc37lqwWzDkAmLZv75vF2sgW36zopC665Cm78Fhgyk-U-OXco_RGGMWTna7bR9UXrPN5/s1600/Goose+Barnacle+%2528Lepas+pectinata%2529+spinose+var..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmWHQdkCGx8Zj61sUvMVMv5hZ9JQHjF57Aa8IOIdqtI_YQwNJbclnPtDp4zqljtCyhQWHZkn3hc37lqwWzDkAmLZv75vF2sgW36zopC665Cm78Fhgyk-U-OXco_RGGMWTna7bR9UXrPN5/s400/Goose+Barnacle+%2528Lepas+pectinata%2529+spinose+var..jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goose Barnacle (<em>Lepas pectinata</em>) spinose form</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHTn_R3B3sWCxJxNj2x403xcTweghGEoA7we61r4fa0JKg3uPpAsnbqQbwIDwSV37hDNkq-Pnq6h3PVZmeSysaSAgfVSx12fWGF_zMxHZjz6ex-zmqY7CHIWUIVnFuOv6kHCUXBKN0WAe/s1600/Goose+Barnacle+%2528Lepas+pectinata%2529+spinose+var.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHTn_R3B3sWCxJxNj2x403xcTweghGEoA7we61r4fa0JKg3uPpAsnbqQbwIDwSV37hDNkq-Pnq6h3PVZmeSysaSAgfVSx12fWGF_zMxHZjz6ex-zmqY7CHIWUIVnFuOv6kHCUXBKN0WAe/s400/Goose+Barnacle+%2528Lepas+pectinata%2529+spinose+var.2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goose Barnacle (<em>Lepas pectinata</em>) spinose form</div><br />
The strange lifeform above is the 'spinose variety' of the Goose Barnacle <em>Lepas pectinata</em>. Astonishinly, it may have floated all the way from the Americas in a margarine tub (via the Gulf Stream). It is a tropical species, unsuited to our winters and destined to perish - I pushed its plastic vessel back out to sea, though I doubt it will be making a return journey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtLB0buSie4mTJRiqVQ8MTMe20gJ-K6KiVbM0lR0ZryXiPPhlLF5mrEXoBIaPbgZD3eTsgoMpWXJlX5soO9aaeVg56uq1OLOuwJJzWWjvhFzOpasvvkQAZZHTOx9vjErhdQorvnamuI8W/s1600/Sea+Gooseberry+%2528Pleurobrachia+pileus%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtLB0buSie4mTJRiqVQ8MTMe20gJ-K6KiVbM0lR0ZryXiPPhlLF5mrEXoBIaPbgZD3eTsgoMpWXJlX5soO9aaeVg56uq1OLOuwJJzWWjvhFzOpasvvkQAZZHTOx9vjErhdQorvnamuI8W/s400/Sea+Gooseberry+%2528Pleurobrachia+pileus%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sea Gooseberry (<em>Pleurobrachia pileus</em>)</div><br />
Sea Gooseberries or Comb Jellies are not jellyfish (phylum Cnidaria), belonging instead to the phylum Ctenophora. They are pelagic hunters of zooplankton and move using 8 rows of beating cilia (combs of tiny hairs) which give these otherwise translucent animals a shimmering, rainbow-sheen.<br />
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This species has a long pair of tentacles covered with colloblasts (sticky cells) which it uses to trap prey and can be retracted into the body cavity (which my specimen seems to have done).<br />
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<em>Pleurobrachia pileus</em>, like most ctenophores, is a hermaphrodite and normally reaches peak numbers from October to November.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48O7prk7VC3lF06BgJTGWCvnXzPNhk0mrS0BPNifEoPdFo8yclHWao6UPMgmFdLqtoIFVZe9zAY94ru5Otbmcoii65Yu36N2hJJMz35d2yEsqzwZUghBsdJ1MsFY4FVUaM8fmuq35mMFh/s1600/Squat+Lobster+2+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48O7prk7VC3lF06BgJTGWCvnXzPNhk0mrS0BPNifEoPdFo8yclHWao6UPMgmFdLqtoIFVZe9zAY94ru5Otbmcoii65Yu36N2hJJMz35d2yEsqzwZUghBsdJ1MsFY4FVUaM8fmuq35mMFh/s400/Squat+Lobster+2+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strigose Squat Lobster (<em>Galathea strigosa</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqKIR1wSuSysh2PDDbNvqGoareBRkisXfUnZwpPtPwrjszi_rW3kKyJN3Sy8QaDarLtEFGRd-45z35rn2D4PK6Q7pQ5-syxESXaZ0GWI5cWkyH0fXro6tUHIePC0p-ZzXE4PSMKaT9msg/s1600/Squat+Lobster+3+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqKIR1wSuSysh2PDDbNvqGoareBRkisXfUnZwpPtPwrjszi_rW3kKyJN3Sy8QaDarLtEFGRd-45z35rn2D4PK6Q7pQ5-syxESXaZ0GWI5cWkyH0fXro6tUHIePC0p-ZzXE4PSMKaT9msg/s400/Squat+Lobster+3+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strigose Squat Lobster (<em>Galathea strigosa</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IQiYTrjtDSjNTXyamdw-edFCKxpDwQyy5ykJG7anJKPyu7FOu0Jqi2XtS69vNWIa7G0b4886e_08Z5FWRbwR7AsS8P3htL3qUkrg9kZSh3UGrjAsq4GoZ9mNlX9tWqI9x2_4E5F6L-cn/s1600/Squat+Lobster+4+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IQiYTrjtDSjNTXyamdw-edFCKxpDwQyy5ykJG7anJKPyu7FOu0Jqi2XtS69vNWIa7G0b4886e_08Z5FWRbwR7AsS8P3htL3qUkrg9kZSh3UGrjAsq4GoZ9mNlX9tWqI9x2_4E5F6L-cn/s400/Squat+Lobster+4+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529+CROP.jpg" width="399px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strigose Squat Lobster (<em>Galathea strigosa</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3wtqfGb1QOGlBCfGakvcFV1lXb46umRC0-Tm6qwA72SxS9NzZAJ0EaKESvckLEy4trTtSu5DCvLtjOcc1JvGV69IQGSiA-t4RVD9pQQS7qgnHAnkFX4i0xs5Z-Q1uHrl_o679lNqvwg9/s1600/Squat+Lobster+6+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3wtqfGb1QOGlBCfGakvcFV1lXb46umRC0-Tm6qwA72SxS9NzZAJ0EaKESvckLEy4trTtSu5DCvLtjOcc1JvGV69IQGSiA-t4RVD9pQQS7qgnHAnkFX4i0xs5Z-Q1uHrl_o679lNqvwg9/s400/Squat+Lobster+6+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strigose Squat Lobster (<em>Galathea strigosa</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zO1-NxKxKvyPqaOc18YV1hmmXU7YAzJhMsDAxiRqGl7nnA6CgLff6ue8X_fZmQQCYG46VMmoAXFlakyNi0ekk50yoTmaJ6xYw5PUhFg1VVBX61_WAK8tG1ne7Wzaug4sk02Sc6N-TuaH/s1600/Squat+Lobster+5+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zO1-NxKxKvyPqaOc18YV1hmmXU7YAzJhMsDAxiRqGl7nnA6CgLff6ue8X_fZmQQCYG46VMmoAXFlakyNi0ekk50yoTmaJ6xYw5PUhFg1VVBX61_WAK8tG1ne7Wzaug4sk02Sc6N-TuaH/s400/Squat+Lobster+5+%2528Galathea+strigosa%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Strigose Squat Lobster (<em>Galathea strigosa</em>)</div><br />
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I managed to find a white plastic tub amongst the flotsam which provided an excellent clean background for photography and enabled me to use flash to bring up the detail & colours. <br />
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Squat Lobsters are actually more closely related to Porcelain Crabs and Hermit Crabs than true Lobsters. <br />
The Strigose Squat Lobster's genus name <em>Galathea</em>, refers to the sea-nymph Galatea from Ovid's Metamorphoses and <em>strigosa</em> means 'a row of grain' (Latin), describing the animal's bristle-covered carapace. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGPh3tc0fNb8aQAuOqv-Hi05CZxna9AObXCqhy0ql3N1HPcU9pyLJ9L4_aPGSIlTICmj1macXO1jwzT9FDsOzWeVbrNXgNehtoDM7aUmKfdX05onPreHXxukbJ0ZVnMpgRoUDJZ9mz83i/s1600/Goldenrod+3+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGPh3tc0fNb8aQAuOqv-Hi05CZxna9AObXCqhy0ql3N1HPcU9pyLJ9L4_aPGSIlTICmj1macXO1jwzT9FDsOzWeVbrNXgNehtoDM7aUmKfdX05onPreHXxukbJ0ZVnMpgRoUDJZ9mz83i/s400/Goldenrod+3+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" width="266px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod (<em>Solidago virgaurea</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf7u6MK2txN8W-6Zg6P-KzyVqs7op_mbGJOq3MnDWVFKGhdHK0dT5C-d6iUqrPi2bB0D5Y34S5td-FhUXDYmqI9iuHjsJFj6E5DtMlDuc-eRddrx_CUqGmmN5_7_64yrvVAxC44SJocj0/s1600/Goldenrod+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf7u6MK2txN8W-6Zg6P-KzyVqs7op_mbGJOq3MnDWVFKGhdHK0dT5C-d6iUqrPi2bB0D5Y34S5td-FhUXDYmqI9iuHjsJFj6E5DtMlDuc-eRddrx_CUqGmmN5_7_64yrvVAxC44SJocj0/s400/Goldenrod+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod (<em>Solidago virgaurea</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ji2s-w-4W423gFS8Gvv1_zn-hTrcN0zm0gS_ZhqYNImibg2NZ0jLTIqjMu1mg7IKsQp8R3U4UiNQliPDaKwO5kW4yWm2GJ60ofjkhn25YWcuLqNVohnwkmLl4pCBSWntUjdzyv0f2Ml8/s1600/Goldenrod+2+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ji2s-w-4W423gFS8Gvv1_zn-hTrcN0zm0gS_ZhqYNImibg2NZ0jLTIqjMu1mg7IKsQp8R3U4UiNQliPDaKwO5kW4yWm2GJ60ofjkhn25YWcuLqNVohnwkmLl4pCBSWntUjdzyv0f2Ml8/s400/Goldenrod+2+%2528Solidago+virgaurea%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod (<em>Solidago virgaurea</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Goldenrod has been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments including urinary tract infections, skin wounds/bleeding, skin infections, whooping cough and influenza. Its leaves contain antifungal saponins and anti-inflammatory phenolic glycosides, and are mildly diuretic. <br />
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The flowers also yield a rich, golden-yellow dye.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Dyeing with Goldenrod:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://sheepyhollow.wordpress.com/2010/01/23/a-natural-dye-garden-plant-to-dye-pot-part-i/">Sheepy Hollow Farm Life</a> - how to make Goldenrod dye & the effects of adding alum, iron etc on the colour.<br />
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<a href="http://naturenest.wordpress.com/category/natural-dying/">Our Little Nature Nest</a> - how to make Goldenrod dye.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wildcolours.co.uk/html/goldenrod.html">Wild Colours</a> - useful tips for dyeing with Goldenrod.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hitherehammy.com/2010/09/yarntopia/">Hi There Hammy </a>- photos of Goldenrod-dyed yarns with and without mordants.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkJUJpHCcLI7crSfA9R-TxgcmKiVgUsZKuXNgPwim1Lh-SqACTVN4cQ_UJPFiHrIdawtE7QBXJTvyLWTcHEZJOmRRM8_ezd8wyrjIxLMQ6TNWM1J9nHWE0DqBCNPq6a3MEvp2rzfbjmdx/s1600/Lighthouse+solar+cells+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkJUJpHCcLI7crSfA9R-TxgcmKiVgUsZKuXNgPwim1Lh-SqACTVN4cQ_UJPFiHrIdawtE7QBXJTvyLWTcHEZJOmRRM8_ezd8wyrjIxLMQ6TNWM1J9nHWE0DqBCNPq6a3MEvp2rzfbjmdx/s400/Lighthouse+solar+cells+2.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ardmore Lighthouse solar panels</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We followed a path from Ardmore Lighthouse back into the forest. On the brackened hill above the sea I found a furry, orange-striped Fox Moth caterpillar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZboBdSqfrlTcdPTmmLqvV6jqsIhNpFtPg3CY2G6NhPaB93fIVMq9jR4Jy_IzEAE-5w_YpF5th8c_d8HRio0ohVelqXDIoLtnQSY6XV3WwTcfcrNvvK19eHJp8gvF_PRHAJgELNkN5JsfT/s1600/Palmate+Newt+2+%2528Lissotriton+helveticus%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZboBdSqfrlTcdPTmmLqvV6jqsIhNpFtPg3CY2G6NhPaB93fIVMq9jR4Jy_IzEAE-5w_YpF5th8c_d8HRio0ohVelqXDIoLtnQSY6XV3WwTcfcrNvvK19eHJp8gvF_PRHAJgELNkN5JsfT/s400/Palmate+Newt+2+%2528Lissotriton+helveticus%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Palmate Newt (<em>Lissotriton helveticus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdLcFPohTKZnd9uDcwjJ0l039gu9WTr_ZtF6a1nkIZ09W0jnd6i06rBMaYIFym0SSZDlN0ybhJqY9wyyBE5EithzplmC4q33XmQX4ZMdgc3a7JiCe0-jrt_ZEGFSMTsNZuCR6P4pKhhYa/s1600/Palmate+Newt+%2528Lissotriton+helveticus%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdLcFPohTKZnd9uDcwjJ0l039gu9WTr_ZtF6a1nkIZ09W0jnd6i06rBMaYIFym0SSZDlN0ybhJqY9wyyBE5EithzplmC4q33XmQX4ZMdgc3a7JiCe0-jrt_ZEGFSMTsNZuCR6P4pKhhYa/s400/Palmate+Newt+%2528Lissotriton+helveticus%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Palmate Newt (<em>Lissotriton helveticus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34Rlm4uidgL3tI6R1BDc4cOS3OtnPHoAVmMInECCRv1fk60KBTokP9jl9DcHptJvqrpxBnOQV035zlvscTbJVdyuGSnNN72DVLupGrgIqC_-LIXbDLu7a_GvqmwoNHlUzkxf-GNL8QQW/s1600/Raven+1+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl34Rlm4uidgL3tI6R1BDc4cOS3OtnPHoAVmMInECCRv1fk60KBTokP9jl9DcHptJvqrpxBnOQV035zlvscTbJVdyuGSnNN72DVLupGrgIqC_-LIXbDLu7a_GvqmwoNHlUzkxf-GNL8QQW/s400/Raven+1+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Raven (<em>Corvus corax</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce9mXzVxaQZBLnbnNTsXJlk4ZZxiKFopKmlote1BrNvxq-KmXXXcMyBwx5XTriEgPU-NWBEL9uSS2EJLhZ2myVEok44iCg7-E9LcVs6qgH692etmh2wyFVARsSDce74ySv99KDk2-eioc/s1600/Raven+3+CROP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce9mXzVxaQZBLnbnNTsXJlk4ZZxiKFopKmlote1BrNvxq-KmXXXcMyBwx5XTriEgPU-NWBEL9uSS2EJLhZ2myVEok44iCg7-E9LcVs6qgH692etmh2wyFVARsSDce74ySv99KDk2-eioc/s400/Raven+3+CROP.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Raven (<em>Corvus corax</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IVFF3IPwhoZ6NjdTXP1omn2y8lGFOAQqEHH6xzJwGTqGTbQILWsbOSL8vg2Qx9zfQvdUUIoTh7gU5zpj0lh7gA0UAz67OlkeJg5qDnA9gzeno3LEB7TTSqdx0QIeQhdMDf7GCOsi2yrd/s1600/Arion+ater+%2528brown+variety%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IVFF3IPwhoZ6NjdTXP1omn2y8lGFOAQqEHH6xzJwGTqGTbQILWsbOSL8vg2Qx9zfQvdUUIoTh7gU5zpj0lh7gA0UAz67OlkeJg5qDnA9gzeno3LEB7TTSqdx0QIeQhdMDf7GCOsi2yrd/s400/Arion+ater+%2528brown+variety%2529.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Large Black Slug (<em>Arion ater</em>) brown form</div><br />
Flocks of Swallows attended the open water tanks at a waste processing plant outside Tobermory - fattening themselves up and moulting into fresh new plumage in preparation for their journey back to Africa. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H7-s8gOjr4Yh7VBTR_FYYjJOmLUf74Zzn-OJC_M-9HCD7C7AF4vKI8OHETWfiAuCkpirz1I3hfQ2w0lPBL_pE3btXImQ6mEObV-3FOu9zwYChgKzwcSbeAOqoNFaJq3QOOwVthE6L_-c/s1600/Swallows+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H7-s8gOjr4Yh7VBTR_FYYjJOmLUf74Zzn-OJC_M-9HCD7C7AF4vKI8OHETWfiAuCkpirz1I3hfQ2w0lPBL_pE3btXImQ6mEObV-3FOu9zwYChgKzwcSbeAOqoNFaJq3QOOwVthE6L_-c/s400/Swallows+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swallows (<em>Hirundo rustica</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YeuGkb18nf5JarB4vepgdp3KGoWIlLOTMwsFmiAvBuMOa3kjfcOwHcWbdgnLssyYOSmF-7R4bUbPEIugPRbOFs1ZJX5s40mVi0pdlz6lTQE4Wbl42igKSSrR2jfWLIY50C5ULVcEKL5P/s1600/Swallows+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YeuGkb18nf5JarB4vepgdp3KGoWIlLOTMwsFmiAvBuMOa3kjfcOwHcWbdgnLssyYOSmF-7R4bUbPEIugPRbOFs1ZJX5s40mVi0pdlz6lTQE4Wbl42igKSSrR2jfWLIY50C5ULVcEKL5P/s400/Swallows+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Swallows (<em>Hirundo rustica</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKXycjZDM03O0cRhXDLNMVHnVgTZ6t9DZBcLWXBnQvv0DgcU2uZTgx-t5cr0sPdO3giGxd5KqMqPaLzcqqfnSItTqcIFPeC78DJ-ZPNf234GtRmfq8bsg6hl6xsCIdp9r-2tHE_1uKYJX/s1600/Purple+Loosestrife+%2528Lythrum+salicaria%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKXycjZDM03O0cRhXDLNMVHnVgTZ6t9DZBcLWXBnQvv0DgcU2uZTgx-t5cr0sPdO3giGxd5KqMqPaLzcqqfnSItTqcIFPeC78DJ-ZPNf234GtRmfq8bsg6hl6xsCIdp9r-2tHE_1uKYJX/s400/Purple+Loosestrife+%2528Lythrum+salicaria%2529.jpg" width="275px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Purple Loosestrife (<em>Lythrum salicaria</em>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Another wildplant with medicinal properties, Purple Loosestrife contains antimicrobial compounds (such as vescalagin), is styptic (stops bleeding) and strongly astringent (>10% tannin content). <br />
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Being non-toxic, it was traditionally used internally to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, enteritis and excessive menstruation. Externally, it can be used to treat wounds and impetigo.<br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bolhrvtxj.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-40962536686878422802010-08-16T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T13:00:40.591-08:00Isle of Mull to the Isle of MuckA leaden, rain-saturated sky dulled the ocean surface as we boarded the Sula Beag: perfect weather for picking out the dark silhouettes of fins amid the confusion of shapes cast by everchanging waves...<br />
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I was going on a whale-watching trip with my dad! <br />
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We booked our trip with <a href="http://www.sealifesurveys.co.uk/">http://www.sealifesurveys.co.uk/</a> which charges £80 per person for a 7 hour trip. <br />
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We left harbour at 9:30am and sailed around Mull's northern shores. Passing the steep cliffs near Rubha Nan Gall, we saw the steel-grey back of a Peregrine Falcon.<br />
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Our vessel was followed for several minutes by a hungry Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>) which soared directly overhead.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-BQAFd9-UNgcPLMyQ5SlQP9ZKF7t_9UEOejqSlJt0BEKVQhQvPNKsJp8asBIHG97rt-xxvWgzY5eAO96h-Nz1SoXFDSWX2eZVPWMBI_k3m8jmM0KZystWRTUZQ_ubkS1riZWe-lBLyWG/s1600/Great+Skua+9+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-BQAFd9-UNgcPLMyQ5SlQP9ZKF7t_9UEOejqSlJt0BEKVQhQvPNKsJp8asBIHG97rt-xxvWgzY5eAO96h-Nz1SoXFDSWX2eZVPWMBI_k3m8jmM0KZystWRTUZQ_ubkS1riZWe-lBLyWG/s400/Great+Skua+9+cropped.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ9IqMqgPcKQ8zZ3teQvND0y9JGph-gaeM1xzB5iABJNGf82qVRFt2CBI838kHrDg4ckz5q3aMB-0JoA-Fp7kOcLRbdD8CAeIZw3rEE7_ZT6fbEM-II_DTYOKrz1pqPVGiHPOZx8ztJP1/s1600/Great+Skua+8+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZ9IqMqgPcKQ8zZ3teQvND0y9JGph-gaeM1xzB5iABJNGf82qVRFt2CBI838kHrDg4ckz5q3aMB-0JoA-Fp7kOcLRbdD8CAeIZw3rEE7_ZT6fbEM-II_DTYOKrz1pqPVGiHPOZx8ztJP1/s400/Great+Skua+8+cropped.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOLvByGu9U3gShl21wmBRvMcwtgOu57YE64V0GLMeGmFFzL2O-UkXA_1oxAiFq1FmhQ2D_ChOz5UOwQ10De7-AtXz_fPrmq4dWOCKkWg_h4JI_BATV7l2mWPg0DjUsyLhIQHk2L5ISOI5/s1600/Great+Skua+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOLvByGu9U3gShl21wmBRvMcwtgOu57YE64V0GLMeGmFFzL2O-UkXA_1oxAiFq1FmhQ2D_ChOz5UOwQ10De7-AtXz_fPrmq4dWOCKkWg_h4JI_BATV7l2mWPg0DjUsyLhIQHk2L5ISOI5/s400/Great+Skua+cropped.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLvcs-Jef8TWKsvOcZJ3CNORxJyE9vCJzZAoOGLvsqsfv-0orAcXCWvbDdVOFVvryGOrhiFUVWrI-fhd3x4GHOOeeTT4Vn_kbkyIyg2XkDWjXXs0Q6J9j8-qQHgnWl-RTqxNI_7ewb3Zu/s1600/Great+Skua+10+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLvcs-Jef8TWKsvOcZJ3CNORxJyE9vCJzZAoOGLvsqsfv-0orAcXCWvbDdVOFVvryGOrhiFUVWrI-fhd3x4GHOOeeTT4Vn_kbkyIyg2XkDWjXXs0Q6J9j8-qQHgnWl-RTqxNI_7ewb3Zu/s400/Great+Skua+10+cropped.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEwCY0p7lq1LKzHfWW5-Vdkf3mv3Gbj9zxYx32j9UBa80v6wG2c1o7n_fIyOl_Uq1kQvw33_WlQoNCtUFlXnmVEMWywPDFm9FR0NwYCa7QlJX_snJJmd1vdE9yHM6gj1uC7pOB6M2LCJC/s1600/Great+Skua+6+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEwCY0p7lq1LKzHfWW5-Vdkf3mv3Gbj9zxYx32j9UBa80v6wG2c1o7n_fIyOl_Uq1kQvw33_WlQoNCtUFlXnmVEMWywPDFm9FR0NwYCa7QlJX_snJJmd1vdE9yHM6gj1uC7pOB6M2LCJC/s400/Great+Skua+6+cropped.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Skua (<em>Stercorarius skua</em>)<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>Great Skuas are ferocious scavengers and predators, capable of robbing seabirds (up to the size of Gannets and Herring Gulls) of their catch and able to kill Puffins and Rabbits with ease. <br />
<br />
60% of the world's Great Skuas nest in Scotland during the Summer (mainly concentrated on Shetland and Orkney) and then migrate southwards to spend their winters on the coasts of Spain and Africa.<br />
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Our first fins of the day - a pair moving in lazy tandem, the first larger than the second - belonged to a Basking Shark (<em>Cetorhinus maximus</em>).<br />
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We came remarkably close to the sinuously synchronous fins, their owner's vast bulk concealed beneath the dark waters. Great Black-backed Gulls (<em>Larus marinus</em>) floated above the shark, unperturbed by the benign leviathan's fins cutting amongst their company.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMDO7fv0YzCYGTnqrKlmV_j6xr9Lbkuka8Ld-GfB7mIsVY1wzURy0eUIMFP-DKgADsJ8Uf_syynnvzRBcePb12GnA7xqxSMEgQnG3jaN1To11_JOr6Q2FGMR3u4Fgc5HXLbW-IXvZnXUh/s1600/Basking+Shark+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMDO7fv0YzCYGTnqrKlmV_j6xr9Lbkuka8Ld-GfB7mIsVY1wzURy0eUIMFP-DKgADsJ8Uf_syynnvzRBcePb12GnA7xqxSMEgQnG3jaN1To11_JOr6Q2FGMR3u4Fgc5HXLbW-IXvZnXUh/s400/Basking+Shark+13.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basking Shark (<em>Cetorhinus maximus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6217X8mfviRIO5DPKLt74QJmexNz_wOO7olmSDiZGKL9n1PnRoLGiO_mnZiyLBkTCeIA30qBT_D30FxNDKWMXPve7nFVMtR6b9esYRdttB6UYH7B06-hNKibQtnDY9sfd2Sb2FZ3Yqfi/s1600/Basking+Shark+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6217X8mfviRIO5DPKLt74QJmexNz_wOO7olmSDiZGKL9n1PnRoLGiO_mnZiyLBkTCeIA30qBT_D30FxNDKWMXPve7nFVMtR6b9esYRdttB6UYH7B06-hNKibQtnDY9sfd2Sb2FZ3Yqfi/s400/Basking+Shark+4.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basking Shark (<em>Cetorhinus maximus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u-vuG0fXFCMfusv6FSrSFDgE2bTtcOPXHDudamm6qlVU-PiBiWKltEe7qUPhwMsW_qHt5mGHrovn_dnkETATXVBkqHqPasW1yqWHako9d_50agTMpb7a-ZJ9iV1wqaHK8IaNhYL_LH51/s1600/Basking+Shark+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u-vuG0fXFCMfusv6FSrSFDgE2bTtcOPXHDudamm6qlVU-PiBiWKltEe7qUPhwMsW_qHt5mGHrovn_dnkETATXVBkqHqPasW1yqWHako9d_50agTMpb7a-ZJ9iV1wqaHK8IaNhYL_LH51/s400/Basking+Shark+7.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Basking Shark (<em>Cetorhinus maximus</em>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNKC1TAtCm4gGVCop3xmyaTtU87Hx-T4laVZ4S9kwbCThjVt6mvOvADd-oxXx_d2Cy5EyP5Fe8UAOk9Z42SKUUe1Drl1Be4ffk197gkjsryEC1tjKDCjBTApnvGZtuz4knM1CYsWqDtKt/s1600/Greater+Black-backed+Gulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNKC1TAtCm4gGVCop3xmyaTtU87Hx-T4laVZ4S9kwbCThjVt6mvOvADd-oxXx_d2Cy5EyP5Fe8UAOk9Z42SKUUe1Drl1Be4ffk197gkjsryEC1tjKDCjBTApnvGZtuz4knM1CYsWqDtKt/s400/Greater+Black-backed+Gulls.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Great Black-backed Gull (<em>Larus marinus</em>)</div><br />
Basking sharks move at a leisurely pace with a distinctive snake-like, side-winding movement: very different from the fast, fluke-thrusting motion of cetaceans. <br />
<br />
The Basking Shark is one of only 3 shark species which feed on plankton. It swims with its cavernous mouth agape and plankton are trapped on its gill rakers with the aid of mucus. <br />
These Sharks are highly migratory, travelling thousands of kilometres in search of zooplankton blooms (in Spain they are known as peregrino, meaning 'a pilgrim or wanderer'. In winter they feed in deeper waters and only 'bask' in surface waters during the summer months.<br />
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The second largest fish in the world, Basking Sharks can measure up to 11 metres from nose to tail and weigh as much as 7 tonnes (roughly equivalent to a male African Elephant).<br />
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Overfishing for fins (shark fin soup), meat and shark liver oil, has led to a drastic decline in numbers and the Basking Shark is now listed on the ICUN redlist as 'Vulnerable' and is protected from capture or disturbance in British waters. The main threats to Basking Sharks are illegal fishing, accidental entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with boats. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgPB87OK8mBX3cfwEXwpAYtHHfWbQLdbDZqzYbf3bXMjUxGxwx6tzf3eR_6PiY85jgf49fFvJtX82rnbmWbET8pjhnE5rbqbgLY7a73p_4VgDelPLbofedL4VRvhW7siqkbfQoEbkAao5/s1600/Manx+Shearwater+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgPB87OK8mBX3cfwEXwpAYtHHfWbQLdbDZqzYbf3bXMjUxGxwx6tzf3eR_6PiY85jgf49fFvJtX82rnbmWbET8pjhnE5rbqbgLY7a73p_4VgDelPLbofedL4VRvhW7siqkbfQoEbkAao5/s400/Manx+Shearwater+3.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Manx Shearwater (<em>Puffinus puffinus</em>)</div><br />
Birdlife included distant Manx Shearwaters, Kittiwakes which bobbed in the boat's wake with their black-collared young, Puffins (already in their dull, sooty-faced winter plumage) and several Guillemot dads supervising a single youngster each.<br />
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Further out to sea, North of the Ardnamurchan penninsula, the Isle of Eigg came into view: a towering plateau over which gloomy masses of rain cloud cascaded. Ahead, to the left, lay the smaller, flatter Isle of Muck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ls1jolGPInsCp1EX3SxTw6cf9xMt51GwcKI8diGFHpXKpEt-hemQS_GuIzYy-tu2zvLpBJnQ5ekK28VCEsi_ZkQ0thUMQu2-iUo5uM5A0eZJioMAXqIEOBSnOyL3Oju2-l5xtq6PjeJN/s1600/Isle+of+Eigg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ls1jolGPInsCp1EX3SxTw6cf9xMt51GwcKI8diGFHpXKpEt-hemQS_GuIzYy-tu2zvLpBJnQ5ekK28VCEsi_ZkQ0thUMQu2-iUo5uM5A0eZJioMAXqIEOBSnOyL3Oju2-l5xtq6PjeJN/s400/Isle+of+Eigg.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isle of Eigg</div><br />
The ship's resident salty sea-dog, a good-natured Border Terrier, began to whine - said by the crew to indicate the presence of whales...Seconds later, a pod of Minke Whales (<em>Balaenoptera acutorostrata)</em>appeared to our right: small grey fins atop gracefully sloping humps. <br />
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Not long after, we encountered a small pod of Harbour Porpoises (<em>Phocoena phocoena)</em>: grey-black, falcate fins moving with great haste, slicing the water as if attached to rotating wheels.<br />
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The Isle of Muck is a mostly tree-less isle covered in reedy marshes and turfy fields of multicoloured sheep. We disembarked and spent a short hour exploring the isle.<br />
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Floral diversity was limited to thistles, various shades of Eyebright and ruddy Sorrels.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcGHr6nkczMDO-Bk-_pT5Rxzc_xZKlTYvqLXbTeHm1fXxNrBZ-YY1nOy4MpSD7eT8PZ3x721vIYZ3Mqer_EV_JPCe0O0h5o_jW-sX1anuhq4bRWHJ9U6qJARbly564MOiF1EDkW37myqv/s1600/Sheep+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcGHr6nkczMDO-Bk-_pT5Rxzc_xZKlTYvqLXbTeHm1fXxNrBZ-YY1nOy4MpSD7eT8PZ3x721vIYZ3Mqer_EV_JPCe0O0h5o_jW-sX1anuhq4bRWHJ9U6qJARbly564MOiF1EDkW37myqv/s400/Sheep+field.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isle of Muck</div><br />
Musical twittering drew our attention to a large flock (+25) of Redpolls (probably Lesser Redpolls, but too far away to be certain) which flitted about the island and eventually alighted on a large tree. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73wa_m-f7pktu8feb-AwzY7n6i7tkjYVfwgRC6CpDM-zaqgBzm-LThAddIL9NDa0vtFHXX4OZ_b7qCcVp-EskiyghTGeQE3T3Whh2rWjlyCTJRW9PBpuxK2iNB-PIHpzd2I0l5bvRtHXx/s1600/Muck+sheep+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73wa_m-f7pktu8feb-AwzY7n6i7tkjYVfwgRC6CpDM-zaqgBzm-LThAddIL9NDa0vtFHXX4OZ_b7qCcVp-EskiyghTGeQE3T3Whh2rWjlyCTJRW9PBpuxK2iNB-PIHpzd2I0l5bvRtHXx/s400/Muck+sheep+b.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isle of Muck</div><br />
On our return to Mull, through a torrent of rain, we again sighted the pod of Harbour Porpoise, more Basking Sharks and a Sunfish was spotted by some people on the upper deck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGibTT-EKEBhHOGokZRUaB80vmGAlZMUEtF-sDXGkUA6kExAM95FeV1ilaZuu9WmFjC9IVkSsGizoSVsH0G8YQMNe3U1Jz2sx9fMrvnuVGM6TBOSoYnUq_CslF9yJV_5Ktrdw7OKtLVrW-/s1600/Tobermory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGibTT-EKEBhHOGokZRUaB80vmGAlZMUEtF-sDXGkUA6kExAM95FeV1ilaZuu9WmFjC9IVkSsGizoSVsH0G8YQMNe3U1Jz2sx9fMrvnuVGM6TBOSoYnUq_CslF9yJV_5Ktrdw7OKtLVrW-/s400/Tobermory.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tobermory</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8I-vC5Bw1rppVXkmaloEmODBHf0bROKYUTFHKe9TeNN9SSXLQX7WnzSS0R_yvFUsi4yi4PHQXk6U_Kx2JOz4nk54zQvuYgc4PPAy3JpwBp3v6HXVzGFqAM6BMYzAVorjLexHnkkIz3oN/s1600/Stained+Glass+-+Tobermory+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8I-vC5Bw1rppVXkmaloEmODBHf0bROKYUTFHKe9TeNN9SSXLQX7WnzSS0R_yvFUsi4yi4PHQXk6U_Kx2JOz4nk54zQvuYgc4PPAy3JpwBp3v6HXVzGFqAM6BMYzAVorjLexHnkkIz3oN/s400/Stained+Glass+-+Tobermory+church.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Stained glass window of Tobermory Free Church</div><br />
<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bolk3rt2f.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-73097942649909213242010-08-15T17:00:00.001-07:002012-02-18T13:30:36.103-08:00Tobermory to Rubha nan Gall, Isle of MullToday I set off on a trip to the Isle of Mull with my dad, having booked a whale-watching trip and planning also, to look for the UK's largest bird of prey: the White-tailed Eagle. <br />
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Mull is a large island (over 300 square miles), notable for its extensive oak woods and its offshore reefs which support a rich diversity of marine species. It's a hotspot for cetaceans (particularly Minke Whales) and is the best place in the UK to see White-tailed Eagles. <br />
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Transport involved a train from Glasgow to Oban, a ferry from Oban to Mull (Craignure) and a bus from the ferry terminal to Tobermory - where we stayed at the Tobermory Youth Hostel (SYHA). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm2_jpHhhC0zWqLejz07YYmAr7JM-uOMCwxaa4rD7styeRKPLCj6ZQyy33Rro_CMdBcZwvNS4n5vVh0QOYQgH17I63PPtCTSYjDAqiq9vLNgPlVBKaIGV9I-tPaRRyRvC2CiuqQ2jjZVk/s1600/Glasgow+to+Mull+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm2_jpHhhC0zWqLejz07YYmAr7JM-uOMCwxaa4rD7styeRKPLCj6ZQyy33Rro_CMdBcZwvNS4n5vVh0QOYQgH17I63PPtCTSYjDAqiq9vLNgPlVBKaIGV9I-tPaRRyRvC2CiuqQ2jjZVk/s400/Glasgow+to+Mull+1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen-NGPQUbMrZK87HgciEs42l4q0pXcvuHyh7LzuOiQEP3w3rIGYu8Sgdejk9WAuXnU5LyKA2BVlx0TnktmjpRG2uo0nDG1wir87s6njllWSf7v1bR9M2Iw790BBVv3pnTnkdHM9Ji-KzY/s1600/Herring+Gull+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen-NGPQUbMrZK87HgciEs42l4q0pXcvuHyh7LzuOiQEP3w3rIGYu8Sgdejk9WAuXnU5LyKA2BVlx0TnktmjpRG2uo0nDG1wir87s6njllWSf7v1bR9M2Iw790BBVv3pnTnkdHM9Ji-KzY/s400/Herring+Gull+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Herring Gull (<em>Larus argentatus</em>)</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As we boarded the ferry at Oban, we saw a sharp-winged flock of Common Terns (<em>Sterna hirundo</em>).</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the dazzling sunshine, the ocean seemed an intense tropical blue, Oban's forested shores were emerald-green and the surrounding islets exotic archipeligos in shades of aquamarine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXjXDEXPVMc50eVEszUuwqUkeNBTnJD0HVHIvVz9JPjpY_bIAARc7fP5kRoJXh5XOuuXtpWJ_VAU0ghK400wgKcroSseTDzYYU8IUVDBUXD-XWymjVSu_620JfnCx5m3yN0hNC8JvfVBh/s1600/Oban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXjXDEXPVMc50eVEszUuwqUkeNBTnJD0HVHIvVz9JPjpY_bIAARc7fP5kRoJXh5XOuuXtpWJ_VAU0ghK400wgKcroSseTDzYYU8IUVDBUXD-XWymjVSu_620JfnCx5m3yN0hNC8JvfVBh/s400/Oban.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oban</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuLfMeKVzo4QiIi9axhvQ4w6CnwrF-cee4YPfcrQlRr8PR370Q7AoPt37LRPLN_l7jDSyDh5kKIRclylM4F2yZMBP7N_vQ0f3elKtPRahRt-ro8uGQXQHGxYwJRAEz9YFqN5XIi0dCOQ2/s1600/Islands+from+Oban+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMuLfMeKVzo4QiIi9axhvQ4w6CnwrF-cee4YPfcrQlRr8PR370Q7AoPt37LRPLN_l7jDSyDh5kKIRclylM4F2yZMBP7N_vQ0f3elKtPRahRt-ro8uGQXQHGxYwJRAEz9YFqN5XIi0dCOQ2/s400/Islands+from+Oban+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt6mBKMPjMaQ-C61IZtqoIRF4MpEHGlRLiHHyY5tJXmctFLs-xeBaX-3a3SufEsLfDqSl0_lfVhOAG7_aPD4qJTIfMQ3dxtDBLXO81FqrVoWwXFwtehfBjRe46kEmGT_2vQ0hcW1dqIPc/s1600/Boat+and+Isles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOt6mBKMPjMaQ-C61IZtqoIRF4MpEHGlRLiHHyY5tJXmctFLs-xeBaX-3a3SufEsLfDqSl0_lfVhOAG7_aPD4qJTIfMQ3dxtDBLXO81FqrVoWwXFwtehfBjRe46kEmGT_2vQ0hcW1dqIPc/s400/Boat+and+Isles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Isle of Kerrera to left</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkENBIMcQ3z36fc-emfJZDHyg4523rzLHv1SO-CsS2Dj5f8Jx8jFdbovyeZ9U-z8DotaoIcaCndLFocdcRJUVocf8VDmQmfBtMvQAAUCn0QSdHWFa9WcWaNVcxXhX958jKfAbQ__I1MsM/s1600/Lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkENBIMcQ3z36fc-emfJZDHyg4523rzLHv1SO-CsS2Dj5f8Jx8jFdbovyeZ9U-z8DotaoIcaCndLFocdcRJUVocf8VDmQmfBtMvQAAUCn0QSdHWFa9WcWaNVcxXhX958jKfAbQ__I1MsM/s400/Lighthouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Isle of Lismore lighthouse (built in 1833)</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We dropped off our rucksacks at the youth hostel and took an evening stroll along the coastal path from the northern end of Tobermory to the lighthouse at Rubha nan Gall.</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This steep and winding track passes through cliffside deciduous woodland, where Hazel, Tutsan and Burnet Roses grow by the side of the path and eventually opens out onto rocky shore and rough grassland with swathes of striking Ox-eye Daisies, Knapweed and Hemp Agrimony.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMLWuOO6N-g27ZVkBgzsFk6vTIZ8gjf51el_DVbShSK_vsh4x7Aj00SFrqBLv3A8iFX83Z4xmjxs2F7kusFW_aa05tcUnQmaH87wK7DwLpk_tUp9JztuXUPxchVMv_4nvb7HL4ZG6-IH/s1600/Hemp+agrimony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuMLWuOO6N-g27ZVkBgzsFk6vTIZ8gjf51el_DVbShSK_vsh4x7Aj00SFrqBLv3A8iFX83Z4xmjxs2F7kusFW_aa05tcUnQmaH87wK7DwLpk_tUp9JztuXUPxchVMv_4nvb7HL4ZG6-IH/s400/Hemp+agrimony.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hemp Agrimony (<em>Eupatoria cannabinum</em>)</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuhECaIFPbqHE1ic2cUqEOK9qholyuqaREsjNLhgTIa7hNsNtUItTylmgj0hNj8JcarQ5CiFkcbw8IXBrZjPWH4YQwMCNPiEl70bBccUV4YShz5efY73TjRtJcAVc_2OjQ0uz8wns2FfL/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+4+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghuhECaIFPbqHE1ic2cUqEOK9qholyuqaREsjNLhgTIa7hNsNtUItTylmgj0hNj8JcarQ5CiFkcbw8IXBrZjPWH4YQwMCNPiEl70bBccUV4YShz5efY73TjRtJcAVc_2OjQ0uz8wns2FfL/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+4+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ox-eye Daisy (<em>Leucanthemum vulgare</em>)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQpYOkkdMoU4AvDi96I9FrJUv1ILbBL1BBm60s37S-b3VurwgpWLtfurqfBlzdiG0RxrL7rf-T9B9CqRekV_LnCq1QHWfU8z96TxK5o4jdS1jhJ5ZIz3W4B23v-8iZWxKkogaqg0JvP16/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQpYOkkdMoU4AvDi96I9FrJUv1ILbBL1BBm60s37S-b3VurwgpWLtfurqfBlzdiG0RxrL7rf-T9B9CqRekV_LnCq1QHWfU8z96TxK5o4jdS1jhJ5ZIz3W4B23v-8iZWxKkogaqg0JvP16/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ox-eye Daisy (<em>Leucanthemum vulgare</em>)</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipNGte4C58uSFnbslTULzYuCrq1HfYZeSJjqBOJyTD5nstfAgzAbphnqMnwmiC34BoOGu6lgnsZ08UPkFzof4boBXSyMRPKf_jPjiRsbFeGjbvrgpwb32pGbZBb_BvLbJlbA2avBL7yec/s1600/Oxeye+Daisy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipNGte4C58uSFnbslTULzYuCrq1HfYZeSJjqBOJyTD5nstfAgzAbphnqMnwmiC34BoOGu6lgnsZ08UPkFzof4boBXSyMRPKf_jPjiRsbFeGjbvrgpwb32pGbZBb_BvLbJlbA2avBL7yec/s400/Oxeye+Daisy+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ox-eye Daisy (<em>Leucanthemum vulgare</em>)</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Ox-eye daisy has pungent, edible leaves which can be eaten raw or cooked (the unopened flower buds are good candidates for pickling).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/oxeye-daisy-recipe"><span style="font-size: small;">Ox-eye Daisy Raita Recipe - Eatweeds.co.uk</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scotch Argus butterflies (<em>Erebia aethiops</em>) fluttered through the grasses around Rubha nan Gall lighthouse - a brilliant white-washed, blue solar panelled pillar against the blue skies.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gannets crash-dived the seas and Rock Pipits flitted about the shore, peering at us from yellow lichen encrusted rocks.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0-C1qn_bSGVspmgSJapHbOBQshcYExsnMGS6kwRwfnrVJXRfx1crnJ6pQ5sqWoKoN5naCia6JTkZu-2TK67em5NR9b7SAtRSFhCuW4WPIirP3tDPIN8AK2DVIAV874HeF-sUQ4wArZC1/s1600/Lighthouse+on+Mull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0-C1qn_bSGVspmgSJapHbOBQshcYExsnMGS6kwRwfnrVJXRfx1crnJ6pQ5sqWoKoN5naCia6JTkZu-2TK67em5NR9b7SAtRSFhCuW4WPIirP3tDPIN8AK2DVIAV874HeF-sUQ4wArZC1/s400/Lighthouse+on+Mull.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rubha nan Gall lighthouse (built in 1857)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TLIREt46MFGGoU40KbqdQXbTZj2xivYPgchOLiCBgBiQ3IDstivp7MPvQVrP22bWfZWlq57c3XBYTxcy6KSrElE8TyMTJj_JH8cP1kVluzizjMGpxjN1h_ktFJKLNxcYYAEYtcctgGKE/s1600/Gannet+7+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TLIREt46MFGGoU40KbqdQXbTZj2xivYPgchOLiCBgBiQ3IDstivp7MPvQVrP22bWfZWlq57c3XBYTxcy6KSrElE8TyMTJj_JH8cP1kVluzizjMGpxjN1h_ktFJKLNxcYYAEYtcctgGKE/s400/Gannet+7+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Gannet (<em>Morus bassanus</em>)</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Gannet (<em>Morus bassanus</em>) is the only member of the Sulidae family (Gannets & Boobies) to be found in Europe and the UK holds more than 50% of the world breeding population, with all birds spread amongst only 21 colonies in Britain & Ireland.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">When hunting for fish, these huge birds dive from heights of up to 30 metres to depths of up to 34 metres (mean diving depth is thought to be around 20 metres). Morphological adaptations to this lifestyle include a lack of external nostrils (Gannets breathe through their mouths), the presence of 'cushioning' subcutaneous air sacs and the forward positioning of the eyes to enable sharp binocular vision.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwhomZhiD9sr55fW9go2IZvTYv24B70TibyQP5U-2UfOOpG0SI0qYCqL-voWl3KGPYBbokE8WEyLC12TKiMq_s4A_Q3BTnY8Hz-KGIH10MLA1jXMfY-fF1-No760MikVGnm4zrtmNfzxA/s1600/Lighthouse+fence+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwhomZhiD9sr55fW9go2IZvTYv24B70TibyQP5U-2UfOOpG0SI0qYCqL-voWl3KGPYBbokE8WEyLC12TKiMq_s4A_Q3BTnY8Hz-KGIH10MLA1jXMfY-fF1-No760MikVGnm4zrtmNfzxA/s400/Lighthouse+fence+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The lighthouse fence - a row of delapidated shamrocks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_cq0AYd-jDaoV1vhsYjK1vfqymLVGviMvfXdjpQPw5L9MDVW9izm526rjGWby9OLb-RJEoyNlFL5FnyR_e7nTTQaDEbDokqjhf48rNw1Sop0CROz7GiElCu_gKpicUfTlCaT9eHMVxTx/s1600/Lighthouse+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN_cq0AYd-jDaoV1vhsYjK1vfqymLVGviMvfXdjpQPw5L9MDVW9izm526rjGWby9OLb-RJEoyNlFL5FnyR_e7nTTQaDEbDokqjhf48rNw1Sop0CROz7GiElCu_gKpicUfTlCaT9eHMVxTx/s400/Lighthouse+fence.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD63w8SKW_pcUCo83WPNCCB0by8WgK3uG8RcfBz3SGck6woaKXKjv0h-NhB7jHWhEBsBJ5FqshXBCvefW6bKB5e30I4Elc_bEykcMkPOZJbB4TeVvJpl4NRizRac78cAx7AN0oqqh6Rl7S/s1600/Rock+Pipit+1a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD63w8SKW_pcUCo83WPNCCB0by8WgK3uG8RcfBz3SGck6woaKXKjv0h-NhB7jHWhEBsBJ5FqshXBCvefW6bKB5e30I4Elc_bEykcMkPOZJbB4TeVvJpl4NRizRac78cAx7AN0oqqh6Rl7S/s400/Rock+Pipit+1a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock Pipit (<em>Anthus petrosus</em>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfkPyZntXM3nIDIZZJNm6TzgPD6XVJzK0xnZ6t8jhX_lgvrvXts7vR4Yui7MyR5KwZA1nzvnCHgVKI04yoYBsnz9RbLz67-WGy5tQxINJT9cSTkxm28vgbMNuruTL5UElIGfpFwsqgzAB/s1600/Rock+Pipit+4a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfkPyZntXM3nIDIZZJNm6TzgPD6XVJzK0xnZ6t8jhX_lgvrvXts7vR4Yui7MyR5KwZA1nzvnCHgVKI04yoYBsnz9RbLz67-WGy5tQxINJT9cSTkxm28vgbMNuruTL5UElIGfpFwsqgzAB/s400/Rock+Pipit+4a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock Pipit (<em>Anthus petrosus</em>)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ-g3kDD5Vwlr8Uf-U9t31iWd3H7frGf_iVpNcUokS_XD2JutIsBELhfATYuV62YjKJxeCamwl6IhDWWXn6k9koGyYuewC8BQAiqtOWWpCTgGreCqq-obP_MYyqqhhyphenhyphendmUdvBInc8n6zQ/s1600/Rock+Pipit+5a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ-g3kDD5Vwlr8Uf-U9t31iWd3H7frGf_iVpNcUokS_XD2JutIsBELhfATYuV62YjKJxeCamwl6IhDWWXn6k9koGyYuewC8BQAiqtOWWpCTgGreCqq-obP_MYyqqhhyphenhyphendmUdvBInc8n6zQ/s400/Rock+Pipit+5a+%2528cropped%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rock Pipit (<em>Anthus petrosus</em>)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIEqgBbBAs3r_X9izcheGswa1_COlbG78E83p945vSmpoKUTuwyRb1OsJbMOm2IeIxeBh_2s25tkrdya8l-aWjqVz_qan5z-Q-FHkUVjA29rXU-E4DTX2q1phwqGK6tLP-PS_rnR7xBUG/s1600/Sea+Buckthorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIEqgBbBAs3r_X9izcheGswa1_COlbG78E83p945vSmpoKUTuwyRb1OsJbMOm2IeIxeBh_2s25tkrdya8l-aWjqVz_qan5z-Q-FHkUVjA29rXU-E4DTX2q1phwqGK6tLP-PS_rnR7xBUG/s400/Sea+Buckthorn.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sea Buckthorn (<em>Hippophae rhamnoides</em>)</span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">On our walk back to the hostel, an adorably fat vole ran along the path ahead of us, stopping frequently to look behind and check if we were gaining on it!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Nightwalk:</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We set out from Tobermory in the late evening and walked to the nearby Aros Park (South of Tobermory) - an area of mostly non-native woodland, tutsan and large Rhododendron bushes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I released a Rosy Rustic which I had found earlier on a windowsill in Tobermory and the moth began feeding on the aromatic, sticky leaves of Rhododendron.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH73MunNVJYZ-TZd3EjiBAMMuczNXqzvEhtQnTerLz-7FrgN8Uuyzuae6jYDlYd_j0aQKBIaCMUsBXJtNZi4RKfn3v6S10aO9S_8s4Z7yUOk8d6LSI_rX6WKDAb9axGSFBcHEbMeJmWgC/s1600/Rosy+Rustic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH73MunNVJYZ-TZd3EjiBAMMuczNXqzvEhtQnTerLz-7FrgN8Uuyzuae6jYDlYd_j0aQKBIaCMUsBXJtNZi4RKfn3v6S10aO9S_8s4Z7yUOk8d6LSI_rX6WKDAb9axGSFBcHEbMeJmWgC/s400/Rosy+Rustic+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rosy Rustic (<em>Hydraecia micacea</em>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1I4jwubmr_ZH14ENu-jwRearj0pBSFVpk6sIO0ZB5C1cGprD2-PZ0sQIl0087YdMDSlJZMpv1POVCrOaKAlp_6A0cSpPBIq3GB-YAOZ2uojSRiPiZ3Um8W545Dp6CWXQG27eRNqkz8Vk/s1600/Rosy+Rustic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1I4jwubmr_ZH14ENu-jwRearj0pBSFVpk6sIO0ZB5C1cGprD2-PZ0sQIl0087YdMDSlJZMpv1POVCrOaKAlp_6A0cSpPBIq3GB-YAOZ2uojSRiPiZ3Um8W545Dp6CWXQG27eRNqkz8Vk/s400/Rosy+Rustic+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rosy Rustic (<em>Hydraecia micacea</em>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the woodland tracks led us to a rocky pier with stacked lobster pots and a nearby house/barn from which emanated the ultrasonic click-twittering of many bats. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We waited, in the fading light, for the bats to emerge (accumulating vast clouds of midges in the process) and within a few minutes they did - individuals shooting out of a miniscule hole between the rafters every few seconds, while the bats inside chirped ever louder. The crescendo died down as the remaining bats (probably pipistrelles) exited the roost and vanished into the dark woods.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Distant flocks of Redpolls could be heard but not seen, in the encroaching dusk.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">On our return to the hostel in pitch blackness, we were stopped in our tracks by a strange noise - a loud, fierce, cat-like hissing - coming from the branches of an oak tree just off the path. As we stood listening, we could determine that the sound came from 2 sources...but were they birds or mammals?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shining an LED headlight in their direction did not reveal reflected eyeshine. Although initially mystified as to the identity of the furious hissers, we soon realized that it was a pair of juvenile Barn Owls!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Leaving the noisy owlets behind, we continued our nocturnal journey. Rustling creatures in the undergrowth were revealed, by torchlight, to be enormous orange-eyed Common Toads lumbering about.</span><br />
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/boln36elj.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-16107105122790601872010-08-08T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T15:44:31.109-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West Dunbartonshire<div align="left">
On today's walk, my dad and I followed a route from Duntocher to the Greenside Reservoir (via the Test marsh), eastwards through the planted woodland to the Cochno Loch & Jaw Reservoir, we took the track which runs alongside the Jaw Burn, crossed the fields near Cochno farm and then followed the Cochno Road back into Duntocher.<br />
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Many bumblebees and butterflies (including Small Coppers) in the meadows & marshes below the Test. Here I photographed a white-flowered variant of Harebell:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU_UnE9JjsEvYymb84jKGsg4s3VOXEL-ER3AlIU_ZxEzZd0koTZdsQsN5bbjylde4lJYzgZdAc5xPKYdT3GqyN-LF5uJOuDw0KhngAjQliuDdzDVSQJrLxUG7xornrVU1OpzUg7e3Ni8/s1600/Harebell+white+variant+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581411678699691186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU_UnE9JjsEvYymb84jKGsg4s3VOXEL-ER3AlIU_ZxEzZd0koTZdsQsN5bbjylde4lJYzgZdAc5xPKYdT3GqyN-LF5uJOuDw0KhngAjQliuDdzDVSQJrLxUG7xornrVU1OpzUg7e3Ni8/s400/Harebell+white+variant+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 346px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Harebell (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Campanula rotundifolia</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) white-flowered mutation</span>
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</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
The Blackface lambs are almost past the 'cute' stage...how quickly the months fly!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYzZP4qcZIEAImQtUjEe3EptLhEAB5OIQ2fmBSzbkfTdD3CRgaYnagTzpVi8C1He9VpYJXaC0Uh_Wt1NyaYPZHvygnvCJLU-vUvaJgHEPbSeMOSXGMm7eilm9WCmSQFPLEzcAMcMoH6k/s1600/sheep+detail.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578811842564879090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYzZP4qcZIEAImQtUjEe3EptLhEAB5OIQ2fmBSzbkfTdD3CRgaYnagTzpVi8C1He9VpYJXaC0Uh_Wt1NyaYPZHvygnvCJLU-vUvaJgHEPbSeMOSXGMm7eilm9WCmSQFPLEzcAMcMoH6k/s400/sheep+detail.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 379px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfluK9A-mZvAdZvWfBLED8cc44BUK4GRJO3SHvmggObMK_Fp6aHYTZJ7ziHgq-V9fsFoiGnpZ0Yb_pD7oTLcEOLs0J2zld8JsQSNsQ1d0AlaVmieGzokY62wATLY-yPNcobt8ctz8mt0/s1600/Sneezewort.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578812294170840978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfluK9A-mZvAdZvWfBLED8cc44BUK4GRJO3SHvmggObMK_Fp6aHYTZJ7ziHgq-V9fsFoiGnpZ0Yb_pD7oTLcEOLs0J2zld8JsQSNsQ1d0AlaVmieGzokY62wATLY-yPNcobt8ctz8mt0/s400/Sneezewort.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Sneezewort (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Achillea ptarmica</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXNpvX6vPDJsF9vVFw-uW-RMZgUbADG-w1PuK3cVj-DB-aB8qtiYDO3VeKW8BB1RTmSmZPz6WXK04eMvnIaqZM94eydHSMkKBccTW_HyBLvbpdpFix6nrXVmZBeimG4TGlT-B8lP412E/s1600/Bog+Asphodel+%2528Narthecium+ossifragum%2529+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578809564219681458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXNpvX6vPDJsF9vVFw-uW-RMZgUbADG-w1PuK3cVj-DB-aB8qtiYDO3VeKW8BB1RTmSmZPz6WXK04eMvnIaqZM94eydHSMkKBccTW_HyBLvbpdpFix6nrXVmZBeimG4TGlT-B8lP412E/s400/Bog+Asphodel+%2528Narthecium+ossifragum%2529+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 354px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Bog Asphodel (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Narthecium ossifragum</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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Bog Asphodel yields a yellow dye which in the past was used to dye both hair and clothes.<br />
The whole plant is dangerous to consume - it is known to cause kidney & liver damage in a range of grazing mammals, and is thought to be responsible for alveld, a disease in sheep which causes liver damage and photosensitivity.<br />
<br />
On the north-western bank of the Test marsh basin I found some yellow-toffee coloured waxcaps - possibly <em>Hygrocybe persistens</em>.<br />
<br />
Around the Greenside Reservoir, Angelica and Creeping Thistles attracted swarms of hungry insects.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9EAXoXOe7iVXZ5yNrZR0U4e05hcCo-_T9GANIRXwC52D4X32FdIpFYKwndnTGpYGkWxQcjnYVBMTFXB1FzC41UgN0uuhdbQAdUQB83nOWYgchQdGmSVo7NETEle1GK2YwBIJWU_Qgc0/s1600/Dolichovespula+sylvestris+male+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578808352933089890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9EAXoXOe7iVXZ5yNrZR0U4e05hcCo-_T9GANIRXwC52D4X32FdIpFYKwndnTGpYGkWxQcjnYVBMTFXB1FzC41UgN0uuhdbQAdUQB83nOWYgchQdGmSVo7NETEle1GK2YwBIJWU_Qgc0/s400/Dolichovespula+sylvestris+male+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 335px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tree Wasp (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Dolichovespula sylvestris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) male</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZrIM6ytA5c4PJqCDyeVKaxTKyTVfNASaHiSUYYQD-FgMHLd23mLjlUzLZC36tf7xn_NB6Nf9t_LWhKNqFp1Rj24KGzMSSZYFOlbbuHbFCMlDrRH2s35lMj9IKntocpMwSacvsyCFuzY/s1600/Dolichovespula+sylvestris+male.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578808502430347522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZrIM6ytA5c4PJqCDyeVKaxTKyTVfNASaHiSUYYQD-FgMHLd23mLjlUzLZC36tf7xn_NB6Nf9t_LWhKNqFp1Rj24KGzMSSZYFOlbbuHbFCMlDrRH2s35lMj9IKntocpMwSacvsyCFuzY/s400/Dolichovespula+sylvestris+male.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tree Wasp (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Dolichovespula sylvestris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) male</span>
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<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZrIM6ytA5c4PJqCDyeVKaxTKyTVfNASaHiSUYYQD-FgMHLd23mLjlUzLZC36tf7xn_NB6Nf9t_LWhKNqFp1Rj24KGzMSSZYFOlbbuHbFCMlDrRH2s35lMj9IKntocpMwSacvsyCFuzY/s1600/Dolichovespula+sylvestris+male.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
This Tree Wasp is male and therefore, stingless. Note the 7 abdominal segments (females have 6) and 13-segmented antennae (females have 12-segmented antennae).<br />
Looking at the patterning of the clypeus (yellow front plate) on the face is the easiest way to identify wasps. <em>Dolichovespula</em> wasps can be distinguished from <em>Vespa</em> species by their much larger malar space (between bottom of eye and base of mandibles). <em>Dolichovespula sylvestris</em> has a faint black dot on the clypeus and yellow 'eyebrows'.<br />
<br />
A superb identification key to British social wasps can be found <a href="http://www.eakringbirds.com/eakringbirds2/insectswaspsidentification.htm">here</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBSdHmTSJalRVKYnIsOc8Jm63JzQ922jpxAFGHbatJSeZmG8_3zOCEP9924RohVYTwRrWmYnXVTfr_tqawSLs_IzPio-BXw2zWGDjz6WYvmny2PfIvDfdw-0Gyq3Ui_P795bHBwY0_GI/s1600/Ichneumon+sp.+wasp+male.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581171943709432450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBSdHmTSJalRVKYnIsOc8Jm63JzQ922jpxAFGHbatJSeZmG8_3zOCEP9924RohVYTwRrWmYnXVTfr_tqawSLs_IzPio-BXw2zWGDjz6WYvmny2PfIvDfdw-0Gyq3Ui_P795bHBwY0_GI/s400/Ichneumon+sp.+wasp+male.jpg" style="display: block; height: 323px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="font-size: 14px;">Ichneumon</em><span style="font-size: 14px;"> sp. wasp, male</span>
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<div align="left">
Ichneumon wasps are colourful endoparasitoids of Lepidoptera and the insiration for the Alien films: they lay their eggs inside living caterpillars which are eaten slowly from within and are (eventually) fatally ruptured by the emerging wasp larvae, which pupate on their host's corpse.<br />
<br />
Charles Darwin found this gruesome lifecycle to be a serious challenge to his belief in a benevolent God, writing to Asa Gray in 1860:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">"</span>I own that I cannot see as plainly as others do, and as I should wish to do, evidence of design and beneficence on all sides of us. There seems to me too much misery in the world. I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created the Ichneumonidae with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars, or that a cat should play with mice.<span style="font-size: 130%;">"</span></span></span><br />
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Dark Green Fritillaries (<em>Argynnis aglaja</em>) flew swiftly past as we tripped our way through the hummocky heather, bilberries and planted trees between the Greenside and Cochno/Jaw.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxQ2V6cumLpywhtQOVPIVuzg6Us1pqPY8P3-U-wXJhWKx6GhN2Es7HKI2vzirpNTsyIoEmRulfZmfYFLECzu6KREQ8G-I8312Lm_Cx6JLyubFF1zSt9IEgwcP4HTQ-qkrneVciKHBlYw/s1600/Bilberries+%2528Vaccinium+myrtillus%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581172663192296178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxQ2V6cumLpywhtQOVPIVuzg6Us1pqPY8P3-U-wXJhWKx6GhN2Es7HKI2vzirpNTsyIoEmRulfZmfYFLECzu6KREQ8G-I8312Lm_Cx6JLyubFF1zSt9IEgwcP4HTQ-qkrneVciKHBlYw/s400/Bilberries+%2528Vaccinium+myrtillus%2529.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Bilberry (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Vaccinium myrtillus</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih9agpv3U4jfnvgHVXJsoCdsebcZkp6hTHUoeuRDP-t1orPOWWi0wO_jyPNZdDv9wNx4nGoRuSBeo1YuZ4Wb0nEHDH6lFxeu0_OWJ5cjf9I1qsPxmaFB6nSFTgCo6kgJeS3wVAsdXJ3I/s1600/Bilberry+%2528Vaccinium+myrtillus%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581172892848485346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih9agpv3U4jfnvgHVXJsoCdsebcZkp6hTHUoeuRDP-t1orPOWWi0wO_jyPNZdDv9wNx4nGoRuSBeo1YuZ4Wb0nEHDH6lFxeu0_OWJ5cjf9I1qsPxmaFB6nSFTgCo6kgJeS3wVAsdXJ3I/s400/Bilberry+%2528Vaccinium+myrtillus%2529.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 359px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Bilberry (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Vaccinium myrtillus</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgih9agpv3U4jfnvgHVXJsoCdsebcZkp6hTHUoeuRDP-t1orPOWWi0wO_jyPNZdDv9wNx4nGoRuSBeo1YuZ4Wb0nEHDH6lFxeu0_OWJ5cjf9I1qsPxmaFB6nSFTgCo6kgJeS3wVAsdXJ3I/s1600/Bilberry+%2528Vaccinium+myrtillus%2529.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
Bilberries (or blaeberries as they are locally known) are my favourite wild berries: just the right combination of sweet & tart and the lack of prickles makes gathering them easy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Bilberries as a Natural Dye: </strong></span><br />
<br />
These berries yield red & blue-purple dyes (depending on the pH of the fruit picked).<br />
Absolutely beautiful examples of bilberry-dyed fabrics can be found at <a href="http://naturallydyeing.blogspot.com/2010/08/solar-dyeing-v-c-c-i-n-i-u-m-m-y-r-t-i.html">naturallydyeing.blogspot.com</a> and experiments with bilberry ink at <a href="http://yehar.com/blog/?p=1401">yehar.com/blog</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>Bilberry Recipes:</strong></span><br />
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* <a href="http://www.len.ro/2010/08/sorbet-time/">Bilberry Sorbet</a><br />
<br />
* <a href="http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/2007/08/something-delicious-to-drizzle-on-your.html">Bilberry Syrup</a><br />
<br />
* <a href="http://hisforhomeblog.com/cookery/berry-delicious/#axzz1GFLdoSKK">Bilberry Custard Tart</a><br />
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Tea made from dried Bilberry leaves was traditionally used to treat diabetes: glucoquinones in the leaves have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ix-rugusbrco1wnzi7KZvhGtgEU_S8oSthmaV3caCWBVIkTbtKKSwVsJrSFVQcUZllQE4eC1tJpr5i9MHEahlmLAtE7z_Nb6PlaLsocKZ0bN___G_wOUz3yLXFiM2OPsjN_1hD7p2Nc/s1600/Ling+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581173431987152530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ix-rugusbrco1wnzi7KZvhGtgEU_S8oSthmaV3caCWBVIkTbtKKSwVsJrSFVQcUZllQE4eC1tJpr5i9MHEahlmLAtE7z_Nb6PlaLsocKZ0bN___G_wOUz3yLXFiM2OPsjN_1hD7p2Nc/s400/Ling+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Ling (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Calluna vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE9EomlvTgAUJOKHiHcSUOjo3HsnJYMU0DEqRz1men3WA3oQSsHjyjj5icbKLzIifG8TSW7pRi2tDhCdRd67hVqvL0cMKBEBFRfdlkaRitEZ8woUdZsdgdB_PBphwQxhsFCfxNA1DfQY/s1600/Ling.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581173794600329538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE9EomlvTgAUJOKHiHcSUOjo3HsnJYMU0DEqRz1men3WA3oQSsHjyjj5icbKLzIifG8TSW7pRi2tDhCdRd67hVqvL0cMKBEBFRfdlkaRitEZ8woUdZsdgdB_PBphwQxhsFCfxNA1DfQY/s400/Ling.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Ling (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Calluna vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia6j_BQHhSVBUCw84iNdQY8P18uHH-DGdh-CxOG27_W57FW2UG3V1JPdBotypEJXifpL7RECc3mfpcyCxjBJuzyMRDsOZ7sISRPn0lRJTsgInOE7BSkU23iCvXE3atAPgl5lLxnlu5Gw/s1600/Ling+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581174005613235250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia6j_BQHhSVBUCw84iNdQY8P18uHH-DGdh-CxOG27_W57FW2UG3V1JPdBotypEJXifpL7RECc3mfpcyCxjBJuzyMRDsOZ7sISRPn0lRJTsgInOE7BSkU23iCvXE3atAPgl5lLxnlu5Gw/s400/Ling+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Ling (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Calluna vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
</td></tr>
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<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left">
We found this weed growing amongst the trees...</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e337nqY73iXYAym62ADAfZHKK_ak9Rry6OsAQYINYZONUTOqT2IJ9Re4jcqYcNDEq6RDf1ukCGEAdj-aaRfnVM5Kf1Slzez7r075Jk1nr1ESspDR3Dg0vc07jupip_FRrMz35qJJCao/s1600/Cannabis.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581174324830315522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0e337nqY73iXYAym62ADAfZHKK_ak9Rry6OsAQYINYZONUTOqT2IJ9Re4jcqYcNDEq6RDf1ukCGEAdj-aaRfnVM5Kf1Slzez7r075Jk1nr1ESspDR3Dg0vc07jupip_FRrMz35qJJCao/s400/Cannabis.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 326px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFM-67ktlTU6t5ELAOZAts0q_McBYnJ1fyk4B7dA2rPrkKTdMzoOq-BTYsCHzwjg5HREC6DaVEbeRIsaOtBwL_Q5epzxK7L6DT8KHqxd2fHmOCwkZ-ucwbOzziwxWQyohM3JdopTNam0/s1600/Cannabis+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581174519772831218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFM-67ktlTU6t5ELAOZAts0q_McBYnJ1fyk4B7dA2rPrkKTdMzoOq-BTYsCHzwjg5HREC6DaVEbeRIsaOtBwL_Q5epzxK7L6DT8KHqxd2fHmOCwkZ-ucwbOzziwxWQyohM3JdopTNam0/s400/Cannabis+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Interestingly, the plant was covered with dead froghoppers (<em>Cicadella viridis</em>), many seemingly frozen in the act of sucking the sap - proof, if any were needed, of the potency of this plant's chemical defences.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqss124ORzyGyZ_cn3bCkaSrpTwl42rf75gdoNhGjzhuPLFAcfabUaB8M2Xm1Qe1j1wRN7YKt1y4fjJPqiTytCAt6-37X0fPXGx0_vOpi3D96PwgSXbxCeDWogvLGsYa4cw_AyZVdiYk/s1600/Rowan+berries+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581175277769587394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqss124ORzyGyZ_cn3bCkaSrpTwl42rf75gdoNhGjzhuPLFAcfabUaB8M2Xm1Qe1j1wRN7YKt1y4fjJPqiTytCAt6-37X0fPXGx0_vOpi3D96PwgSXbxCeDWogvLGsYa4cw_AyZVdiYk/s400/Rowan+berries+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Rowan (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Sorbus aucuparia</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHHK_1XUs1BxxnqMVUho5nuJVuJLvO7QQkneumUtJOdGm1Cm8qDO_VcBkMBOcCheIMAP2keZDxVeQldwAJomj9hdNOvdH0dkROQoJGSdTw4GKtx2pwxfbmu490FxQ5VE3IvedY6bQMAc/s1600/Rowan+berries+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581175707275767234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHHK_1XUs1BxxnqMVUho5nuJVuJLvO7QQkneumUtJOdGm1Cm8qDO_VcBkMBOcCheIMAP2keZDxVeQldwAJomj9hdNOvdH0dkROQoJGSdTw4GKtx2pwxfbmu490FxQ5VE3IvedY6bQMAc/s400/Rowan+berries+a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 339px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Rowan (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Sorbus aucuparia</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) unripe berries</span>
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<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rowan berries can be used to make a jam/jelly (my mum sometimes makes it) which is tasty but VERY tart and best eaten as a complement to red meats (rather than in sandwiches). These berries cause sickness if eaten raw but are safe once cooked.</div>
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<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Rowan Jelly Recipes:</span></strong><br />
* <a href="http://northumberlandnaturalist.blogspot.com/2009/09/rowan-tree-2.html">northumberlandnaturalist.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
* <a href="http://dreamacresdiary.typepad.com/dream_country_chat/2009/09/rowan-jelly-adventure.html">dreamacresdiary.typepad.com</a><br />
<br />
NOTE: Rowan berries don't contain enough pectin for the jelly to set, so apples (cooking or crab) are an essential addition.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcVobGhSu84nAnzumXrxCtcwNlw2KTpZ-QVZ_TPcoK10ZgzKWEZ8JO6Wgniy3Siy5k0TkcuGg-n9eTx-oM-W0qLCNVxcr426_qa6J3LEyW1X1TUKBli5hiuOPKE1BhWZ2WhqSIRf76tg/s1600/sawfly+larva+%2528pos.+Monsoma+pulveratum%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581176160016864034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrcVobGhSu84nAnzumXrxCtcwNlw2KTpZ-QVZ_TPcoK10ZgzKWEZ8JO6Wgniy3Siy5k0TkcuGg-n9eTx-oM-W0qLCNVxcr426_qa6J3LEyW1X1TUKBli5hiuOPKE1BhWZ2WhqSIRf76tg/s400/sawfly+larva+%2528pos.+Monsoma+pulveratum%2529.jpg" style="display: block; height: 309px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">sawfly larva (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Monsoma pulveratum</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">?)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKe8lHkWCUnD3qJG0-yU2FEtkxKy7p6x7p2W516TDD-va8xFZX44899T-IEJlly9wbqxC4mJdQoscCIivpIIwzcodPpHELlS5O6EpWGcfEgwhAXsEl3bGR3N8Ui9KVsVVzumZHFu4oM0/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581177657184471506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKe8lHkWCUnD3qJG0-yU2FEtkxKy7p6x7p2W516TDD-va8xFZX44899T-IEJlly9wbqxC4mJdQoscCIivpIIwzcodPpHELlS5O6EpWGcfEgwhAXsEl3bGR3N8Ui9KVsVVzumZHFu4oM0/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus.jpg" style="display: block; height: 385px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Grass of Parnassus (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Parnassia palustris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Dozens of little silvery Beautiful China Mark moths fluttered about the reeds on the banks of the Cochno Reservoir:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNffHxIeJWqpTJEDVSi1C4uOdLbEOg0xqHoz7NCPcdx46B1iXuJXqCe5GzdCQnULD3yxBxGKrsmpwgSDpUMvXkIWlXR0-gP5yVWD5BiZedFSU_REDzzQFz4IXkHxpENO3qANbt2g7n0A/s1600/Beautiful+China-mark+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581178121558095570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNffHxIeJWqpTJEDVSi1C4uOdLbEOg0xqHoz7NCPcdx46B1iXuJXqCe5GzdCQnULD3yxBxGKrsmpwgSDpUMvXkIWlXR0-gP5yVWD5BiZedFSU_REDzzQFz4IXkHxpENO3qANbt2g7n0A/s400/Beautiful+China-mark+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 324px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Beautiful China Mark (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Nymphula stagnata</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEPCREBpZ-48gUgPl2q834NOiCm8Kj3ahlYz79fYSo_J0E6NLK7NM6NkfESwbiOqLQ-VGPn4HLqKBMt5yVHPVj_TbL7X0ZnSjWvaW3SSI4hz94CilD7Dozotdp7paUFuEn7Gn9hlwENU/s1600/Beautiful+China-mark.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581178484943035714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEPCREBpZ-48gUgPl2q834NOiCm8Kj3ahlYz79fYSo_J0E6NLK7NM6NkfESwbiOqLQ-VGPn4HLqKBMt5yVHPVj_TbL7X0ZnSjWvaW3SSI4hz94CilD7Dozotdp7paUFuEn7Gn9hlwENU/s400/Beautiful+China-mark.jpg" style="display: block; height: 399px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Beautiful China Mark (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Nymphula stagnata</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEPCREBpZ-48gUgPl2q834NOiCm8Kj3ahlYz79fYSo_J0E6NLK7NM6NkfESwbiOqLQ-VGPn4HLqKBMt5yVHPVj_TbL7X0ZnSjWvaW3SSI4hz94CilD7Dozotdp7paUFuEn7Gn9hlwENU/s1600/Beautiful+China-mark.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
The Beautiful China Mark (<em>Nymphula stagnata</em>) is one of 4 'aquatic' moths found in the UK. Its larvae feed underwater, initially inside the stems of Bur-reed and Yellow Water Lily. As they mature, the larvae construct a case from silk & pieces of foodplant which traps a bubble of air and allows the larva to feed on external plant surfaces. The adults are not aquatic and eggs are laid on plants at the water surface.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdeS3XBVivKyPG090anjTgOyNhn1Ot2ptPTGSa0TlNEiZNE85zAuddrq9KW8JpQfe0QrGoPmFHqCo6BedhE4YskpvzzAXANw-y84nWFBK6RT6DrBzOeKzu1evZSKVsCaP9aThfErUNR0/s1600/Emperor+Moth+larva.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581179372707293378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdeS3XBVivKyPG090anjTgOyNhn1Ot2ptPTGSa0TlNEiZNE85zAuddrq9KW8JpQfe0QrGoPmFHqCo6BedhE4YskpvzzAXANw-y84nWFBK6RT6DrBzOeKzu1evZSKVsCaP9aThfErUNR0/s400/Emperor+Moth+larva.jpg" style="display: block; height: 294px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Emperor Moth (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Saturnia pavonia</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) larva</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7UFxUGzHMQxlNseUmhEiaH4pQEyz8Y0i0sWrAXWfxXAMIMyaExS0fzvhnb1HvuHz7pbi0hEzWQJNqrWvJtiKMLjPhZmLv8mTbflyiVMUG0UiM7cb_erethoEspr4ajsvuaXMn8SiNmc/s1600/Emperor+Moth+larva+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581179555437874530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7UFxUGzHMQxlNseUmhEiaH4pQEyz8Y0i0sWrAXWfxXAMIMyaExS0fzvhnb1HvuHz7pbi0hEzWQJNqrWvJtiKMLjPhZmLv8mTbflyiVMUG0UiM7cb_erethoEspr4ajsvuaXMn8SiNmc/s400/Emperor+Moth+larva+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 399px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Emperor Moth (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Saturnia pavonia</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) larva</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qlOciht6wi55kLhAr9UrahImit2Lq5H0N6LNORJQ6R5flpqyHkX0cjyFutG6RHSQjw2IXFDXZkwHmDi2wsTGNGIF5z2qDkr_xQDNXE-lpN6zmMaeCvhJpR_K4Y5nzLuJRZGKDqtu0K8/s1600/Haworth%2527s+Minor+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581180070865099730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qlOciht6wi55kLhAr9UrahImit2Lq5H0N6LNORJQ6R5flpqyHkX0cjyFutG6RHSQjw2IXFDXZkwHmDi2wsTGNGIF5z2qDkr_xQDNXE-lpN6zmMaeCvhJpR_K4Y5nzLuJRZGKDqtu0K8/s400/Haworth%2527s+Minor+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 353px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Haworth's Minor (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Celaena haworthii</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">) male</span>
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<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Common Cottongrass is the main foodplant of Haworth's Minor, which restricts it to boggy moorland habitats. Males are active both at night and in the evening.</div>
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<br />We watched Swallows enter the disused fisherman's hut between the Cochno and Jaw Reservoirs.<br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPq3cQ_wIQcgS0C_6i2NAglwsX3-8xDSzVsR78tvd5qIm5WrgO3JAYoRJcHIFbObMfCQ4hQROVBdcQfieuay-mJHBGczOOT7WErO051pk0T1mZvk11HUtQlZ9R71P27D_1Nokaniavt8E/s1600/Harebells.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581180402190761394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPq3cQ_wIQcgS0C_6i2NAglwsX3-8xDSzVsR78tvd5qIm5WrgO3JAYoRJcHIFbObMfCQ4hQROVBdcQfieuay-mJHBGczOOT7WErO051pk0T1mZvk11HUtQlZ9R71P27D_1Nokaniavt8E/s400/Harebells.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 314px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harebells (<em>Campanula rotundifolia</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipswHRaRs5Jcs6ptVe5MOwowDZsve3IPBVk7oiKKh3qWoE-PAY0damz-m8YHkgDSzeoVJMVfUV9T3iLG0pM12THkCeMNKY91jLeecojPe9HjUJJr1zbVCy1O3BaqXEhwyn8K3EGfcbkk/s1600/Harebells+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581180680881496194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipswHRaRs5Jcs6ptVe5MOwowDZsve3IPBVk7oiKKh3qWoE-PAY0damz-m8YHkgDSzeoVJMVfUV9T3iLG0pM12THkCeMNKY91jLeecojPe9HjUJJr1zbVCy1O3BaqXEhwyn8K3EGfcbkk/s400/Harebells+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harebells (<em>Campanula rotundifolia</em>)</span>
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We walked past fields containing frisky bullocks near Cochno farm and briefly heard a kickering call from some trees...Sparrowhawk nest?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBqB0rtojnZU2rYL_cSocGbf6vXqCLsL9qGFIM-OH1il1EK2nFm52QNya5AURn_dBxMGSd6uaru-NcaMasgMn6GfQkAF0qzJPcgNe00EEmagEDyIdXyDwik5JuWCzMoiuXwQRLSRpgiM/s1600/Tortoiseshell+on+thistles.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581181094232423426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBqB0rtojnZU2rYL_cSocGbf6vXqCLsL9qGFIM-OH1il1EK2nFm52QNya5AURn_dBxMGSd6uaru-NcaMasgMn6GfQkAF0qzJPcgNe00EEmagEDyIdXyDwik5JuWCzMoiuXwQRLSRpgiM/s400/Tortoiseshell+on+thistles.jpg" style="display: block; height: 367px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tortoiseshell Butterfly (<em>Aglais urticae</em>)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCeERVVU3NvXixRUserrIp1sR4pai3Q1xxyFGL3fU2UDWpvYSwb3y9O4MYNkjV-WfYrxYyv7uF4rdGPGeldcXSemTP4WggnGsXdTbPXuXgJQ2ssCDEK81_02NHRA1H-GHcYXxHVu_reo/s1600/Tortoiseshell+on+thistles+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581181792603292962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCeERVVU3NvXixRUserrIp1sR4pai3Q1xxyFGL3fU2UDWpvYSwb3y9O4MYNkjV-WfYrxYyv7uF4rdGPGeldcXSemTP4WggnGsXdTbPXuXgJQ2ssCDEK81_02NHRA1H-GHcYXxHVu_reo/s400/Tortoiseshell+on+thistles+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 323px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tortoiseshell Butterfly (<em>Aglais urticae</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Summer Fungi: </span></strong><br />
<br />
*Collected during todays walk*<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbQllZcHrqDJsYildvyEbzxnUx4r55SKIsiVwARQPYNJUAXMC3tA8ALEtaSbrebqetyOo5w-OTMTFYYTgOKLlpbyy8JfpeWAJbjIhR0pbvgC8dSppdLTy9g94w34Avb3dd_NAKeVpI3Y/s1600/Mushroom+b.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581181992911250802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbQllZcHrqDJsYildvyEbzxnUx4r55SKIsiVwARQPYNJUAXMC3tA8ALEtaSbrebqetyOo5w-OTMTFYYTgOKLlpbyy8JfpeWAJbjIhR0pbvgC8dSppdLTy9g94w34Avb3dd_NAKeVpI3Y/s400/Mushroom+b.jpg" style="display: block; height: 314px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grayling (<em>Cantharellula umbonata</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVQwC-wcInstwTn3OscFYXDc8Qhyphenhyphen3Aaxse9HMs-z8S9VlfhJoDAzuMpiXhaP03Z2TzgiKJMMc7jnIDfgIeK6AS54VNCyb-GIBkjwQx_-IQ6t8TSWywXuz8MPuSKSZ7S20nT-8VQU1EF8/s1600/Mushroom+b+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581182226234656210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVQwC-wcInstwTn3OscFYXDc8Qhyphenhyphen3Aaxse9HMs-z8S9VlfhJoDAzuMpiXhaP03Z2TzgiKJMMc7jnIDfgIeK6AS54VNCyb-GIBkjwQx_-IQ6t8TSWywXuz8MPuSKSZ7S20nT-8VQU1EF8/s400/Mushroom+b+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 393px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grayling (<em>Cantharellula umbonata</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAowuxOXqJhh_hKvgJT1szDlZatQmvGSSVmVemG7OahhjYi3pwwzdtiV8qcUZQ8cL0YSYdsEnevI6j5UiuLoiS-qa69P39MXjJKEzZXGN7mv0K9DB5TkGgFfXJD79wjMP3HbqcqXOwGyQ/s1600/Mushroom+b+5.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581182446162786626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAowuxOXqJhh_hKvgJT1szDlZatQmvGSSVmVemG7OahhjYi3pwwzdtiV8qcUZQ8cL0YSYdsEnevI6j5UiuLoiS-qa69P39MXjJKEzZXGN7mv0K9DB5TkGgFfXJD79wjMP3HbqcqXOwGyQ/s400/Mushroom+b+5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 292px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Grayling (<em>Cantharellula umbonata</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy1Ex-eaNn36rNXZ2miwstN-Ok3ZeEM1KJBhooKD2nukX2EA7HzlvnkklNYNt0j8zJUq1V1tGpSpJYbuu8Anmdo8RpvdSb_HyO1PhD7d6lB0WKIB6gNy69-SrYbE0x1o_x_SpgXM9U5w/s1600/Mushroom+b+4.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581183172708486850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy1Ex-eaNn36rNXZ2miwstN-Ok3ZeEM1KJBhooKD2nukX2EA7HzlvnkklNYNt0j8zJUq1V1tGpSpJYbuu8Anmdo8RpvdSb_HyO1PhD7d6lB0WKIB6gNy69-SrYbE0x1o_x_SpgXM9U5w/s400/Mushroom+b+4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 355px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVy1Ex-eaNn36rNXZ2miwstN-Ok3ZeEM1KJBhooKD2nukX2EA7HzlvnkklNYNt0j8zJUq1V1tGpSpJYbuu8Anmdo8RpvdSb_HyO1PhD7d6lB0WKIB6gNy69-SrYbE0x1o_x_SpgXM9U5w/s1600/Mushroom+b+4.jpg"></a>Grayling (<em>Cantharellula umbonata</em>) <span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 85%;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
I *think* this is the Grayling (<em>Cantharellula umbonata</em>), an inedible relative of the chanterelle mushrooms - it was found growing amongst mosses.<br />
<br />
The vibrant lemon-yellow waxcaps below (collected in rough grassland near the Greenside) are likely to be <em>Hygrocybe chlorophana</em>. Identification was achieved using an <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:sjht9p_fB2EJ:sxbrc.org.uk/file_download/2+waxcap+key&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShJ-PLLpkPZn3OwGxXO5S4TehXeEa5SDVbaN22uFjZwhHXp_txyMoN0dM8GsP7a0-4LapWtgmMGCGz3RklJxErRiv98eN6pjB9iAM-DVJmmSmuvM1vVGUwo7o-tALfcepAY1PyF&sig=AHIEtbR8GKuIxBKqvE7cDnfHzbuYM-SlLQ">online key to waxcaps </a>and with the help of the friendly fungi experts at Wildaboutbritain.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsChBt53FXkH2b7HFzVRTAnCmhCgcK-1SqciBjzr2ads9ay0bhBSe1KSlyv46jj3JXisvTjiiJTbWeTLS0POG4uvmdp-P8_f5D5FP5U8Mwq0R2vbl0TaDB5h8Vg9NfPtOCeIiajC_JxD8/s1600/Waxcap+7.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581384597428367026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsChBt53FXkH2b7HFzVRTAnCmhCgcK-1SqciBjzr2ads9ay0bhBSe1KSlyv46jj3JXisvTjiiJTbWeTLS0POG4uvmdp-P8_f5D5FP5U8Mwq0R2vbl0TaDB5h8Vg9NfPtOCeIiajC_JxD8/s400/Waxcap+7.jpg" style="display: block; height: 277px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWEOrd2AIXQTV9NHicIJFubJAhJlbAatkYK9NaB6EHedTrqdvHZRJlaLmHRj8chC_detlFhHs5qfstXvwzoZvyUfcVhCqU74GJxFIolbDYZbGYfPzNV7c66fZEpuiHABOriSWXB1VCZY/s1600/Waxcap.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581385513351634194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWEOrd2AIXQTV9NHicIJFubJAhJlbAatkYK9NaB6EHedTrqdvHZRJlaLmHRj8chC_detlFhHs5qfstXvwzoZvyUfcVhCqU74GJxFIolbDYZbGYfPzNV7c66fZEpuiHABOriSWXB1VCZY/s400/Waxcap.jpg" style="display: block; height: 282px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7nuwxvKrMvGwBtBOfwqonEIfzZKtfe_yU1sviRsU4PGVF97R9k2J5dC5EdwXIJXcLqsoCfADZj8bW7USX-JrpxXZCprtbqZryNDzaBmrhJkNfRxchZ19ykxs7oTxdJenKcLZyr7WLBg/s1600/Waxcap+13.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581386501765659970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7nuwxvKrMvGwBtBOfwqonEIfzZKtfe_yU1sviRsU4PGVF97R9k2J5dC5EdwXIJXcLqsoCfADZj8bW7USX-JrpxXZCprtbqZryNDzaBmrhJkNfRxchZ19ykxs7oTxdJenKcLZyr7WLBg/s400/Waxcap+13.jpg" style="display: block; height: 318px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw-NQANUbLlsj1POSp0_6Mh5Uid-pUcu8FqKw8G2Q6mHIkC0YzHzPpIeAFCtKk94Jp0c_4keP4qMqGPP0Hudy5tC6IGrksfgZlAGDMoifXwdvfN_Np3Jh8H-5nGy9HsIg6LenuCIwTys/s1600/Waxcap+5.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581386882188426930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFw-NQANUbLlsj1POSp0_6Mh5Uid-pUcu8FqKw8G2Q6mHIkC0YzHzPpIeAFCtKk94Jp0c_4keP4qMqGPP0Hudy5tC6IGrksfgZlAGDMoifXwdvfN_Np3Jh8H-5nGy9HsIg6LenuCIwTys/s400/Waxcap+5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 361px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 85%;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tMyUEaiB7k7e5jNthoJoJnn8Fp3R0h1MNANoUNot0bG8FLli8c8lixhwJV5QnpStwTFcTdVFp4TxHu8cukpLTYEqwnAFEKSb1psvCDgkiYIfhdB2xEAL31tSqwTRwabsAJuHuNT-HFs/s1600/Waxcap+14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581387485899657266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tMyUEaiB7k7e5jNthoJoJnn8Fp3R0h1MNANoUNot0bG8FLli8c8lixhwJV5QnpStwTFcTdVFp4TxHu8cukpLTYEqwnAFEKSb1psvCDgkiYIfhdB2xEAL31tSqwTRwabsAJuHuNT-HFs/s400/Waxcap+14.jpg" style="display: block; height: 398px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM4_BGAvSe5CVcwpkyjXtyi-V1FWKAK7U5Mpczz2E7FqqovnRHqE2lJDG7IB1ylY613RXp0Bp5Q5WZQQlAY4MOx6QlDRIpAbe-YSwFTFl01YuUPJVbg8YfSUmXbS1p8Z4vWn2uZh1jLk/s1600/Waxcap+11.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581401247456731858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnM4_BGAvSe5CVcwpkyjXtyi-V1FWKAK7U5Mpczz2E7FqqovnRHqE2lJDG7IB1ylY613RXp0Bp5Q5WZQQlAY4MOx6QlDRIpAbe-YSwFTFl01YuUPJVbg8YfSUmXbS1p8Z4vWn2uZh1jLk/s400/Waxcap+11.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2_4G3TpfymfCwQfMtjSWMWQhJVCVBp5m1F87BbjGHr39-IU4tokUomUWLmFvLBcPDOhU-tWdd-xvnNxCiUXy0oNiBmIdt4rsQQOh3Xxw6-bpicb7xIHQF5543OHwFocIt04mVT62l_k/s1600/Waxcap+8.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581402053087215682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2_4G3TpfymfCwQfMtjSWMWQhJVCVBp5m1F87BbjGHr39-IU4tokUomUWLmFvLBcPDOhU-tWdd-xvnNxCiUXy0oNiBmIdt4rsQQOh3Xxw6-bpicb7xIHQF5543OHwFocIt04mVT62l_k/s400/Waxcap+8.jpg" style="display: block; height: 275px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntRVdcbXGxQrgVjRfxz8lKciBJl4qxXFHogofyMi3eA5YO_qmhn4sEAFWyAe-wiwjgWtVPN0VqXTHo_jfy1NCaqJ8Q80kb8TEwHm_C6kY7rk7GfmhlHlpPeZEsgCLGrDFl85HBUK59Es/s1600/Waxcap+9.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581406747915305154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntRVdcbXGxQrgVjRfxz8lKciBJl4qxXFHogofyMi3eA5YO_qmhn4sEAFWyAe-wiwjgWtVPN0VqXTHo_jfy1NCaqJ8Q80kb8TEwHm_C6kY7rk7GfmhlHlpPeZEsgCLGrDFl85HBUK59Es/s400/Waxcap+9.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">waxcap (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hygrocybe chlorophana</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<div style="font-size: 85%;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
Sadly inedible, despite looking as though it should taste like lemon sorbet :(<br />
<br />
When we got back home, I found this fly trapped in the kitchen:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LEpJjpQ2jw8LGc9YH1oKrKp58EgkH6LAC9xn9S6FKZVUyeo3SK4fWKqI7sLbwFAVobyQ5UehAKh55auqNtFqub4rOWDG65h4HQZUwpEGIbwr3Crkhlx-1Ucyf3xPxzyRYdMcBfF7X7c/s1600/house+fly+%2528Muscina+prolapsa%2529+female.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581408614397317570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LEpJjpQ2jw8LGc9YH1oKrKp58EgkH6LAC9xn9S6FKZVUyeo3SK4fWKqI7sLbwFAVobyQ5UehAKh55auqNtFqub4rOWDG65h4HQZUwpEGIbwr3Crkhlx-1Ucyf3xPxzyRYdMcBfF7X7c/s400/house+fly+%2528Muscina+prolapsa%2529+female.jpg" style="display: block; height: 368px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Muscina prolapsa</em> female</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWPaq9-VpuGCIKSAbo1R6LyFb12lx8kJMx9bUkEPn4h2aTsmdOFfpdSEEF7AdI4KmSXugyArEyQ9MPNwOzsZSYA-0q1VwB-Ma8OG4XuZdU8zjGXOffI5LhOpB4YJ4wdJpjtZqvidaO-k/s1600/house+fly+%2528Muscina+prolapsa%2529+female+4.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581409519944221906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWPaq9-VpuGCIKSAbo1R6LyFb12lx8kJMx9bUkEPn4h2aTsmdOFfpdSEEF7AdI4KmSXugyArEyQ9MPNwOzsZSYA-0q1VwB-Ma8OG4XuZdU8zjGXOffI5LhOpB4YJ4wdJpjtZqvidaO-k/s400/house+fly+%2528Muscina+prolapsa%2529+female+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 373px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Muscina prolapsa</em> female</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 85%;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left">
After a VERY long time poring through checklists of species & websites, I managed to identify this fly from about a hundred similar species - <a href="http://www.diptera-amateur.nl/muscidaemuscina.htm">wing venation</a> being the crucial factor.<br />
<br />
As with all flies (Diptera), gender can be determined by the space between the eyes: no space between the eyes = male, noticeable gap between the eyes = female (as this individual is).<br />
<br />
<em>Muscina</em> flies lay their eggs in manure/faeces and carrion - which makes them unsanitory houseguests but very useful as forensic indicators. They also have an important role in the breakdown of undesirable materials and the recycling of nutrients back into the soil...and someone has to do it!<br />
Think of that next time you reach for the rolled up newspaper ;) </div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bolop60x3.html" width="420"></iframe></span>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-88838251363787322512010-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T16:36:39.226-08:00Pappert Hill, West Dunbartonshire<div align="left">
I was invited to join West Dunbartonshire's Over 50s Walking Group on a walk over Pappert Hill to Pappert Well - the site of a natural freshwater spring.<br />
<br />
Although the morning had been rainy, by the time we picked everyone up and assembled at the back of Bonhill, it had fairly brightened up.<br />
<br />
On our ascent of Pappert Hill we crossed an area of mixed meadow and boggy marsh (flanked by the Pappert Well Community Woodlands) in which flourished wildflowers of every colour: golden patches of Bog Asphodel, lemony-yellow Tormentil, white Grass of Parnassus and Corn Spurrey mingled with magenta Redshanks and pale pink Common Spotted Orchids.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AdgzRE3IvxFQRiyjdym_qFvOzUwmjDaT6KnZ2CcfFPRbUpiapJv-T3w1vVjt4285JiQd_u-wIJKGqdYCAlLXUchgG4oBZ-yy-TZV8aChbPu00IGgub9PkW5wnYQJCtNONfpyf7rf25c/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Grass of Parnassus Parnassia palustris" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576489886602171682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AdgzRE3IvxFQRiyjdym_qFvOzUwmjDaT6KnZ2CcfFPRbUpiapJv-T3w1vVjt4285JiQd_u-wIJKGqdYCAlLXUchgG4oBZ-yy-TZV8aChbPu00IGgub9PkW5wnYQJCtNONfpyf7rf25c/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 395px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Grass of Parnassus (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Parnassia palustris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15Y5C1DO0cmJBylim3wpjEsfZ3r14yhf41N0F2kIWLIceJr6tX3wQvSgNoZDkic5e_OCBPMDhzqKzZpnd8eA88gTpWpfcm2jpJmhC_pUvR6q0HbvyF52Wmze8yrqWYvQ6ZtUZGQu0DnE/s1600/Grass+of+Parnassus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576490207218940034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15Y5C1DO0cmJBylim3wpjEsfZ3r14yhf41N0F2kIWLIceJr6tX3wQvSgNoZDkic5e_OCBPMDhzqKzZpnd8eA88gTpWpfcm2jpJmhC_pUvR6q0HbvyF52Wmze8yrqWYvQ6ZtUZGQu0DnE/s400/Grass+of+Parnassus.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 302px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Grass of Parnassus (</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Parnassia palustris</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">)</span>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><strong>The Anatomy of a Grass of Parnassus:</strong> </span><br />
<br />
Delicate transparent veins (<u><strong>nectar guides</strong></u>) groove the white petals surrounding a set of <u><strong>5 cream-coloured fertile stamens </strong></u>(whose anthers produce pollen) and a set of <u><strong>5 green infertile stamens </strong></u>(known as <u><strong>staminodes</strong></u>) which bear yellow spherical glands.<br />
<br />
These yellow glands are <u><strong>fake nectaries</strong></u>, making the flower more visually appealing to pollinating insects, but don't actually produce any nectar. Although they are somewhat misled, the insects don't lose out entirely: nectar is instead produced from two inconspicuous glands at the base of the staminodes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kRUIUD5h3ojj3zUYuTvkPN1uFjWw9BXq6uGIetUz9QzWeJIWineKrpQPfxO3z3NL-OjetFawJZk4WhQqpd8py9hayyGvBqM6qkCFHxNvd5gseHKg9pOKf22xO-rAcAAt871Enff8a0s/s1600/grass.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577755377856021394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kRUIUD5h3ojj3zUYuTvkPN1uFjWw9BXq6uGIetUz9QzWeJIWineKrpQPfxO3z3NL-OjetFawJZk4WhQqpd8py9hayyGvBqM6qkCFHxNvd5gseHKg9pOKf22xO-rAcAAt871Enff8a0s/s400/grass.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 228px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Print from Flora von Deutschland Österreich und der Schweiz (1885), courtesy of Biolib.de</span> </td></tr>
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The phylogeny of <em>Parnassia</em> is still disputed, as they display several morphological 'oddities'. Recent genetic evidence has placed them within the family Celastraceae alongside the disimilar, moss-like <em>Lepuropetalon</em> (amongst the smallest flowering plants on earth) and <em>Ruptiliocarpon</em> (large South American trees).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrS5Y7Lg5f2vcPK4b50aLg5tWjGLJhTMQ7hZqltaXFmKQTE2qrmzyIspKhP5WMfAcVJ5_pjXsFmMSP4Mr7jaWOoEgUFCnzjfVFu4W76Hb8S4ZP20o_MEehL9Qeueanf8qm4XWwWEgE9I/s1600/Redshank+aka+Persicaria.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576490534291077922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrS5Y7Lg5f2vcPK4b50aLg5tWjGLJhTMQ7hZqltaXFmKQTE2qrmzyIspKhP5WMfAcVJ5_pjXsFmMSP4Mr7jaWOoEgUFCnzjfVFu4W76Hb8S4ZP20o_MEehL9Qeueanf8qm4XWwWEgE9I/s400/Redshank+aka+Persicaria.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 276px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Redshank (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Persicaria maculosa</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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The leaves and shoots of Redshank can be eaten cooked but are said to taste rather bland, for those interested: <a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/redshank-aubergine-spring-rolls">Redshank & Aubergine Spring Rolls Recipe - from www.eatweeds.co.uk</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc5hN3SdtiP7qnbzdluKUoWcyzkWrluMgwIBnKG8APNckfBVl5jnYCNqvoucaTUcBi9XxItF9M5YsVlopQrwEkZW9SaLcy1pdLwa-oljkYzsKsLPtoNANXOWBG9JZWmIqLOeCGmIwYyc/s1600/Red+Bartsia.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576491212028202834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUc5hN3SdtiP7qnbzdluKUoWcyzkWrluMgwIBnKG8APNckfBVl5jnYCNqvoucaTUcBi9XxItF9M5YsVlopQrwEkZW9SaLcy1pdLwa-oljkYzsKsLPtoNANXOWBG9JZWmIqLOeCGmIwYyc/s400/Red+Bartsia.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red Bartsia (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Odontites verna</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzapdzfGSWberPlBJhmVbnfKO-y9gCm6b3srrlHZdHMk1AiQibC96uV1p1ZUJsPMnZn-w7BY0fNrvvkcs-N_vEffGp_y_SVUMMte_8hPW8KE51m8evVE820ojhL40naPSA2TtyHMwq3U/s1600/Corn+Spurrey.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Corn Spurrey Spergula arvensis" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576491553734246386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzapdzfGSWberPlBJhmVbnfKO-y9gCm6b3srrlHZdHMk1AiQibC96uV1p1ZUJsPMnZn-w7BY0fNrvvkcs-N_vEffGp_y_SVUMMte_8hPW8KE51m8evVE820ojhL40naPSA2TtyHMwq3U/s400/Corn+Spurrey.jpg" style="display: block; height: 361px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Corn Spurrey (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Spergula arvensis</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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We saw a number of butterflies including Small Coppers, Ringlets and Meadow Browns. Pappert Well is surrounded by the dark coniferous Nobleston Wood - we followed the track to the clearing where we observed the clear water bubble through the sand at the underground spring.<br />
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Underneath shadowy pines I found a <em>Cortinarius</em> species mushroom: the cap was sticky brown and resembled a toffee-apple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6x1yD6Ydo8bsz4h43CGyRMhbhhEgHOJEDU5oV1Bz6dZFN0T758RFEXT0CSKm1Qsus0tBx0xluEtULiXs89SP0i0VcXfwdqvmS4gxqnoA8_BuA8nqxqNSDCG9_XyQZOXBPz4y64AkXko/s1600/fungus+Cortinarius+sp..jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576492608542282594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6x1yD6Ydo8bsz4h43CGyRMhbhhEgHOJEDU5oV1Bz6dZFN0T758RFEXT0CSKm1Qsus0tBx0xluEtULiXs89SP0i0VcXfwdqvmS4gxqnoA8_BuA8nqxqNSDCG9_XyQZOXBPz4y64AkXko/s400/fungus+Cortinarius+sp..jpg" style="display: block; height: 347px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em style="font-size: medium;">Cortinarius</em><span style="font-size: small;"> sp. mushroom</span>
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Near a crumbling dry-stone wall, we found a pile of scats (containing fragments of lizard skin) and some small burrows. We came to the conclusion that they probably belonged to either a Stoat or a Weasel.<br />
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Leaving the woods behind, we climbed over a barbed wire fence, and came upon a cairn and the Hill of Standing Stones, where we heard the distant cronking of Ravens over Knockshannoch moor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tO_YiLEtux2mM38PSE9I9K7fIr_RzhVn_8eg8TDQbh5TR-rKoqN1e_-XM0KQANfowxAEdtymWC5d5jFPu3sZYq86SgjWQTGbkNFCgsV3FsLio2fk0aiLxe7X2ZMiFKmmh8ehAnMh5mU/s1600/Barred+Straw.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Barred Straw Eulithis pyraliata" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576492096878637746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tO_YiLEtux2mM38PSE9I9K7fIr_RzhVn_8eg8TDQbh5TR-rKoqN1e_-XM0KQANfowxAEdtymWC5d5jFPu3sZYq86SgjWQTGbkNFCgsV3FsLio2fk0aiLxe7X2ZMiFKmmh8ehAnMh5mU/s400/Barred+Straw.jpg" style="display: block; height: 305px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Barred Straw (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eulithis pyraliata</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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The Barred Straw (<em>Eulithis pyraliata</em>) is a common species whose larvae feed on Cleavers & Bedstraws - its scientific name is Latin for 'Good-stone of-fire' (<em>Eu</em> = good + <em>lithis</em> = stone, <em>pyraliata </em>from<em> </em>pyralis = of fire/also a mythological winged insect which was supposed to live in fire).<br />
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Taking the gritty road which cuts between forestry plantation and the steep Murroch burn (on the return to Bonhill), we encountered a mating pair of gleeming Green Tiger Beetles (<em>Cicindela campestris</em>) scuttling along the path! This is the first time I have seen them in West Dunbartonshire.<br />
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Further along, we disturbed a female Sparrowhawk (<em>Accipiter nisus</em>) which had been perched in a pine to the right of the track. She flew up as we passed, weaving agilely through the pines and disappeared from view.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bom4mklmv.html" width="420"></iframe></span></div>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-13741947074069748892010-07-26T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T17:06:04.794-08:00Brucehill Cliffs - proposed LNR, West DunbartonshireBrucehill Cliffs is a site on the banks of the River Clyde which includes inland cliffs (sandstone), regenerating forest and wild grassland - it is a proposed Local Nature Reserve (SNH). I visited the site for the first time today as part of a group making a 'bioblitz' style survey of the invertebrates & flora (though to be honest, I spent most of my time gabbing away to folk!).<br />
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The weather conditions were not ideal for capturing insects - a haze of drizzle hung over the Clyde and the vegetation was saturated. House Martins (<em>Delichon urbica</em>) swirled above our heads, filling the air with their musical chirping.<br />
A multitude of little crambid micro-moths fluttered weakly through the wet grasses: we attempted to catch some but the moths stuck to the sides of our catching jars. Based on later identification of photos, I think most of these were the very common <em>Agriphila tristella</em>.
The froghoppers <em>Cicadella viridis</em> and <em>Neophilaenus lineatus</em> were both very abundant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0hVplw7UQoAa4q72yfKqpPaLqp5Lu0Zm7uZJkACB1sLWU6gnY3KZisXru56ie9eP3YczmbkiOIah6QnvVq9wRWoYQJBKAo9lzs9vN-M6TN7Z_EctrjQ6pTCrESZAeAJ5xhqrAbFMjLk/s1600/Angelica+%2528Angelica+sylvestris%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574824540454027634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0hVplw7UQoAa4q72yfKqpPaLqp5Lu0Zm7uZJkACB1sLWU6gnY3KZisXru56ie9eP3YczmbkiOIah6QnvVq9wRWoYQJBKAo9lzs9vN-M6TN7Z_EctrjQ6pTCrESZAeAJ5xhqrAbFMjLk/s400/Angelica+%2528Angelica+sylvestris%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 286px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />
</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0hVplw7UQoAa4q72yfKqpPaLqp5Lu0Zm7uZJkACB1sLWU6gnY3KZisXru56ie9eP3YczmbkiOIah6QnvVq9wRWoYQJBKAo9lzs9vN-M6TN7Z_EctrjQ6pTCrESZAeAJ5xhqrAbFMjLk/s1600/Angelica+%2528Angelica+sylvestris%2529.jpg"></a>Wild Angelica (<em>Angelica sylvestris</em>)<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
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Wild Angelica is a very attractive umbellifer with pinkish umbels, stout purple-blushed stems and toothed leaflets.<br /><br />The aromatic leaves, shoots and stems can be cooked into stews & soups, though they are said to be rather bitter-tasting. The seeds can be used (fresh or dried) to add flavour to pastries and the stems are traditionally eaten in candied form.<br /><br />How to make candied Angelica stems:<br /><a href="http://pathtoselfsufficiency.blogspot.com/2010/04/wild-food-of-month-april.html">candied angelica - pathtoselfsufficiency.blogspot.com.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ97lQccKCDRAzt8Is3IMp4eJPGICy5CY4tZAIhyGXPXjAupwJoHAmI-LSkdTgTj8PEpB7z6gosCdWnO9QPv-Mk2HqNSPhFaf-CyRYvkqzdoyOi-6rWg_ocIDmnsaRf_sIAMEQtWVlBI/s1600/Common+Green+Grasshopper+%2528Omocestus+viridulus%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574824989970288242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ97lQccKCDRAzt8Is3IMp4eJPGICy5CY4tZAIhyGXPXjAupwJoHAmI-LSkdTgTj8PEpB7z6gosCdWnO9QPv-Mk2HqNSPhFaf-CyRYvkqzdoyOi-6rWg_ocIDmnsaRf_sIAMEQtWVlBI/s400/Common+Green+Grasshopper+%2528Omocestus+viridulus%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 304px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ97lQccKCDRAzt8Is3IMp4eJPGICy5CY4tZAIhyGXPXjAupwJoHAmI-LSkdTgTj8PEpB7z6gosCdWnO9QPv-Mk2HqNSPhFaf-CyRYvkqzdoyOi-6rWg_ocIDmnsaRf_sIAMEQtWVlBI/s1600/Common+Green+Grasshopper+%2528Omocestus+viridulus%2529.jpg"></a>Common Green Grasshopper (<em>Omocestus viridulus</em>) female<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
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Common Green Grasshoppers are extremely variable in their colouration: usually they are pea-green and varying degrees of brown, but magenta-pink variants are sometimes found.<br /><br />This species can be identified by the <u>gently</u> incurved side-keels on the pronotum (the paired lines on the grasshopper's thorax, when viewed from above).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSTLbshG0RCa0dd_xlE6cTDaU4isoX5UQTS40qMquQ_S9YZqN3fXIIkBH2awdTYejQEIQNfKcr-74Bgz4u-dqjb8JqANXTNNX400ZhQenWPeUjSgIkGzfFQh0YBDqmioZnJ8vACHrArs/s1600/Shaded+Broad-bar+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574825566437132034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSTLbshG0RCa0dd_xlE6cTDaU4isoX5UQTS40qMquQ_S9YZqN3fXIIkBH2awdTYejQEIQNfKcr-74Bgz4u-dqjb8JqANXTNNX400ZhQenWPeUjSgIkGzfFQh0YBDqmioZnJ8vACHrArs/s400/Shaded+Broad-bar+3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 329px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSTLbshG0RCa0dd_xlE6cTDaU4isoX5UQTS40qMquQ_S9YZqN3fXIIkBH2awdTYejQEIQNfKcr-74Bgz4u-dqjb8JqANXTNNX400ZhQenWPeUjSgIkGzfFQh0YBDqmioZnJ8vACHrArs/s1600/Shaded+Broad-bar+3.jpg"></a>Shaded Broad-bar (<em>Scotopteryx chenopodiata</em>)</div>
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<br />The Shaded Broad-bar is a moth of open grassy habitats (the larvae feed on clovers and vetches) and is easily disturbed from vegetation during the day. Its scientific name means 'Dark-winged Goose-footed', the latter part may refer to the moth's wing shape (<em>Scoto</em>, from skotos = dark + <em>pteryx</em> = wings: Greek, <em>cheno</em> = goose + <em>podiata </em>= footed: Greek).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4lPNieNc1N9c6jHOAih_fZbebBhMTuG3Ge75BtuMx_0Aq1T1Xx_i3jfuNC3LD5sYEVsMRsx5iB4ElJEfC5OlNjoefaApiS3CKQJ6uPIqqBE-5WuvJrOJHByou1i1iz9FTR3UU2414bc/s1600/Marsh+Woundwort+%2528Stachys+palustris%2529++4.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574826453151510754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4lPNieNc1N9c6jHOAih_fZbebBhMTuG3Ge75BtuMx_0Aq1T1Xx_i3jfuNC3LD5sYEVsMRsx5iB4ElJEfC5OlNjoefaApiS3CKQJ6uPIqqBE-5WuvJrOJHByou1i1iz9FTR3UU2414bc/s400/Marsh+Woundwort+%2528Stachys+palustris%2529++4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /> </a><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4lPNieNc1N9c6jHOAih_fZbebBhMTuG3Ge75BtuMx_0Aq1T1Xx_i3jfuNC3LD5sYEVsMRsx5iB4ElJEfC5OlNjoefaApiS3CKQJ6uPIqqBE-5WuvJrOJHByou1i1iz9FTR3UU2414bc/s1600/Marsh+Woundwort+%2528Stachys+palustris%2529++4.jpg"></a>Marsh Woundwort (<em>Stachys palustris</em>)</div>
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Marsh Woundwort is a member of the Labiatae family (mints & dead-nettles) and, as its common name would suggest, was highly valued in the past for its wound-healing properties (it is both antiseptic and staunches bleeding). The edible roots are said to have a mild, nutty flavour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJVdJp845ZXwhwZmxNZKuLriTMlgFeHlqhzaZHBigQ9Z9wFttGb3hL9s2w7EtgwmZ95yfAAwyARc1XvZeVT7p3gY9C2sbIU3tRWFx-X7Fiy5jKUEJFtJ4hTe-ejQ_WHb5hiI_WDkRQA4/s1600/Snail+%2528Arianta+arbustorum%2529+juvenile%252C+perhaps.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574826803076095362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJVdJp845ZXwhwZmxNZKuLriTMlgFeHlqhzaZHBigQ9Z9wFttGb3hL9s2w7EtgwmZ95yfAAwyARc1XvZeVT7p3gY9C2sbIU3tRWFx-X7Fiy5jKUEJFtJ4hTe-ejQ_WHb5hiI_WDkRQA4/s400/Snail+%2528Arianta+arbustorum%2529+juvenile%252C+perhaps.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 305px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJVdJp845ZXwhwZmxNZKuLriTMlgFeHlqhzaZHBigQ9Z9wFttGb3hL9s2w7EtgwmZ95yfAAwyARc1XvZeVT7p3gY9C2sbIU3tRWFx-X7Fiy5jKUEJFtJ4hTe-ejQ_WHb5hiI_WDkRQA4/s1600/Snail+%2528Arianta+arbustorum%2529+juvenile%252C+perhaps.jpg"></a>glass snail, possibly <em>Arianta arbustorum </em>?<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCRwLa3JYwroonnWS_45Zjx1VJVdzL-pIZLGp7LjoNjX0O6dF58nf-D3OQDcOgb1f5R7xGqMhyphenhyphenmuIosW3f0n6ipZt-636Aqm7wzJK0Kt-PNluE6hblSMBAFFcYcufjSwMRB8qA0hYR1Q/s1600/Common+Spotted+Orchid+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574827017217366482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCRwLa3JYwroonnWS_45Zjx1VJVdzL-pIZLGp7LjoNjX0O6dF58nf-D3OQDcOgb1f5R7xGqMhyphenhyphenmuIosW3f0n6ipZt-636Aqm7wzJK0Kt-PNluE6hblSMBAFFcYcufjSwMRB8qA0hYR1Q/s400/Common+Spotted+Orchid+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /> </a><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCRwLa3JYwroonnWS_45Zjx1VJVdzL-pIZLGp7LjoNjX0O6dF58nf-D3OQDcOgb1f5R7xGqMhyphenhyphenmuIosW3f0n6ipZt-636Aqm7wzJK0Kt-PNluE6hblSMBAFFcYcufjSwMRB8qA0hYR1Q/s1600/Common+Spotted+Orchid+2.jpg"></a>Common Spotted Orchid (<em>Dactylorhiza fuchsii</em>)</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyZ6SOT0GSffyf2J6XGHdWRuFKCojzmMwQFLHJQs1UM7Yg1O7gnZrkb50CDjMqXpu9AmoRYjhVO0Fd9GySk6Vg0hMcudG6d5qPPTV2QNW0EHsbyQ29KstoPnfHau3sXPSyKSRHCaNKoo/s1600/Common+Spotted+Orchid.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574827547218866834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyZ6SOT0GSffyf2J6XGHdWRuFKCojzmMwQFLHJQs1UM7Yg1O7gnZrkb50CDjMqXpu9AmoRYjhVO0Fd9GySk6Vg0hMcudG6d5qPPTV2QNW0EHsbyQ29KstoPnfHau3sXPSyKSRHCaNKoo/s400/Common+Spotted+Orchid.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 298px;" /> </a><div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyZ6SOT0GSffyf2J6XGHdWRuFKCojzmMwQFLHJQs1UM7Yg1O7gnZrkb50CDjMqXpu9AmoRYjhVO0Fd9GySk6Vg0hMcudG6d5qPPTV2QNW0EHsbyQ29KstoPnfHau3sXPSyKSRHCaNKoo/s1600/Common+Spotted+Orchid.jpg"></a>Common Spotted Orchid (<em>Dactylorhiza fuchsii</em>)</div>
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<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bom7kwm9z.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-91610568258306230362010-07-20T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T17:40:06.248-08:00Duntocher, West Dunbartonshire</p><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhY754Ln5HbwLWo_xPZKGlgwXkQHtIwz6owepQFqxQ5XnggH6V3o2XR2pcAoIVKIcbFPo5GgYvShLh_QJN30limtzX2vt9HYNn25jD6pWMWMAhv7skrxR4iNB0H57GkkG-HBb4SASAlc/s1600/sunset+raindrops.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570986483970252082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhY754Ln5HbwLWo_xPZKGlgwXkQHtIwz6owepQFqxQ5XnggH6V3o2XR2pcAoIVKIcbFPo5GgYvShLh_QJN30limtzX2vt9HYNn25jD6pWMWMAhv7skrxR4iNB0H57GkkG-HBb4SASAlc/s400/sunset+raindrops.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIXsELFP4XVfq1z_dxPkkoIGQ65ZR7DOku0pO21CHg2vtYGHRngPtOGwDNqTFZdIY0bBunF-3CcsOIiRTvheNJN7IDJgDTbq9jaDgmbsiE_ylJNhrl_lncpsjnR2wGtBILpsbwW64_a0/s1600/Duntocher+Sunset.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570979372924148498" border="0" alt="Kilpatrick Hills" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIXsELFP4XVfq1z_dxPkkoIGQ65ZR7DOku0pO21CHg2vtYGHRngPtOGwDNqTFZdIY0bBunF-3CcsOIiRTvheNJN7IDJgDTbq9jaDgmbsiE_ylJNhrl_lncpsjnR2wGtBILpsbwW64_a0/s400/Duntocher+Sunset.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Kilpatrick Hills at dusk</span><br /></div><div align="left"><br />Darkness falls on the nearby Kilpatrick hills, and though the sky burns vivid orange-red, the air is humid and the vegetation still moist from recent heavy rainfall. Humid, windless nights like this are best for trapping nocturnal insects.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>A Gallery of July Beetles:</strong></span><br /></span><br />Beetles are amongst the most frequent non-moth visitors to fluorescent lighting (which attracts far more insects than incandescent light bulbs due to the higher ultraviolet ouput). Other common nocturnal visitors are midges, crane flies and caddis flies.<br /><br />Beetles tend to be very restless, rarely staying still for even a second, which makes them difficult to photograph: my solution is to place them inside a white plastic bowl which is too smooth for them to easily climb up and stalls them long enough to take photos.<br /><br />The first of our usual suspects is a beetle whose varied talents include using its head as a spade, eating poo and singing!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Aphodius rufipes</em> (Dung Beetle - family Scarabaeidae)<br /></span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigStU9AavQkmXSdnKkCmeXV4nExt8d69BdafvISdcl_8-aoNlxuTNKTK56nUE26C7Q49xo3mNDddB8rSxQpogiOAwftzuc4FqmO7C803RhjfFNJ_H-lpfmjC1WPc3X2yZhq7gJpm3v3I/s1600/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570067433323606770" border="0" alt="Aphodius rufipes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigStU9AavQkmXSdnKkCmeXV4nExt8d69BdafvISdcl_8-aoNlxuTNKTK56nUE26C7Q49xo3mNDddB8rSxQpogiOAwftzuc4FqmO7C803RhjfFNJ_H-lpfmjC1WPc3X2yZhq7gJpm3v3I/s400/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em></em><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Aphodius rufipes</em> - showing the (normally hidden) membraneous hindwings</span><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSme1E2BykBf8Bkw3CTfs4Cul5H9La972GXt8CScSmR1LicO0se078rPF5uWGOyHiBTSzDQ4en9SOJIT-A3DZ5OA-wld_AG2KLd_KmE9X1WfnCl_5boGOHepVBHepf7RkP5SjNXfx1ETM/s1600/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529++7.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 321px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570068128430677202" border="0" alt="Aphodius rufipes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSme1E2BykBf8Bkw3CTfs4Cul5H9La972GXt8CScSmR1LicO0se078rPF5uWGOyHiBTSzDQ4en9SOJIT-A3DZ5OA-wld_AG2KLd_KmE9X1WfnCl_5boGOHepVBHepf7RkP5SjNXfx1ETM/s400/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529++7.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Aphodius rufipes</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE72uy-cwlr-vUrKFm6DRrfC7Xh28IzitbM27Od3_Thq4iM6s8-JODBAzr2CjYd2og0q-t2_ilRUl4E2GztA2pu11v9-vWxD3Har1ZJpu1zewud2PNdzwuixcjAlcJ0MejVittKQ0PuM/s1600/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570069946867933202" border="0" alt="Aphodius rufipes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioE72uy-cwlr-vUrKFm6DRrfC7Xh28IzitbM27Od3_Thq4iM6s8-JODBAzr2CjYd2og0q-t2_ilRUl4E2GztA2pu11v9-vWxD3Har1ZJpu1zewud2PNdzwuixcjAlcJ0MejVittKQ0PuM/s400/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Aphodius rufipes</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-UmCKFEcbJzLbzRkPQRvNqFqOqwC9IwloinR-WGEEMraFdibakKsY9aqvs6jaxo1p79YtGDAl7svALm92xEgKRdS1Hh_WSZCG4MrcZqawOd8E2B3bfvEzGOh4cTk2OQZdcstpgAi1BI/s1600/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529+head.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 335px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570070473002294962" border="0" alt="Aphodius rufipes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-UmCKFEcbJzLbzRkPQRvNqFqOqwC9IwloinR-WGEEMraFdibakKsY9aqvs6jaxo1p79YtGDAl7svALm92xEgKRdS1Hh_WSZCG4MrcZqawOd8E2B3bfvEzGOh4cTk2OQZdcstpgAi1BI/s400/dung+beetle+%2528Aphodius+rufipes%2529+head.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Aphodius rufipes</em></span></p><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><p align="left">A wide shovel-shaped head, cylindrical body, small antennnae, and claw-like extensions on the tibia of the front legs, are all adaptations to a burrowing lifestyle.Both adults and larvae spend most of their lives feeding and burrowing in the dung of herbivores.<br /><br />The club-shaped antennae are composed of lamellae which can be compressed into a ball or fanned out (in order to detect odours).<br /><br />When the adult dung beetles arrive at a fresh cow pat, the males quickly set about courting the females - producing complex songs using their abdomino-alary stridulatory organs (which means they produce sounds by rubbing their wings against their abdomens).<br />Only the males sing, although the females possess identical stridulatory organs and have the ability to produce disturbance sounds when threatened.<br /><br />Each song lasts from 10 to 20 minutes and is composed of a series of syllables produced in pulses, with each <em>Aphodius</em> species having its own unique song.<br /><br />More info on the singing of <em>Aphodius</em> dung beetles can be found here: <a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:gaPktHxulAAJ:www.crcnetbase.com/doi/abs/10.1201/9781420039337.ch31+aphodius+stridulation&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgaudrtCRaWYYSO-OMOLC3RsUqn2EAvaFbvoUkWmuqXwtgTxtJ8ModIuaOylkv7cn3McxTJMfR85uQ01yefeWCB2TUv-yOoH-_ihVF-gQPb7U3Gsuh126s4jrgO2DzEXbR6uvqK&sig=AHIEtbStO0NuCq-T4d0v2PFF38GaFYa1uw&pli=1">Vibratory Communication in Dung Beetles (Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera)</a> <span style="font-size:85%;">by Julia Kasper & Petra Hirschberger, chapter 31 of Insect Sounds and Communication - Physiology, Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (CRC Press, 2006).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Otiorhynchus porcatus</em> (Weevil - family Curculionidae)<br /></span><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX_-xZZhVNMmByHKPuHtASa9aEOnHU-Y-ncITPunj2o_NGMrTfkmJx-WUtpV4qGhwu1rwWVm7Is3NBI5N-DA63CDT1c62UDOc7b0u-PfpoGBbE4UsXuRYrPbhaFCSFYlLnraFO7zNgHg/s1600/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 343px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570325292038966946" border="0" alt="Otiorhynchus porcatus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEX_-xZZhVNMmByHKPuHtASa9aEOnHU-Y-ncITPunj2o_NGMrTfkmJx-WUtpV4qGhwu1rwWVm7Is3NBI5N-DA63CDT1c62UDOc7b0u-PfpoGBbE4UsXuRYrPbhaFCSFYlLnraFO7zNgHg/s400/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529+6.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Otiorhynchus porcatus</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDffSUx6ld1oCKa-4I_ASnTAehMmG1ogtp6BkR_JYDPhAqWcQQvhsgdluAyPCURUMmTGqMDynQMFK6JIVfTeLluDvBMS2FWbATP13RcZWm3A9Kk8us9IyKLAYmi1Hq76M4LNk7iEDtjs0/s1600/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 338px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570353620221821778" border="0" alt="Otiorhynchus porcatus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDffSUx6ld1oCKa-4I_ASnTAehMmG1ogtp6BkR_JYDPhAqWcQQvhsgdluAyPCURUMmTGqMDynQMFK6JIVfTeLluDvBMS2FWbATP13RcZWm3A9Kk8us9IyKLAYmi1Hq76M4LNk7iEDtjs0/s400/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Otiorhynchus porcatus</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsjOFh_Ju4CBui4nwuEuiK4SVh_t6qEf-afVLYRtJztHQTqztKTH7_jZH4vk34JAdxz5jbbUdkiz6DwqBWXKa-eb9zVFwL-9qQVE68ODfW8wUUN-UJ4y3i-2_J__EBEJK69hjwd70ug0/s1600/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 333px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570352734041570098" border="0" alt="Otiorhynchus porcatus" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsjOFh_Ju4CBui4nwuEuiK4SVh_t6qEf-afVLYRtJztHQTqztKTH7_jZH4vk34JAdxz5jbbUdkiz6DwqBWXKa-eb9zVFwL-9qQVE68ODfW8wUUN-UJ4y3i-2_J__EBEJK69hjwd70ug0/s400/weevil+%2528Otiorhynchus+porcatus%2529.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Otiorhynchus porcatus</span></em></p><p align="left"><em>Otiorhynchus</em> weevils have fused elytra (wing cases) which renders them completely flightless: this individual still managed to make an appearance indoors - I imagine its fast marching gait could traverse almost any terrain!<br /><br />The nocturnal adults feed upon the foliage of a variety of plants, whilst the larvae feed underground on the roots.<br /><br />This is one of the easier <em>Otiorhynchus</em> to identify - no other species has such deeply ridged, boxy-looking elytra.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Rhagonycha fulva</em> (Soldier Beetle - family Cantharidae)</span><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2lA8LBSTAYdUpu3BaKuQdS5Pzg9Qf21T9aEk3aK8Y3Xmu768HYMVa7EYsa4jrhLYUfT1sApLA9W_FeOjPGuHKQnA7_l-5YKD_UzkLgDthLsw1Is02UZ8enNTIG-WGUObIStqlPbL1AY/s1600/Soldier+Beetle++%2528Rhagoncha+fulva%2529+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570372008460378210" border="0" alt="Rhagonycha fulva" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA2lA8LBSTAYdUpu3BaKuQdS5Pzg9Qf21T9aEk3aK8Y3Xmu768HYMVa7EYsa4jrhLYUfT1sApLA9W_FeOjPGuHKQnA7_l-5YKD_UzkLgDthLsw1Is02UZ8enNTIG-WGUObIStqlPbL1AY/s400/Soldier+Beetle++%2528Rhagoncha+fulva%2529+2.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Rhagonycha fulva</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOC6g0j1R_Jw_Tnz9_6J-p44DBZ88iZLbceDS886_SElQEumFLjaKXuXVHiUn7ecu4Ym7mHcm4bhTHikDDmfV_vGu-M_rij63x7-epN3xUfWWSMyp0cmDJGXZ7469ltPVQqIwP5k_9Q8g/s1600/Soldier+Beetle+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570779846553911458" border="0" alt="Rhagonycha fulva" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOC6g0j1R_Jw_Tnz9_6J-p44DBZ88iZLbceDS886_SElQEumFLjaKXuXVHiUn7ecu4Ym7mHcm4bhTHikDDmfV_vGu-M_rij63x7-epN3xUfWWSMyp0cmDJGXZ7469ltPVQqIwP5k_9Q8g/s400/Soldier+Beetle+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+6.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Rhagonycha fulva</span></em><br /><br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim13xhEZYLV5jwOoLVlwkeGr5T7c3rWcsq7lpSvSqPc5wvI-fOzjyz720LWrZ6Ic1A2QB3ODZXSUxX1stOdPjDiPchK_WKoaOxDPrHXZNDN4r-Rht0Gfzw9D1ynIsltX6QeoHJgfLWPuA/s1600/Soldier+Beetle+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+side.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570796236360491330" border="0" alt="Rhagonycha fulva" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim13xhEZYLV5jwOoLVlwkeGr5T7c3rWcsq7lpSvSqPc5wvI-fOzjyz720LWrZ6Ic1A2QB3ODZXSUxX1stOdPjDiPchK_WKoaOxDPrHXZNDN4r-Rht0Gfzw9D1ynIsltX6QeoHJgfLWPuA/s400/Soldier+Beetle+%2528Rhagonycha+fulva%2529+side.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Rhagonycha fulva</span></em><br /></p><p align="left"><br />Soldier beetles are a classic example of aposematism (when an organism is both brightly coloured and distasteful to predators - predators learn to avoid them) and produce bitter-tasting secretions from their prothoracic and abdominal glands. <br /><br />This common species is mostly diurnal and congregates in large numbers on the flowerheads of thistles and umbellifers, where it feeds on flower pollen, nectar and smaller insects. The larvae are ground-dwelling and prey solely on other invertebrates.<br /><br />These beetles often seen in mating pairs as they have a prolonged copulation - also known as mate-guarding - in which the males prevent females from mating with competitors.<br /><br />Soldier beetles have soft, leathery elytra due to the larger amount of time spent air-borne than most beetles.<br /><br /><strong>Identifying Soldier Beetles:</strong><br /><br /><em>Rhagonycha fulva</em> is easily identified by the testaceous (brick-red) colouration of the head, pronotum, legs and wing cases (the latter are black tipped). The antennae, mouthparts and tarsi (feet) are black.<br /><br />For other species, there is a handy identification key available here (PDF document):<br /><a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:esM2Vigz-bsJ:www.wildlifebcnp.org/documents/CantharidaeKeys_v3.pdf+cantharidae+key&hl=en&gl=uk&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiYBrI2SPIkM35ObNcWEoaVu22L4SvMX6XVl2DLeFzif-vdTW0rq_wAO11fZWlCI1C5I8q4zJYA8jJqD5uFdhDOh6kCBLty91iemO11s4eNCfBni9yBO4iez0BKTiAH94AePmbl&sig=AHIEtbRZV0E1b8QtT1PjWDYErWpj6jV_qg">Cantharidae - Key to the Adults of the British Species</a> <span style="font-size:85%;">(Original keys by Mike Fitton, 1973. Additions & ammendments by Brian Eversham, 2006). </span></p><br />
<iframe src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bombvabfr.html" width="420" height="370"
frameborder="0″ scrolling="no" name="mymapcode"></iframe>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-87037210447414863312010-06-27T17:00:00.000-07:002013-04-04T19:24:13.058-07:00Kilpatrick Hills, West Dunbartonshire<div align="left">
Just a short walk today, from Duntocher to the Test marsh (South of the Greenside Reservoir).<br />
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In the damp cloudy weather, butterflies clung sluggishly to the wet vegetation. I encountered Ringlets, Common Blues and Meadow Browns at Little Round Top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBJkI4k2jHUsJERuxox_EzrE5Za1BbOVeCfSKKkc4BKIVWiw2Twrw6fgNC8dr1boFFD-2eJvSwM9x5gqesyvnuUlytzf5irhuK3sjdiOGTBvCIYCgrsSegbeMdUrjyAoHTWQxb41N7I/s1600/Meadow+Browns+mating.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555207771778132114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBJkI4k2jHUsJERuxox_EzrE5Za1BbOVeCfSKKkc4BKIVWiw2Twrw6fgNC8dr1boFFD-2eJvSwM9x5gqesyvnuUlytzf5irhuK3sjdiOGTBvCIYCgrsSegbeMdUrjyAoHTWQxb41N7I/s400/Meadow+Browns+mating.jpg" style="display: block; height: 388px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meadow Brown (<em>Maniola jurtina</em>) mating pair</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVu2SUIgaR7CRnqD1Pty1Noz4Kg-TukDxqIsWpYKu_6RuN_6bpNJ4_6OJb0BU43gYQivN51EZnv4y0fVfZAdwqiPqgz47DpaDE0Jfstd-bfsvhEkoAq_onhP6S6DsDsTf5Ubsoa0OzaA/s1600/Elderberry+flowers+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Elderberry Sambucus nigra" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533519210286436978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVu2SUIgaR7CRnqD1Pty1Noz4Kg-TukDxqIsWpYKu_6RuN_6bpNJ4_6OJb0BU43gYQivN51EZnv4y0fVfZAdwqiPqgz47DpaDE0Jfstd-bfsvhEkoAq_onhP6S6DsDsTf5Ubsoa0OzaA/s400/Elderberry+flowers+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 364px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elderberry (<em>Sambucus nigra</em>)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR-Nb9UMlYN_cpFJlw5i6zejs77yOtwvNa1nc0FCE0FYoIARbcm0eBxnKlZlmsu_rf0Fq0k8ue3h_h51QamjznKSmkq9gFE2-p52Lh2vzcLTxylHcBxWhOW03GGKpk7xDubCAkV0OSb0/s1600/elderberry+flowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Elderberry Sambucus nigra" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533522914296494370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR-Nb9UMlYN_cpFJlw5i6zejs77yOtwvNa1nc0FCE0FYoIARbcm0eBxnKlZlmsu_rf0Fq0k8ue3h_h51QamjznKSmkq9gFE2-p52Lh2vzcLTxylHcBxWhOW03GGKpk7xDubCAkV0OSb0/s400/elderberry+flowers.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elderberry (<em>Sambucus nigra</em>)</span>
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The foamy umbels of creamy-white Elderberry flowers have a musky, fusty aroma.<br />
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<strong>Elderflower Cordial Recipes:</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.britishlarder.co.uk/elderflower-cordial/#axzz19XDwbn1z">The British Larder - Elderflower Cordial Recipe </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://fussfreeflavours.com/2010/06/my-midsummer-nights-dream-elderflower-cordial/">Fuss Free Flavours - Elderflower Cordial Recipe</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.food.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=302822&start=0&sid=ad9cec381bd723b706fefcb877a7d8c7">Food.com - Old Fashioned Elderflower Cordial Recipe </a><br />
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I found Lesser Spearwort growing in the pond at Little Round Top:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsNKnp6UppV1CchUqgy6q_EjknyC0wWcntT_GTcfLTJI2heZfBiFKB3-tZc1Ka2AXciojG6rg3MCQNmOwXBtVR6V6k-kSErlHLZi2GySqfRMrkPv1acUWXs1_1w6PpysLUbBkOYRnc3Q/s1600/Lesser+Spearwort+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555848786947941666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsNKnp6UppV1CchUqgy6q_EjknyC0wWcntT_GTcfLTJI2heZfBiFKB3-tZc1Ka2AXciojG6rg3MCQNmOwXBtVR6V6k-kSErlHLZi2GySqfRMrkPv1acUWXs1_1w6PpysLUbBkOYRnc3Q/s400/Lesser+Spearwort+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 297px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lesser Spearwort (<i>Ranunculus flammula</i>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sodG6ZBrtMX6OWO-L6_BNTZTQvu2UTvAcgjSTSpwfBPynnKRZg8APtmB443dhMbRgyxnbSWJn6bjquzMg-2EJ6BENEVR4k3Z0YvkTWDonDdzkS_plcmmxuAGl-gOSSZ8t4AxLloGjaw/s1600/Lesser+Spearwort+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555847883074514082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sodG6ZBrtMX6OWO-L6_BNTZTQvu2UTvAcgjSTSpwfBPynnKRZg8APtmB443dhMbRgyxnbSWJn6bjquzMg-2EJ6BENEVR4k3Z0YvkTWDonDdzkS_plcmmxuAGl-gOSSZ8t4AxLloGjaw/s400/Lesser+Spearwort+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 346px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<span style="font-size: small;">Lesser Spearwort (<em>Ranunculus flammula</em>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sodG6ZBrtMX6OWO-L6_BNTZTQvu2UTvAcgjSTSpwfBPynnKRZg8APtmB443dhMbRgyxnbSWJn6bjquzMg-2EJ6BENEVR4k3Z0YvkTWDonDdzkS_plcmmxuAGl-gOSSZ8t4AxLloGjaw/s1600/Lesser+Spearwort+2.jpg"></a></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYUr9gLoALn8qrAf706ZTelgg8UgAUXevn8H7JB67prZd17C3HSgpfbLJtWIxbmbO_CDdXJIx8bNLIVk_44adMv5l0FYff5m8mc02Q5mxVcqBuaeE7hyphenhyphen0kTBLvhnb0117VJcrz73z6IQ/s1600/Bryophyte.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555777331630807138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYUr9gLoALn8qrAf706ZTelgg8UgAUXevn8H7JB67prZd17C3HSgpfbLJtWIxbmbO_CDdXJIx8bNLIVk_44adMv5l0FYff5m8mc02Q5mxVcqBuaeE7hyphenhyphen0kTBLvhnb0117VJcrz73z6IQ/s400/Bryophyte.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unknown species of Liverwort (at Test)</span>
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Lesser Spearwort is a buttercup of watery habitats - the flowers are indistinguishable from other <em>Ranunculus</em> species but the long, undivided, strap-like leaves are very distinctive.<br />
<br />
I found a male Gold Swift (<em>Hepialus hecta</em>) above Little Round Top.<br />
<br />
Between Little Round Top wood and the Test I saw a flock of Linnets and a lone Peregrine Falcon (which flew in the direction of the Mohican Woods).<br />
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In the moorland above the Test, large grey slabs of exposed underlying rock are thinly covered with mosses and stonecrops, interspersed with small patches of bog and crisscrossed with crumbling old dry-stone walls.<br />
<br />
Much of the heather had withered away to bare bleached-bone stems with beautifully knotted and twisted branches - weather-beaten to resemble driftwood.<br />
<br />
I looked for Slow Worms (unsuccessfully) and Common Lizards (I caught a pregnant female).<br />
<br />
At the Northern end of the Test I found a small pile of feathers; a Sparrowhawk kill; possibly the remains of a Whinchat or Stonechat.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy1E4s501fgyBV1K7OJ5aHY3VkSga7vZhULlrxzIvgS5pST5Q525rZ4_UKY3WviCmxBTqNMAQxqbtk8HEGPRBcMMRQt9BhHX5Axdr3J3bPSr6Vv-MmkArdx3jKzLDH-9ODkLgJQWx-OQ/s1600/bumblebee+%2528Bombus+sylvestris%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bombus sylvestris" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556290103643992994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy1E4s501fgyBV1K7OJ5aHY3VkSga7vZhULlrxzIvgS5pST5Q525rZ4_UKY3WviCmxBTqNMAQxqbtk8HEGPRBcMMRQt9BhHX5Axdr3J3bPSr6Vv-MmkArdx3jKzLDH-9ODkLgJQWx-OQ/s400/bumblebee+%2528Bombus+sylvestris%2529.jpg" style="display: block; height: 349px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">cuckoo bumblebee (<i>Bombus sylvestris</i>)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Six of our twenty-two native bumblebee species (genus Bombus) are cuckoo bumblebees. Queen cuckoo bumblebees don't construct their own nests, instead they lay their eggs in the nests of other bumblebee species and the workers of the host rear the cuckoo's offspring. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Each cuckoo bumblebee has a favoured host species which it matches closely in colouration. Bombus sylvestris normally takes over the nests of Bombus pratorum. Its distinguishing features are the very extensive white tail-tip, the presence of a bold yellow thorax band and a faint yellow band at the base of the abdomen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c_MDHmhZ6ToJXVG6lJ8WWCtDQJqZ81RQ3pgrHowc4JiThqoR_kuFYCIl241zwu6B8vhouGAOHyD4LxMiNJpEhbJRoBpBmJdwvFMRM9iXxtOpIJHMnhkXPuKu-P6YiJr2YsTegHbcaXc/s1600/New+Zealand+Willowherb+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="New Zealand Willowherb Epilobium brunnescens" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555781683445180146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6c_MDHmhZ6ToJXVG6lJ8WWCtDQJqZ81RQ3pgrHowc4JiThqoR_kuFYCIl241zwu6B8vhouGAOHyD4LxMiNJpEhbJRoBpBmJdwvFMRM9iXxtOpIJHMnhkXPuKu-P6YiJr2YsTegHbcaXc/s400/New+Zealand+Willowherb+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New Zealand Willowherb (Epilobium brunnescens)</span></td></tr>
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<div align="left">
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New Zealand Willowherb is now naturalized over most of the Kilpatrick Hills. This tiny unobtrusive species has creeping stems, circular leaves and pale pink flowers borne on the tips of long reddish seed pods, which split to release downy wind-dispersed seeds.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bomcjgqbb.html" width="420"></iframe></span>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-87154769239341486992010-06-18T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T18:30:17.697-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, East/West Dunbartonshire<div align="left">
This is part 2 of my camping trip: the walk home!<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in my last post, the midges were horrific! To my horror, when I awoke, I found that my tent was BLACK with midges - all just sitting patiently on the outer surface of my tent, waiting for me to emerge.<br />
<br />
By 10am the midges had dispersed somewhat, enabling me to pack away my tent. Burncrooks valley is one of the wildest places in the Kilpatrick Hills: the natural woodland is mainly Alder, with some Birch, Rowan and Willow, and the forest merges naturally into shrubby old-growth heather and bracken on the hills at either side. Very few people walk this way (due to the lack of any paths) so there is never any litter!<br />
<br />
Here are some moths I found in Burncrooks valley:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521319685085449826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3e64IJKeeVXxx70GWn4CdNyuXBPPkplKT2mZPFY3IEsUaoiUsoeTj5HcePjzCsCDTDPhnGP74GE2VXWhsw78wWHRRVKpbHZlb4yRWZCRe2rAwf8fycFldKHqHh6N7OvrizC1WK-4h9M/s400/angle+shades.jpg" style="display: block; height: 273px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angle Shades (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Phlogophora meticulosa</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3e64IJKeeVXxx70GWn4CdNyuXBPPkplKT2mZPFY3IEsUaoiUsoeTj5HcePjzCsCDTDPhnGP74GE2VXWhsw78wWHRRVKpbHZlb4yRWZCRe2rAwf8fycFldKHqHh6N7OvrizC1WK-4h9M/s1600/angle+shades.jpg"></a></div>
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This is an Angle Shades moth in situ (above), it hasn't picked a very good hiding place. To demonstrate its brilliant bark camouflage, I moved it to a nearby Alder:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViCz1hSPd87lR4_2HJGck91UmQKBcdTMmmWAwTlcjkLQ98hlBaBy1KBLemsU5c0C386Vtyri9rvmyqWkZndGmNidFC4bM9KfDGpvC4r0NYoSSqh3N79X7vWlH7dSzduaKPmWA3_76Syk/s1600/Angle+Shades+3+a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521370699409776914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViCz1hSPd87lR4_2HJGck91UmQKBcdTMmmWAwTlcjkLQ98hlBaBy1KBLemsU5c0C386Vtyri9rvmyqWkZndGmNidFC4bM9KfDGpvC4r0NYoSSqh3N79X7vWlH7dSzduaKPmWA3_76Syk/s400/Angle+Shades+3+a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 347px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angle Shades (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Phlogophora meticulosa</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tno4sYbP3o59_tOGGQyjSkb6vz-3v2uHt5OxuvH5XynwGXCUUXbb62H2oRJhluAPXiZGPD4zJmiWbAFkRC9_6WMZfXilz07iKrS5CU-54gqfTgFKkmy6F0zuCoPffaQoiW5q_HMZHOs/s1600/angle+shades+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521371555712597506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tno4sYbP3o59_tOGGQyjSkb6vz-3v2uHt5OxuvH5XynwGXCUUXbb62H2oRJhluAPXiZGPD4zJmiWbAFkRC9_6WMZfXilz07iKrS5CU-54gqfTgFKkmy6F0zuCoPffaQoiW5q_HMZHOs/s400/angle+shades+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 297px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Angle Shades (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Phlogophora meticulosa</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tno4sYbP3o59_tOGGQyjSkb6vz-3v2uHt5OxuvH5XynwGXCUUXbb62H2oRJhluAPXiZGPD4zJmiWbAFkRC9_6WMZfXilz07iKrS5CU-54gqfTgFKkmy6F0zuCoPffaQoiW5q_HMZHOs/s1600/angle+shades+4.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
This beautiful moth is a common species and is polyphagous - meaning its larvae will eat almost all herbaceous plants. Its scientific name means 'The fearful fire-bearer' (<em>Phlogo</em> = fire + <em>phora</em> = to carry/bear: from Greek, <em>meticulosa</em> = timorous/fearful: Latin). This probably refers to the flame-like triangular markings on the forewings.<br />
<br />
My 'Moths of West Dunbartonshire' blog has better photos of this species (from every angle!): <a href="http://themothzoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/angle-shades-phlogophora-meticulosa.html">http://themothzoo.blogspot.com/2010/07/angle-shades-phlogophora-meticulosa.html</a>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQrmA_lncJDxEd9Yw_Q7SRwzilcSptLSUTbN4tbfC0CAQmw_w_Gwha8UEUY-THukiibLwgPD32-BCTdDmsmatfJSQKuUcSgS7WXF-1l-4uaqY_8PzC8xlt1RGYT16gjf8qFh7hj8hMH0/s1600/Four-dotted+footman+3a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521374634482401970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQrmA_lncJDxEd9Yw_Q7SRwzilcSptLSUTbN4tbfC0CAQmw_w_Gwha8UEUY-THukiibLwgPD32-BCTdDmsmatfJSQKuUcSgS7WXF-1l-4uaqY_8PzC8xlt1RGYT16gjf8qFh7hj8hMH0/s400/Four-dotted+footman+3a.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 379px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Four-dotted Footman (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Cybosia mesomella</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mj3oExX26uNtHCuuq-UyVvZAKh2bhxm5yPsJPbFqdlqD6t-rdAo6URrb44pIpUK2i1c1QdDBTA-EWIYKNzgT5mPwrkb945e1a0B-KZDYXD8UWKUvW8m4moF590VGBQWJokBeQSYvQ3s/s1600/Four-dotted+footman.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521374955981714498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mj3oExX26uNtHCuuq-UyVvZAKh2bhxm5yPsJPbFqdlqD6t-rdAo6URrb44pIpUK2i1c1QdDBTA-EWIYKNzgT5mPwrkb945e1a0B-KZDYXD8UWKUvW8m4moF590VGBQWJokBeQSYvQ3s/s400/Four-dotted+footman.jpg" style="display: block; height: 355px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Four-dotted Footman (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Cybosia mesomella</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mj3oExX26uNtHCuuq-UyVvZAKh2bhxm5yPsJPbFqdlqD6t-rdAo6URrb44pIpUK2i1c1QdDBTA-EWIYKNzgT5mPwrkb945e1a0B-KZDYXD8UWKUvW8m4moF590VGBQWJokBeQSYvQ3s/s1600/Four-dotted+footman.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
The Four-dotted Footman (<em>Cybosia mesomella</em>) is a locally distributed species in Scotland. Wing colour ranges from white (like the specimen above) to golden yellow. The larvae are thought to feed mainly on the lichens which encrust heather.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfTdzYh8EY0grQvYo-AQ65oyo367aKmPntH0uTEfe-osT1fk4TbtRWE1JSI1IBfl1MA8Jhtwpu_Y4Laotdr73VCV6ZO1eqiDFMwXZceHyGo4PpgTB4DHUO-RmcoipHqLTiqx0YYUG9v0/s1600/Common+heath+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521389119263200546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfTdzYh8EY0grQvYo-AQ65oyo367aKmPntH0uTEfe-osT1fk4TbtRWE1JSI1IBfl1MA8Jhtwpu_Y4Laotdr73VCV6ZO1eqiDFMwXZceHyGo4PpgTB4DHUO-RmcoipHqLTiqx0YYUG9v0/s400/Common+heath+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 314px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Heath (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Ematurga atomaria</em><span style="font-size: small;">) female</span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0GAuV5yXzQILMCdssvACQ1PObxkeneWIcr80HvGMlrQmtooop6zlwvCIAtrUc1kOWFLgIj6dZp3dQv6xaoH8zWgjhVDMdz6zhmwx50YxikZBZpUWz_7oJmdNjp6tl89MRV0qiXvIGgA/s1600/Common+heath+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521391204636067890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0GAuV5yXzQILMCdssvACQ1PObxkeneWIcr80HvGMlrQmtooop6zlwvCIAtrUc1kOWFLgIj6dZp3dQv6xaoH8zWgjhVDMdz6zhmwx50YxikZBZpUWz_7oJmdNjp6tl89MRV0qiXvIGgA/s400/Common+heath+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 306px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Heath (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Ematurga atomaria</em><span style="font-size: small;">) female</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoZhameX8ZM4v7CHlg-pdUEhE_ji9BfPAjwg82WRfYLSMKPzkSD7IYoo4Oj6k49rihaG_62RV0Y0LGuf5zFL498rsH542rNd5Gu9kqYmw7H4rzA8KD43f8_riN98Fpqr9xKRWWXWHLyg/s1600/Common+heath.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521389445963762706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoZhameX8ZM4v7CHlg-pdUEhE_ji9BfPAjwg82WRfYLSMKPzkSD7IYoo4Oj6k49rihaG_62RV0Y0LGuf5zFL498rsH542rNd5Gu9kqYmw7H4rzA8KD43f8_riN98Fpqr9xKRWWXWHLyg/s400/Common+heath.jpg" style="display: block; height: 295px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Heath (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Ematurga atomaria</em><span style="font-size: small;">) female</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoZhameX8ZM4v7CHlg-pdUEhE_ji9BfPAjwg82WRfYLSMKPzkSD7IYoo4Oj6k49rihaG_62RV0Y0LGuf5zFL498rsH542rNd5Gu9kqYmw7H4rzA8KD43f8_riN98Fpqr9xKRWWXWHLyg/s1600/Common+heath.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
The Common Heath (<em>Ematurga atomaria</em>) is a day-flying moth, common in moorland areas (the larvae feed on heathers (<em>Calluna</em> & <em>Erica</em> spp.) and clovers (<em>Trifolium</em> spp.). Wings are very variable and can be yellow with chocolate marbling, white with chocolate marbling (as in photos above) or unicolourous chocolate brown.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1MDLBDgR0ortGeYk8gl9K6Z6t9QpCQ8Oe1NXsAENPPyRstZoKxtxwFdHnb8HBrMbltYj4wwJPJ1y1X8pW-ITDfUdfFTIamLkPwu6kGNpa3yBb6407iregLxHLz3sp1RIyF1PDJwU5l0/s1600/Silver-ground+Crapet+(Xanthorhoe+montanata).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521392854862530802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1MDLBDgR0ortGeYk8gl9K6Z6t9QpCQ8Oe1NXsAENPPyRstZoKxtxwFdHnb8HBrMbltYj4wwJPJ1y1X8pW-ITDfUdfFTIamLkPwu6kGNpa3yBb6407iregLxHLz3sp1RIyF1PDJwU5l0/s400/Silver-ground+Crapet+(Xanthorhoe+montanata).jpg" style="display: block; height: 317px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" style="font-size: medium;">
Silver-ground Carpet (<em>Xanthorhoe montanata</em>)</div>
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</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1MDLBDgR0ortGeYk8gl9K6Z6t9QpCQ8Oe1NXsAENPPyRstZoKxtxwFdHnb8HBrMbltYj4wwJPJ1y1X8pW-ITDfUdfFTIamLkPwu6kGNpa3yBb6407iregLxHLz3sp1RIyF1PDJwU5l0/s1600/Silver-ground+Crapet+(Xanthorhoe+montanata).jpg"></a></div>
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Easily disturbed from vegetation during the day, the Silver-ground Carpet (<em>Xanthorhoe montanata</em>) also flies at night. Look closely at this moth's wings to see the 'snowy mountain peaks' mentioned in its specific name '<em>montanata</em>' (Latin).<br />
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I walked around the edge of Burncrooks reservoir and spotted some <em>Aeshna</em> dragonflies zooming around. Then I entered the pine plantation which borders the Kilmannan reservoir. There is a greater diversity of plant and animal species here than might be expected!<br />
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Although at first resembling an agave of some sort, this is a plantation spruce (<em>Picea</em> sp.) branch from above.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRHAZQev097rBa2QXF44wyImwK-qcfkaxEnCMif-oIksGf0Y6wqJAGWX3_6wUBIs-F8WJlXrVUfSxSKqSwGUsZz_Z0B5q9lgZvB68jOp3zV3IvUxDd2BF7XZBLbA2_avDsjWXwfvAP5A/s1600/pine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521407166787025634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRHAZQev097rBa2QXF44wyImwK-qcfkaxEnCMif-oIksGf0Y6wqJAGWX3_6wUBIs-F8WJlXrVUfSxSKqSwGUsZz_Z0B5q9lgZvB68jOp3zV3IvUxDd2BF7XZBLbA2_avDsjWXwfvAP5A/s400/pine.jpg" style="display: block; height: 366px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spruce (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Picaea</em><span style="font-size: small;"> sp.)</span>
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Spruce (<em>Picaea </em>sp.) needles have a very plastic astro-turf look:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyxd127ZRsww8_GgPBm3C5xonqM58sQEAFPUrmwANQf9zBO9k9UfH8tbeou5eeaqJbLyypD_6jYaS3vAHUIWjqfa5x9Rx4lLoNFC0sU-64ZywF9nBbX0JU9qTn90NOnt0ofdiMBxhsg4/s1600/pine+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521407860041990946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyxd127ZRsww8_GgPBm3C5xonqM58sQEAFPUrmwANQf9zBO9k9UfH8tbeou5eeaqJbLyypD_6jYaS3vAHUIWjqfa5x9Rx4lLoNFC0sU-64ZywF9nBbX0JU9qTn90NOnt0ofdiMBxhsg4/s400/pine+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spruce (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Picaea</em><span style="font-size: small;"> sp.)</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyxd127ZRsww8_GgPBm3C5xonqM58sQEAFPUrmwANQf9zBO9k9UfH8tbeou5eeaqJbLyypD_6jYaS3vAHUIWjqfa5x9Rx4lLoNFC0sU-64ZywF9nBbX0JU9qTn90NOnt0ofdiMBxhsg4/s1600/pine+2.jpg"></a></div>
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Bird's-foot Trefoil (<em>Lotus corniculatus</em>) grows profusely at the forest edge, colonising the gravelly path when it can. It's one of the few native plants with orange flowers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpWslAbMbGbMnMqMnqCQVHFSS3JUt_CaYSM6aKpAwlG6p3luxY2QbqgU6D0r5mvncKa9aLes3ksEkDcshdE_bbpYPhHoxF5vqWvrxdo3vpCR5cw_QXZuddjkaDWi0tNC8qRbD9bug-3s/s1600/Birds+foot+trefoil+8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521402655135449746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpWslAbMbGbMnMqMnqCQVHFSS3JUt_CaYSM6aKpAwlG6p3luxY2QbqgU6D0r5mvncKa9aLes3ksEkDcshdE_bbpYPhHoxF5vqWvrxdo3vpCR5cw_QXZuddjkaDWi0tNC8qRbD9bug-3s/s400/Birds+foot+trefoil+8.jpg" style="display: block; height: 274px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bird's-foot Trefoil (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Lotus corniculatus</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbeMq6swtXcdI7mMqwcwydHR78KjsZhK1EFO1xPVxk4sEDWHo71e0CxJIGwLTCDfWnAtlJb3qmmDw05rXRJTWJaLpxyttAxX3WuAO_d-_qTlDJ8oR0U9Ghk64aLG7WtYwHhIlukUelGE/s1600/Birds+foot+trefoil+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521400693442295970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbeMq6swtXcdI7mMqwcwydHR78KjsZhK1EFO1xPVxk4sEDWHo71e0CxJIGwLTCDfWnAtlJb3qmmDw05rXRJTWJaLpxyttAxX3WuAO_d-_qTlDJ8oR0U9Ghk64aLG7WtYwHhIlukUelGE/s400/Birds+foot+trefoil+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 310px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bird's-foot Trefoil (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Lotus corniculatus</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-NTtddVk5V_tX9xXBUlWCJZc953_cgkHVWntxYFp0CBpiI0pgh0IFTQbg7uFpqWMiu4CcS3ecnEyktYq3SexOyRjy5MtCa8eCipXW622AQEWJFK8Y3UhmdutBO_JwJZEE_2j-gBdsSM/s1600/birds+foot+trefoil+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521401498015700610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-NTtddVk5V_tX9xXBUlWCJZc953_cgkHVWntxYFp0CBpiI0pgh0IFTQbg7uFpqWMiu4CcS3ecnEyktYq3SexOyRjy5MtCa8eCipXW622AQEWJFK8Y3UhmdutBO_JwJZEE_2j-gBdsSM/s400/birds+foot+trefoil+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 319px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bird's-foot Trefoil (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Lotus corniculatus</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhXNWiImFldvPqCThuMTt473HhVNxhtIClKh2Ptw53tvtN5UxEDgG1aBphSRVKqLCxOevRTRUxKix4XPWMDfNJpHxK5U1-eBFFO0gSiV_OKrKxOoxbeeqDjxUn5CtXq9-7XmPAfK0dJg/s1600/birds+foot+trefoil+7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521402379066573410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhXNWiImFldvPqCThuMTt473HhVNxhtIClKh2Ptw53tvtN5UxEDgG1aBphSRVKqLCxOevRTRUxKix4XPWMDfNJpHxK5U1-eBFFO0gSiV_OKrKxOoxbeeqDjxUn5CtXq9-7XmPAfK0dJg/s400/birds+foot+trefoil+7.jpg" style="display: block; height: 307px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bird's-foot Trefoil (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Lotus corniculatus</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QlO76_0JLqEEbHEu27388OsxVA5WROVK75WmidTEjp9bIjXwSOz2k3FycHkJCKC91B6y6PA0Lv_Lc0Ki_kuGXW-cd-I1e9lT5XnUm6gqAYEZvkgPXQFg4GzXYRDWuQkMnA_siPuy2Cs/s1600/Ribwort+Plantain.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521408511817823586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QlO76_0JLqEEbHEu27388OsxVA5WROVK75WmidTEjp9bIjXwSOz2k3FycHkJCKC91B6y6PA0Lv_Lc0Ki_kuGXW-cd-I1e9lT5XnUm6gqAYEZvkgPXQFg4GzXYRDWuQkMnA_siPuy2Cs/s400/Ribwort+Plantain.jpg" style="display: block; height: 344px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ribwort Plantain (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Plantago lanceolata</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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Ribwort Plantain (<em>Plantago lanceolata</em>) is another waste-ground colonizer. One of my South American flatmates used to drink 'plantago tea' - it has medicinal qualities: the leaves are astringent/haemostatic (staunch bleeding) and the whole plant is rich in mucilage (especially the seeds) - with laxative/demulcent properties.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iMuqzzGyJ1sxQdFajgCXcKhjEQNZE3M31D9IWzDrJAgQrAk35VOQGoquf0-HKI1DHrjBqgfUjsGQXoqogVizi2y8ff_J5U4TdyLrCbxisPp26q0c41f87G159UghG1op0fEPYIYqObM/s1600/large+red+damselfly.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523321028530240898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iMuqzzGyJ1sxQdFajgCXcKhjEQNZE3M31D9IWzDrJAgQrAk35VOQGoquf0-HKI1DHrjBqgfUjsGQXoqogVizi2y8ff_J5U4TdyLrCbxisPp26q0c41f87G159UghG1op0fEPYIYqObM/s400/large+red+damselfly.jpg" style="display: block; height: 287px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Large Red Damselfly (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Pyrrhosoma nymphula</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbUN-cRqlrUXOi9-KD8K6cP4AGr6QA_hYpV9yxkK6HCtQuQ9l8xnp0oBMzsKp2U8LEmY1F9kssneH-iwH7sEsG8lTYU7od5aofmhSdz3B5kTzK0KrV6F_UJ6Nz-dl5SfooFExeTnNvb8/s1600/large+red+damselfly+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521411996628573554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbUN-cRqlrUXOi9-KD8K6cP4AGr6QA_hYpV9yxkK6HCtQuQ9l8xnp0oBMzsKp2U8LEmY1F9kssneH-iwH7sEsG8lTYU7od5aofmhSdz3B5kTzK0KrV6F_UJ6Nz-dl5SfooFExeTnNvb8/s400/large+red+damselfly+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 281px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Large Red Damselfly (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Pyrrhosoma nymphula</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEZo6mJCI7y_rAlxPC1wv_QuA7monCf0lkUwITBnGVCx__fDpB55ky586hKl8MjPzYawvcZ4XLf8JJcLMs_55Q1lT92LYHYIOdmzhyphenhyphenEh9DZT6-P9UXx7jmdO9I_Zwu1x3ibCDCKu3bno/s1600/groundsel+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521429500282100162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEZo6mJCI7y_rAlxPC1wv_QuA7monCf0lkUwITBnGVCx__fDpB55ky586hKl8MjPzYawvcZ4XLf8JJcLMs_55Q1lT92LYHYIOdmzhyphenhyphenEh9DZT6-P9UXx7jmdO9I_Zwu1x3ibCDCKu3bno/s400/groundsel+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 396px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Groundsel (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Senecio vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KUxzC8gX7GSCoA2MOMiYgflqP8x5_NTugAgAloa3hvMbxTyh3IBEPlShVSQHBVxcnUK_1fKZYnpGj453x9mg2iB9wZrmPOHGYXjYUUAp9rnJtEloJnptob1HyOfAF06vS7URsO38vjI/s1600/groundsel+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521430719863085266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KUxzC8gX7GSCoA2MOMiYgflqP8x5_NTugAgAloa3hvMbxTyh3IBEPlShVSQHBVxcnUK_1fKZYnpGj453x9mg2iB9wZrmPOHGYXjYUUAp9rnJtEloJnptob1HyOfAF06vS7URsO38vjI/s400/groundsel+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 332px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Groundsel (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Senecio vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qSfJ86RgmQeY5-TJOW11pxwukikpMru1S6DDwys2djkP21FczWqe9n2v5LDU7_Cr-8jmwmvBPh70a5fuwGZKNjfTAVcUtzycoS9UzHtwt6_zuL-uEelLdXS7kLOGXdTmrYeUT1WgDgY/s1600/groundsel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521431248136448722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qSfJ86RgmQeY5-TJOW11pxwukikpMru1S6DDwys2djkP21FczWqe9n2v5LDU7_Cr-8jmwmvBPh70a5fuwGZKNjfTAVcUtzycoS9UzHtwt6_zuL-uEelLdXS7kLOGXdTmrYeUT1WgDgY/s400/groundsel.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 371px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Groundsel (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Senecio vulgaris</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
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Groundsel's scientific name (<em>Senecio vulgaris</em>) means 'common old-man' (<em>Senecio </em>= old man, <em>vulgaris</em> = common/widespread: Latin) and the whole plant is hepatotoxic (damages the liver) so should not be eaten.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_sbOPoDSvAFUxzBnOCpZxKRAde1jvidgsR6S4HLZyc2EyUolwrXBjIpjO_SJ_c5MCg43dQ3T8gTNvVuk2fdD4XOy-V-TJus9WVGAHD8LxEx6mdyPQT_K96VlgZaLMlJshC6jKwvCMTI/s1600/tormentil+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521437769642344146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_sbOPoDSvAFUxzBnOCpZxKRAde1jvidgsR6S4HLZyc2EyUolwrXBjIpjO_SJ_c5MCg43dQ3T8gTNvVuk2fdD4XOy-V-TJus9WVGAHD8LxEx6mdyPQT_K96VlgZaLMlJshC6jKwvCMTI/s400/tormentil+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 332px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tormentil (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Potentilla erecta</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span></td></tr>
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Tormentil has roots with a high tannin content and all parts of the plant (especially the root) are highly astringent, staunch bleeding and have antibiotic properties. Traditional uses for this plant include treatment of tooth-ache, mouth ulcers, to treat bed-wetting in children and colitis. Also, a red dye can be obtained from the roots.<br />
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I added some new plant species to my regional list: Thyme-leaved Speedwell (<em>Veronica serpyllifolia</em>), Heath Pea (<em>Lathyrus linifolius</em>) and (below) Trailing St-John's Wort (<em>Hypericum humifusum</em>).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaY2MNQj6Gdjjso8eWYzkqTYVL8DzhW0oEeTBfzB6Hwu0i7XtehRUxcJSwb-rjUM6PPRJnNQLRFb2VOsoYZb4wxvCq0D7iUJP2Re54aoDU0BV0QhNJSo1ghWi6QKhTsQI9pdMFAqufK8/s1600/Trailing+st+johns+wort+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521440239434423442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaY2MNQj6Gdjjso8eWYzkqTYVL8DzhW0oEeTBfzB6Hwu0i7XtehRUxcJSwb-rjUM6PPRJnNQLRFb2VOsoYZb4wxvCq0D7iUJP2Re54aoDU0BV0QhNJSo1ghWi6QKhTsQI9pdMFAqufK8/s400/Trailing+st+johns+wort+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 341px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trailing St John's Wort (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hypericum humifusum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRl5jGfXxdR6obTgicwsgmDRX_P8vFj8KzIbir8KhSiGH43hANUJVb3e1XGEdEO2-r68m-xx1mup8SwtnEgQHIfIExfwrvz2xBe5BwNAUisJynya4DqTmBFIEJKKJjHSQz0ahDoSbvqQ/s1600/Trailing+st+johns+wort.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521442787114907010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRl5jGfXxdR6obTgicwsgmDRX_P8vFj8KzIbir8KhSiGH43hANUJVb3e1XGEdEO2-r68m-xx1mup8SwtnEgQHIfIExfwrvz2xBe5BwNAUisJynya4DqTmBFIEJKKJjHSQz0ahDoSbvqQ/s400/Trailing+st+johns+wort.jpg" style="display: block; height: 337px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trailing St John's Wort (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Hypericum humifusum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaF7PhdsI6UB8CVmLRLvE0X1uitQPA5AK5v9K7q7hY-2dMaecZquJH9IsD5n56dN3C9ZUwM-zSv8jOF7DefIhRPA_8X3T28y-ZC2WK4qtD1M-ZRfoCNk0LmJOVsP7gXGitWPMwSfKAwA/s1600/Small+Pearl-bordered+fritillary+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521445231668426514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaF7PhdsI6UB8CVmLRLvE0X1uitQPA5AK5v9K7q7hY-2dMaecZquJH9IsD5n56dN3C9ZUwM-zSv8jOF7DefIhRPA_8X3T28y-ZC2WK4qtD1M-ZRfoCNk0LmJOVsP7gXGitWPMwSfKAwA/s400/Small+Pearl-bordered+fritillary+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 343px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Boloria selene</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl-H3KmfBXGM3xpEfj3O9jHTrlTdIZTi8H4oVpSw6J-0QYuLmxT-bhU71VDGq_3xLUQp1cC8Mzlw-R4uWSrkqyti4usZjYgWCn35-fZ82Z9L8uvCORmenfwrpdt8o4wmSdhvrsP0xbo4/s1600/Small+Pearl-bordered+fritillary.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521452976912466338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRl-H3KmfBXGM3xpEfj3O9jHTrlTdIZTi8H4oVpSw6J-0QYuLmxT-bhU71VDGq_3xLUQp1cC8Mzlw-R4uWSrkqyti4usZjYgWCn35-fZ82Z9L8uvCORmenfwrpdt8o4wmSdhvrsP0xbo4/s400/Small+Pearl-bordered+fritillary.jpg" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Boloria selene</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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Marsh Lousewort (<em>Pedicularis palustris</em>) grows profusely on the rocky banks of Burncrooks reservoir (South-East side, near the inflowing river).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XilxF3gYrXKgiPT20SqjE3Nr_Va5v9g_6XH9dAEPAF0PUD2sd5MFKoh7RLmpbxNT3vU19Bf07tNz57veY4Dr-mLYRMoJNZw4tCMxUnmYwhxChyphenhyphenkYyBI0j_E59LnnzJxIM8qfJ99v3GQ/s1600/Marsh+Lousewort+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521454892609245234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XilxF3gYrXKgiPT20SqjE3Nr_Va5v9g_6XH9dAEPAF0PUD2sd5MFKoh7RLmpbxNT3vU19Bf07tNz57veY4Dr-mLYRMoJNZw4tCMxUnmYwhxChyphenhyphenkYyBI0j_E59LnnzJxIM8qfJ99v3GQ/s400/Marsh+Lousewort+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 308px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Lousewort (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Pedicularis palustris</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl7aNi_evk-LhMmTwgjXsWM0p4DuP7A9RGTc-VifNGF9qjQOBdoUf2FwXROhzSlvB42zbMt8tEyCOx-N9seQE8GYmR1eqt1itVHdbyZcy-XueTx9o-m-AX5PR_F3uVnqooXtSoFAZ1s0/s1600/Marsh+Lousewort+4.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521455460006135378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl7aNi_evk-LhMmTwgjXsWM0p4DuP7A9RGTc-VifNGF9qjQOBdoUf2FwXROhzSlvB42zbMt8tEyCOx-N9seQE8GYmR1eqt1itVHdbyZcy-XueTx9o-m-AX5PR_F3uVnqooXtSoFAZ1s0/s400/Marsh+Lousewort+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Lousewort (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Pedicularis palustris</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KZhHsuKKQQnC6P7v-7-KXF-z5M1u-JC8j2rd1HE2P_SFwE4_iDSvSMnCLAn2GKcW9LL8s9viAY81Vza0RCPchG0sBklgzjdfleNMrsq39VLy8tSIe-UI3U1RIQP8N-Xs6j9tB9cCW4I/s1600/wire+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521456761471090114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KZhHsuKKQQnC6P7v-7-KXF-z5M1u-JC8j2rd1HE2P_SFwE4_iDSvSMnCLAn2GKcW9LL8s9viAY81Vza0RCPchG0sBklgzjdfleNMrsq39VLy8tSIe-UI3U1RIQP8N-Xs6j9tB9cCW4I/s400/wire+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wire deer fences, rolled up</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxoKRdlnz38tAvMl6M7wX-N11ytDFETImNfUnDVTcBI3lzS6UFUOCQEcnghmd4ujNGqVqbNqwKLxNbcB8No6nKDvcrE5CLLcDBA2kmj1a9ZsL-HTI0fnBLcA1LLF51lPiOU09DzV97rA/s1600/wire+3a.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521458251293360114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxoKRdlnz38tAvMl6M7wX-N11ytDFETImNfUnDVTcBI3lzS6UFUOCQEcnghmd4ujNGqVqbNqwKLxNbcB8No6nKDvcrE5CLLcDBA2kmj1a9ZsL-HTI0fnBLcA1LLF51lPiOU09DzV97rA/s400/wire+3a.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 286px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Around Duncolm, the rough grassland was covered with the silvery-white, feather-down seed-heads of Hare's Tail Cottongrass (<em>Eriophorum vaginatum</em>).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmrh1IAgcfU3HUIj1G83fI2S_yZNA2LqSFkAG-U8NX8uR8SVUXILpKh6Egv2NSI6pLLBPOX0ODhFVJso6-P8qk5GaxqNFVwimVoL4SSyw2RB9Tr5RLZRKgNotK9XFXBFYNoXbdhzLlm0/s1600/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+7.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521458715377361730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmrh1IAgcfU3HUIj1G83fI2S_yZNA2LqSFkAG-U8NX8uR8SVUXILpKh6Egv2NSI6pLLBPOX0ODhFVJso6-P8qk5GaxqNFVwimVoL4SSyw2RB9Tr5RLZRKgNotK9XFXBFYNoXbdhzLlm0/s400/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+7.jpg" style="display: block; height: 317px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eriophorum vaginatum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUWshm85gFuva7sTw_vE8j6AQeG10tfznoW8irccEjW5S_7yJNVVgz-DyuW3ftiNQpCWBkr0GVkp1EzM-MMH9J6F-Bm2kp72jP1ZH7Ul6RIzGnPOjUYihljt-oeDEcYLMT9CEv44a8Vg/s1600/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+13.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521471665188458002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUWshm85gFuva7sTw_vE8j6AQeG10tfznoW8irccEjW5S_7yJNVVgz-DyuW3ftiNQpCWBkr0GVkp1EzM-MMH9J6F-Bm2kp72jP1ZH7Ul6RIzGnPOjUYihljt-oeDEcYLMT9CEv44a8Vg/s400/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+13.jpg" style="display: block; height: 349px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eriophorum vaginatum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWUqFtPPQ0KLZ1jgvDGoxdqOlY9DAiBYiVkAjac1COXNNPC6iX9er3Df0O7LKaZG43P1uRlkIlzTnA50t5uiyKfz6iIydxcdWhO0XLsdXiivs6QNwPc0ONAjJZv4BZcowUUKR23o62DE/s1600/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+15.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521472613631632354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWUqFtPPQ0KLZ1jgvDGoxdqOlY9DAiBYiVkAjac1COXNNPC6iX9er3Df0O7LKaZG43P1uRlkIlzTnA50t5uiyKfz6iIydxcdWhO0XLsdXiivs6QNwPc0ONAjJZv4BZcowUUKR23o62DE/s400/Hare's+tail+cottongrass+15.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eriophorum vaginatum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8wm5AE5cUds7y2g_2rWMj_bUmyV3UGkJr07Wv728LFuB-zOhiawe8jWaqr3BjVGEscRYPuV_6YQV3aXcTnHJ_ab2kJYjRWHdv_xLgKKwdrFCgC8glOsVSRhdXtEjSIzcOTSfbEelMts/s1600/Hare's+tail+cottongrasses+11.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521477015730749186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8wm5AE5cUds7y2g_2rWMj_bUmyV3UGkJr07Wv728LFuB-zOhiawe8jWaqr3BjVGEscRYPuV_6YQV3aXcTnHJ_ab2kJYjRWHdv_xLgKKwdrFCgC8glOsVSRhdXtEjSIzcOTSfbEelMts/s400/Hare's+tail+cottongrasses+11.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eriophorum vaginatum</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienTc2iMeMQUDDEAJvBzK65cfa7qigQPTR_UmwPeRmQYl8AjfQH4g7MXUPSF76kr6idJ2vYxRBbuAzj57zLXbpPub6XxaiY0dm8ULGGY0pWUC4GsiDUMRQMXOJO7UzbkneYMlQeGdcDaM/s1600/Hare's+tail+cottongrasses+16.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521487356551164034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienTc2iMeMQUDDEAJvBzK65cfa7qigQPTR_UmwPeRmQYl8AjfQH4g7MXUPSF76kr6idJ2vYxRBbuAzj57zLXbpPub6XxaiY0dm8ULGGY0pWUC4GsiDUMRQMXOJO7UzbkneYMlQeGdcDaM/s400/Hare's+tail+cottongrasses+16.jpg" style="display: block; height: 276px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Eriophorum vaginatum</em><span style="font-size: small;">) with Duncolm behind, to left.</span> </td></tr>
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<div align="left">
We have 2 species of Cottongrass (<em>Eriophorum</em> sp.) in the Kilpatricks: Hare's Tail Cottongrass (<em>Eriophorum vaginatum</em>) has ONE cottony seed-head per stem, whilst Common Cottongrass (<em>Eriophorum angustifolium</em>) has multiple seed-heads per stem and has channelled leaves - a photo for comparison: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPPompryfaDD-Uh978kx5riOYV2DHoImYidtWezZDER3Omp1yKnVmmECYyYwOKGGBMuCBp3BR7UftG3hFYoWXaiC4oTaXbst3kHmA71Q8dWSo1Y3n3jk_Y1d-JfhkBCHSzCfxaM9djDs/s400/cottongrass+(eriophorum).jpg">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPPompryfaDD-Uh978kx5riOYV2DHoImYidtWezZDER3Omp1yKnVmmECYyYwOKGGBMuCBp3BR7UftG3hFYoWXaiC4oTaXbst3kHmA71Q8dWSo1Y3n3jk_Y1d-JfhkBCHSzCfxaM9djDs/s400/cottongrass+(eriophorum).jpg</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilctx8lkrWsuGwBnA1a2pysopar-I8L6DPqhxMmIEOd3WQoNftAZlnHgAr3RtH6VIzLP9jZmQgErSs69SV3isEK_yIg-s-pPfYDcYXdJ4KygEp-AVN6OQKMUD-Aa_sjg1nT9t6nDv1X5U/s1600/Heath+spotted+orchid.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521488860806137186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilctx8lkrWsuGwBnA1a2pysopar-I8L6DPqhxMmIEOd3WQoNftAZlnHgAr3RtH6VIzLP9jZmQgErSs69SV3isEK_yIg-s-pPfYDcYXdJ4KygEp-AVN6OQKMUD-Aa_sjg1nT9t6nDv1X5U/s400/Heath+spotted+orchid.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heath Spotted Orchid (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Dactylorhiza maculata</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9eg7PoZkKz9Mn4TiOOFMrvs1Ghi_Ij9w17EOqY4GNMMJo6o9_EgEGJ1dH5ajumk2x6htiV4d-6f8LFQeqkOun9rWjrhv8F-QM83_T9KZgVLTDA_P_GghkaYeL2DYxP98NSTIL0vGP-s/s1600/Heath+Spotted+orchid+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521489190358105554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9eg7PoZkKz9Mn4TiOOFMrvs1Ghi_Ij9w17EOqY4GNMMJo6o9_EgEGJ1dH5ajumk2x6htiV4d-6f8LFQeqkOun9rWjrhv8F-QM83_T9KZgVLTDA_P_GghkaYeL2DYxP98NSTIL0vGP-s/s400/Heath+Spotted+orchid+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 296px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heath Spotted Orchid (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Dactylorhiza maculata</em><span style="font-size: small;">)</span> </td></tr>
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In nutrient-poor bogs plants use more unusual methods to obtain food: some becoming carnivorous.<br />
Sundews capture their prey with the aid of sticky globules secreted from leaf tentacles. When an insect becomes trapped on this sugary dew, the leaf tentacles and leaf surface begin to wrap around the insect and secrete enzymes to digest it.<br />
The photos below are of the Round-leaved Sundew (<em>Drosera rotundifolia</em>) which I found growing on the boggy grassland South of Duncolm.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk4rGTiFiEpYrcG6ee59s3tnEIg2ByoV0vlKzS3apbdk8pd1HavVtMnnR9vFk23p46n5HdAdUroUmkGHZxPzj92gU9hl0FCfvvoEe7zeQxGL6tPHazgsrALdwRs2uHgv3eNUDb1oXwQE/s1600/Round-leaved+sundew+(Drosera+rotundifolia)+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521489831853578578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk4rGTiFiEpYrcG6ee59s3tnEIg2ByoV0vlKzS3apbdk8pd1HavVtMnnR9vFk23p46n5HdAdUroUmkGHZxPzj92gU9hl0FCfvvoEe7zeQxGL6tPHazgsrALdwRs2uHgv3eNUDb1oXwQE/s400/Round-leaved+sundew+(Drosera+rotundifolia)+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 294px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Round-leaved Sundew (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Drosera rotundifolia</em><span style="font-size: small;">) with flower buds</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dm0LLNpKS7gxFXhUOyKMiq0UOJVkEbGhzPcXoqGZl3GI4VIckgDIClC8MH1zrs6hhGM1sY1d5BWN8Yn4eimCVorKwDOARW2gicVs0C9kJhtlauYYV3Sjjnno54OAQDiXxCJQILXV5G4/s1600/Round-leaved+sundew+5.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521761781630960546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dm0LLNpKS7gxFXhUOyKMiq0UOJVkEbGhzPcXoqGZl3GI4VIckgDIClC8MH1zrs6hhGM1sY1d5BWN8Yn4eimCVorKwDOARW2gicVs0C9kJhtlauYYV3Sjjnno54OAQDiXxCJQILXV5G4/s400/Round-leaved+sundew+5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 364px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Round-leaved Sundew (</span><em style="font-size: medium;">Drosera rotundifolia</em><span style="font-size: small;">) with prey</span></td></tr>
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One of the sundew leaves above has already managed to trap a victim: it will supply the plant with a valuable source of nitrogen.<br />
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Here is an excellent photo demonstrating the ability of a sundew (<em>Drosera anglica</em> - the largest British sundew) to tackle larger prey (damselflies): <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Drosera_anglica_ne2.jpg">http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Drosera_anglica_ne2.jpg</a>.<br />
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I stopped at the Test to have a drink and rest my tired feet. At this point I discovered that the soles were coming off my boots :(<br />
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Some nearby Blackface Sheep began making their snorting 'chirrit' alarm call at me: the sheep on the Kilpatrick Hills are almost feral and live on the moor all year round.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZtdikm6H75RtzseE55-NP0D7N9r5Nh1YlpGPgeNwmp1x7JJTET12MkdG-7LQMrEtdnr0Y8r8F8mxSeeOiRLbi4AuQy1QHiuEvh5-aNPIC8iZxosY3wb0oz3E-u4Fj3QXHdhpyTE9xk4/s1600/sheep+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522146490736518450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZtdikm6H75RtzseE55-NP0D7N9r5Nh1YlpGPgeNwmp1x7JJTET12MkdG-7LQMrEtdnr0Y8r8F8mxSeeOiRLbi4AuQy1QHiuEvh5-aNPIC8iZxosY3wb0oz3E-u4Fj3QXHdhpyTE9xk4/s400/sheep+3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 342px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGvU4_r0eutmYOH6RlU5bzWz3GdRkcpWJi9dcUW8oYli3lcQNcVLFr7CH8cZoeML9HHnNi1UPPUlPHSFbeCOykI-GftwuEmWJGkGvVmNCviLYWpbZxsNli-mWWyySkilG82l0kF7AcWs/s1600/sheep+blackface.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521765971119394434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGvU4_r0eutmYOH6RlU5bzWz3GdRkcpWJi9dcUW8oYli3lcQNcVLFr7CH8cZoeML9HHnNi1UPPUlPHSFbeCOykI-GftwuEmWJGkGvVmNCviLYWpbZxsNli-mWWyySkilG82l0kF7AcWs/s400/sheep+blackface.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 279px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK5M5Zu6zKkg7ff6ku7s9ydt4-WtW1pKXaD2sIhyphenhyphenvmvH9Z3_FU8qiRUkk_xoqY8taABdq0W6MRZ1szLJPkQfJOB995pbGaP7CvPLu9b7OHzj4Oys27oSnXkOaw_SuatudlSGPOraovLk/s1600/sheep+blackface+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521786675743989426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK5M5Zu6zKkg7ff6ku7s9ydt4-WtW1pKXaD2sIhyphenhyphenvmvH9Z3_FU8qiRUkk_xoqY8taABdq0W6MRZ1szLJPkQfJOB995pbGaP7CvPLu9b7OHzj4Oys27oSnXkOaw_SuatudlSGPOraovLk/s400/sheep+blackface+2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 328px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bomf5vv53.html" width="420"></iframe></span>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-23876018375213022522010-06-17T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T20:02:41.684-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, East/West Dunbartonshire<strong><span style="font-size: 130%;">Camping Trip!</span></strong><br />
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Last year I got a bat detector for my christmas, but so far I haven't had many opportunities to use it. It enabled me to listen to Common Pipistrelles in the backgarden: these bats make a series of clicks which turn into 'wet slaps' at lower frequencies (the deepest slaps are at 45khz- the peak frequency).<br />
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I set off on a short camping trip, up to Burncrooks Reservoir, to do a bit of exploring with my bat detector, thinking that maybe I'd get a chance to hear Daubenton's or Natterer's Bats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRGzHDoFNG3jzYT2lu5bVqjo0_d5VJMuIHbJbT9Tc78fBUwCtqqejI3QsQ3H59-n-msmk7HO5AJGBCeBe8qdPayJ3Tse8rNCt5rkcXw6v9N8JYQ7UphueQJj0-a8lXLCvTABznq1TfNI/s1600/Duncolm+view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Duncolm" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510675287166685394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRGzHDoFNG3jzYT2lu5bVqjo0_d5VJMuIHbJbT9Tc78fBUwCtqqejI3QsQ3H59-n-msmk7HO5AJGBCeBe8qdPayJ3Tse8rNCt5rkcXw6v9N8JYQ7UphueQJj0-a8lXLCvTABznq1TfNI/s400/Duncolm+view.jpg" style="display: block; height: 266px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Duncolm to the left, looking towards the distant mountains surrounding Loch Lomond </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZV24YoixGLffUom_8Jw9siE6h38TGL2F1lbEHqOLh5XOZmZnlr8hIEwM-FSdiWgFCnvT0HSMrhTpnUQBrRo0fCSLwqsCk1Qx5hMFLtZYOYaMsMKaisD03qF7lPGMPtlMCRx7rDrzG8w/s1600/kilpatrick+hills.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kilpatrick Hills" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510675542297114706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZV24YoixGLffUom_8Jw9siE6h38TGL2F1lbEHqOLh5XOZmZnlr8hIEwM-FSdiWgFCnvT0HSMrhTpnUQBrRo0fCSLwqsCk1Qx5hMFLtZYOYaMsMKaisD03qF7lPGMPtlMCRx7rDrzG8w/s400/kilpatrick+hills.jpg" style="display: block; height: 319px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dumgoyne in the distance</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur0k7wZHogX9JIPHhckXwxw6pzDsvB1Xfwk1acw8WcMD0An5gaWAdnBWxaOTAo9HSM_AY7TYjVAwUquMb9S439x8xtW2kB1gedVxQ2gSJQCCdPF7VZAaNFWB-3j5qrs0NtjcGMbMUSrk/s1600/cottongrass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510675903428675602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur0k7wZHogX9JIPHhckXwxw6pzDsvB1Xfwk1acw8WcMD0An5gaWAdnBWxaOTAo9HSM_AY7TYjVAwUquMb9S439x8xtW2kB1gedVxQ2gSJQCCdPF7VZAaNFWB-3j5qrs0NtjcGMbMUSrk/s400/cottongrass.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 309px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hare's Tail Cottongrass (<em>Eriophorum vaginatum</em>)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5WiQl5Erco_ysxKsBaFscy6je27MZ866C58-bnyjWmYQl-YmpZJji71QHI1QwLrnI0VnCOtXYcW5F6BRdP1uTCoWshNSG1xZq3jpMsf0LuN6dFIhHG3DOmgN2KA6BZNIrom2mfJcT10/s1600/Meadow+pipit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510676423335324514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5WiQl5Erco_ysxKsBaFscy6je27MZ866C58-bnyjWmYQl-YmpZJji71QHI1QwLrnI0VnCOtXYcW5F6BRdP1uTCoWshNSG1xZq3jpMsf0LuN6dFIhHG3DOmgN2KA6BZNIrom2mfJcT10/s400/Meadow+pipit.jpg" style="display: block; height: 321px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Meadow Pipit (<em>Anthus pratensis</em>) juvenile</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDha1LUSxsF-T08hrYmqgd632G-r0LLsaXPWzaIIK0wLQh9G_tjoe_aLaX50fEF1ejb-v8p1ml-UDQVtJ8g56GufL1UKrK8QdmzgPcLSR9OmrQW9hyphenhyphenB7yGVqwpT6QnujSogtgV8pL-iU/s1600/lamb.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510676858222785090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDha1LUSxsF-T08hrYmqgd632G-r0LLsaXPWzaIIK0wLQh9G_tjoe_aLaX50fEF1ejb-v8p1ml-UDQVtJ8g56GufL1UKrK8QdmzgPcLSR9OmrQW9hyphenhyphenB7yGVqwpT6QnujSogtgV8pL-iU/s400/lamb.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 338px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItBh863mtkvlvl37Ms0A-MhpcuEAb343imTDBgKTPtqmzWroQOPkteLUTwJtrUsZMIacZA1gOPPr6-FZ-k6cNS5a4_QmMRvcCXZvZhxfM2m0QSpvite1NhciSVJyUbF6fiPZvgTt2-nE/s1600/Rowan+tree.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510677389568966898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItBh863mtkvlvl37Ms0A-MhpcuEAb343imTDBgKTPtqmzWroQOPkteLUTwJtrUsZMIacZA1gOPPr6-FZ-k6cNS5a4_QmMRvcCXZvZhxfM2m0QSpvite1NhciSVJyUbF6fiPZvgTt2-nE/s400/Rowan+tree.jpg" style="display: block; height: 291px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rowan tree (<em>Sorbus aucuparia</em>)</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTFyRudi6-STobOZSvosf7VSWIdFS2YBPOzLxB0c_YK0_2CViuJ9a5OJlAy6OGjphvasMLj2rzteEY4ZiOq-iZxDfQxDpt4ivaGCUFKBSWyr6pIlOrltxpo2gQPaT16I-XPxfpCokQXY/s1600/Small+Heath.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus)" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510680051096831090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTFyRudi6-STobOZSvosf7VSWIdFS2YBPOzLxB0c_YK0_2CViuJ9a5OJlAy6OGjphvasMLj2rzteEY4ZiOq-iZxDfQxDpt4ivaGCUFKBSWyr6pIlOrltxpo2gQPaT16I-XPxfpCokQXY/s400/Small+Heath.jpg" style="display: block; height: 333px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Small Heath butterfly (<em>Coenonympha pamphilus</em>)</span>
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Someone else had pitched their tent beside Burncrooks dam, so I had to find another spot - along the treeline of Burncrooks valley (near the old sheep shelter). Midges were biting me viciously, even as I was putting my tent up, and it wasn't even dusk yet. Exhausted, I crept into my sleeping bag and slept for a few hours, until the last red glow had vanished from the sky.<br /><br />Strange animal noises filled the night. First, the qwavering 'HOooo HOoo' of a male Tawny Owl. Later, when I emerged from my tent, the terrifying (even when you know what it is!) 'old-man-coughing-turning-into-a-dog's-bark' of a male Roe Deer - very close. As I approached the sound, a pair of disembodied glowing eyes reflected the light from my head-torch.<br /><br />I switched on the bat detector and made a short circuit, following the edge of the forest. I briefly managed to pick up the call of a pipistrelle - I kept having to seek refuge in my tent from the swarm of face-eating midges.<br /><br />Midges were biting my eyes, my hands, my scalp...the air was so thick with them, I was breathing them in...It was unbearable :(<br /><br />I was pretty glad my tent had a built-in mosquito net!<br /><br />Twice during the night, a mystery animal passed close to my tent, purring loudly and deeply. I still have absolutely no idea what it could have been. A feral cat? It seems unlikely, given the remote location.<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bompojjvr.html" width="420"></iframe></span>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3440512725628596606.post-58687297549069464152010-06-15T17:00:00.000-07:002012-02-18T20:14:27.398-08:00Kilpatrick Hills, West Dunbartonshire<div align="left">
There are plenty of thrashing, fluttering fledgling birds of every species around at the moment. The Collared Doves in my parent's garden have raised a pair of 'squabs' which are still collarless and lack the sleekness of the adults. I've been watching the local Jackdaws take their recently fledged young for a communal bath in the massive rain puddle on the roof of a nearby primary school.<br />
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Today, in Little Round Top wood, I found a rather sad-faced young Blue Tit:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJUOOCZIf04lA3w8wVrejf7CMDqoDtKTi-jwz8qEOikMYwGo2LKEHCZuwXR5Bszntxr9-Vlb99ypIwtcVI_1NPRD9j8YkhmEV0-1_uySwlCYPAdR1saPOuRiLW2YGLpgtNtIGvp-mvug/s1600/Blue+Tit+3+(close+up).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504686387665846034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJUOOCZIf04lA3w8wVrejf7CMDqoDtKTi-jwz8qEOikMYwGo2LKEHCZuwXR5Bszntxr9-Vlb99ypIwtcVI_1NPRD9j8YkhmEV0-1_uySwlCYPAdR1saPOuRiLW2YGLpgtNtIGvp-mvug/s400/Blue+Tit+3+(close+up).jpg" style="display: block; height: 356px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue Tit juvenile (<em>Parus caeruleus</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQTHws5YL0aRDAgovanVwBiWPGLtnWHV69phHbay7xIWYHHU1aVFd4QD6p7ucJnOjuKtdD26R-2jrZwQ0WxiUj7nJTTAOJ2FYNil2fU-MOuuTwrrtiHb3Ccgla0yghryW8f80Az6J1To/s1600/Blue+Tit+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504687210480886978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQTHws5YL0aRDAgovanVwBiWPGLtnWHV69phHbay7xIWYHHU1aVFd4QD6p7ucJnOjuKtdD26R-2jrZwQ0WxiUj7nJTTAOJ2FYNil2fU-MOuuTwrrtiHb3Ccgla0yghryW8f80Az6J1To/s400/Blue+Tit+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 342px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue Tit juvenile (<em>Parus caeruleus</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX0bpMeYbUILy7PErzHqsIPXbP2f3QZKfGDnPckEaeEGkzj9mHasA0xV2CapgdW7jbYMS3BdfDUwxcT0rl5A7A4J6wp2Ae_KonvjFupnke4HRDdRS16ZrjDXPo93Uwpusw7VTsu5npL8/s1600/Blue+Tit+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504693068767216770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX0bpMeYbUILy7PErzHqsIPXbP2f3QZKfGDnPckEaeEGkzj9mHasA0xV2CapgdW7jbYMS3BdfDUwxcT0rl5A7A4J6wp2Ae_KonvjFupnke4HRDdRS16ZrjDXPo93Uwpusw7VTsu5npL8/s400/Blue+Tit+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 315px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue Tit juvenile (<em>Parus caeruleus</em>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
The meadow around Little Round Top was full of brightly coloured flowers and butterflies: Common Blues, Small Coppers and Small Pearl-bordered Fritillaries.<br /><br />Ragged Robin (below) is one of my favourite wild flowers: the crumpled flowers are such an exquisite shade of candy-floss pink.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwq7QLk1s4SijkZgvSoezNsjIr3S1K9X4CfDWtScADsWlG74ErIQP6wpG7Pwf1fTIY76BG8M4wa6NVgKAM97VFKljI1AatCHCrEdYCUTz4L8ZRpTP7thvkFMyj9RqDo0Ec1gx-hGZ4lo/s1600/Ragged+Robin.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504705569236874162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwq7QLk1s4SijkZgvSoezNsjIr3S1K9X4CfDWtScADsWlG74ErIQP6wpG7Pwf1fTIY76BG8M4wa6NVgKAM97VFKljI1AatCHCrEdYCUTz4L8ZRpTP7thvkFMyj9RqDo0Ec1gx-hGZ4lo/s400/Ragged+Robin.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 305px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ragged Robin (<em>Lychnis flos-cuculi</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWwRUczSBeD81aHYjZgDh1T4JhLJTLT46HCc8Dtz2PJz34Nq46usJYYuUXQ-mzPBIj2jabjn6LUBldysyZvpgACZne0GJY99W-QSI8cySw4Zj4V6kxR55Psk4DuwVUjvDtiD0CeLK4BM/s1600/Ragged+Robin+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504707308427812450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWwRUczSBeD81aHYjZgDh1T4JhLJTLT46HCc8Dtz2PJz34Nq46usJYYuUXQ-mzPBIj2jabjn6LUBldysyZvpgACZne0GJY99W-QSI8cySw4Zj4V6kxR55Psk4DuwVUjvDtiD0CeLK4BM/s400/Ragged+Robin+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 294px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ragged Robin (<em>Lychnis flos-cuculi</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWwRUczSBeD81aHYjZgDh1T4JhLJTLT46HCc8Dtz2PJz34Nq46usJYYuUXQ-mzPBIj2jabjn6LUBldysyZvpgACZne0GJY99W-QSI8cySw4Zj4V6kxR55Psk4DuwVUjvDtiD0CeLK4BM/s1600/Ragged+Robin+3.jpg"></a></div>
<div align="left">
The Ragged Robin's scientific name is Latin for 'shining cuckoo-flower' (<em>Lychnis</em> = shining/light-giving, <em>flos</em> = flower + <em>cuculi</em> = cuckoo).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE_m2bCPI7QXiaXcrg7_NPeq2D-1tRHI6-UtxJEmGapZkrdvQqWrZzfOnPsggwqOfLx_a-gZrBaIysdFBoSTXn7RGz0CDpMEYpc8l7IDvO_dHhIgw5uITZ5hxTviJktveIs5GiZ-mM5c/s1600/Red+Campion+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509420509633525682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE_m2bCPI7QXiaXcrg7_NPeq2D-1tRHI6-UtxJEmGapZkrdvQqWrZzfOnPsggwqOfLx_a-gZrBaIysdFBoSTXn7RGz0CDpMEYpc8l7IDvO_dHhIgw5uITZ5hxTviJktveIs5GiZ-mM5c/s400/Red+Campion+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 307px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Red Campion (<em>Silene dioica</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1v3XrdMVrI9b70TQpJ_WkyEBDW6mTB3wuEMfb2uYE0DiJsP3wil1VR40sMykTfKYuheQc294xXtAq_JnIJ9PqkEgXTGCVkxLj9eg9Ya5TD7B__2iQwkyl4k1CWJMsJG6ROGtCPHApyg/s1600/ash+bark+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509495611984785122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1v3XrdMVrI9b70TQpJ_WkyEBDW6mTB3wuEMfb2uYE0DiJsP3wil1VR40sMykTfKYuheQc294xXtAq_JnIJ9PqkEgXTGCVkxLj9eg9Ya5TD7B__2iQwkyl4k1CWJMsJG6ROGtCPHApyg/s400/ash+bark+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ash (<em>Fraxinus excelsior</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div align="left">
Below Little Round Top I found a species of rose I'd never seen before, it had white flowers and was covered in resinous glands: clearly not a Dog Rose.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_QC6DCHxXWpkxs_XmJKnTwtchMgthEScNl86eoIiY2whjKmdnaJ53yuMxbjnvQJruZsIujC9oc13C9xMDqEcxME_X99vE1ybmcxAIjvpgJkrT0bhMwl8B_WEs8rRmRsMbu3SQ-zO07c/s1600/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509499989154490306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_QC6DCHxXWpkxs_XmJKnTwtchMgthEScNl86eoIiY2whjKmdnaJ53yuMxbjnvQJruZsIujC9oc13C9xMDqEcxME_X99vE1ybmcxAIjvpgJkrT0bhMwl8B_WEs8rRmRsMbu3SQ-zO07c/s400/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 344px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherard's Downy Rose (<em>Rosa sherardii</em>) ?</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDDI_ST1ovtBJusuwtHU8njpTeovc6fIe8Md3FMDJun1YgZO3nktXreUUxtcuidPCWI-ERH9K-Iv0Q0y2NBkylaFlr1lgiyBHP0hbnReGxjT3-iNFX90Dk7j7fhpCvu4hPA3eaMAP6ig/s1600/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+2.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509519708356719986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDDI_ST1ovtBJusuwtHU8njpTeovc6fIe8Md3FMDJun1YgZO3nktXreUUxtcuidPCWI-ERH9K-Iv0Q0y2NBkylaFlr1lgiyBHP0hbnReGxjT3-iNFX90Dk7j7fhpCvu4hPA3eaMAP6ig/s400/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 303px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherard's Downy Rose (<em>Rosa sherardii</em>) ?</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinId_CvOfp2-Ba0zaPRO-UkGGwNXUMhOoX2aTf_xemPvaSZQGjn63MIQstIi6b8gWlALmncJ0Wo15rbPXbUPSsYIUnHus88AoGrqcAz5wLWNBAWIDeHfkS3aT-P2-hQAkg3pcugg05dp0/s1600/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+5.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509535503354074962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinId_CvOfp2-Ba0zaPRO-UkGGwNXUMhOoX2aTf_xemPvaSZQGjn63MIQstIi6b8gWlALmncJ0Wo15rbPXbUPSsYIUnHus88AoGrqcAz5wLWNBAWIDeHfkS3aT-P2-hQAkg3pcugg05dp0/s400/Sherard's+Downy+Rose+5.jpg" style="display: block; height: 321px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherard's Downy Rose (<em>Rosa sherardii</em>) ?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
</div>
<br />
<div align="left">
This rose is probably Sherard's Downy Rose (<em>Rosa Sherardii</em>), the commonest downy rose in Scotland, but I'd have to see the rosehips to be certain. The other contender is the Downy Rose (<em>Rosa tomentosa</em>), which is scarce in Scotland. Unusually, the flowers of this rose are white - my books say that the flowers of Sherard's Downy Rose are 'always pink' whereas the Downy Rose (<em>R.tomentosa</em>) may have pink or white flowers...</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8SlDDd2Tp3eIL-nKycDIf0clyWFG1sy3ZyLD_1qasvInCZFU2csepbb_JIiaKnYPBiWooLB9NYvWIf7k-HN8_ztbWa8D65_VuPe1TSUX8kPi9_oKqqrizTMi5hoSFJ-EmIDIufzZkEA/s1600/Pignut+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509548337553152610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8SlDDd2Tp3eIL-nKycDIf0clyWFG1sy3ZyLD_1qasvInCZFU2csepbb_JIiaKnYPBiWooLB9NYvWIf7k-HN8_ztbWa8D65_VuPe1TSUX8kPi9_oKqqrizTMi5hoSFJ-EmIDIufzZkEA/s400/Pignut+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 311px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pignut (<em>Conopodium majus</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div align="left">
Pignut is a small, delicate umbellifer with edible tubers (after which it is named). These can be eaten raw or boiled/roasted and are said to have a pleasant nutty taste.<br /><br />Pignuts and how to cook them:<br /><a href="http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wfs/pignut.htm">http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wfs/pignut.htm</a>.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVs6eu_1SrhW_sCToC1R69hPqhw33bhrRPNfoRr4JPcTv1M9Y1gwe9EP5dc9eaUkFAIVdN8nEkOIDVgwKWWa7n2zmb3GziXjhkgATnhpZ7vC4ezR3YKK8-R1q51XjGNzZxAXcad2sYs/s1600/Marsh+Hawksbeard+4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509558662107032338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUVs6eu_1SrhW_sCToC1R69hPqhw33bhrRPNfoRr4JPcTv1M9Y1gwe9EP5dc9eaUkFAIVdN8nEkOIDVgwKWWa7n2zmb3GziXjhkgATnhpZ7vC4ezR3YKK8-R1q51XjGNzZxAXcad2sYs/s400/Marsh+Hawksbeard+4.jpg" style="display: block; height: 289px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Hawksbeard (<em>Crepis paludosa</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA5Nk4I9is_FZ3ooDfAhmni0XQpLN3iBlLWzO45ICZKj3lsVsOSi7mDtbOZAMWxmqYSird2ZqeiR91Sd1qMHY-BC4sW0Zmd0zhUnWQ1Tc7nQEYJKYQ9_DtkLGwUHQAzBejwg1f3HyCXw/s1600/Marsh+Hawksbeard+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509574124522562738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOA5Nk4I9is_FZ3ooDfAhmni0XQpLN3iBlLWzO45ICZKj3lsVsOSi7mDtbOZAMWxmqYSird2ZqeiR91Sd1qMHY-BC4sW0Zmd0zhUnWQ1Tc7nQEYJKYQ9_DtkLGwUHQAzBejwg1f3HyCXw/s400/Marsh+Hawksbeard+3.jpg" style="display: block; height: 284px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Hawksbeard (<em>Crepis paludosa</em>)</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-j33xfzqPm9Qs9THQZMPuB5atVxez6Z93c6KqKNWNhvnl4UT0iSWXuI5g-53o9al4l7-3S1KgLaIazlip4Tt5sf2IiUnsczE0wya6n1_pq81L3FG6IFEtt7KhJVrJXZ5AtLrcCXq84U/s1600/Marsh+Hawksbeard+1.jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509574895003777314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-j33xfzqPm9Qs9THQZMPuB5atVxez6Z93c6KqKNWNhvnl4UT0iSWXuI5g-53o9al4l7-3S1KgLaIazlip4Tt5sf2IiUnsczE0wya6n1_pq81L3FG6IFEtt7KhJVrJXZ5AtLrcCXq84U/s400/Marsh+Hawksbeard+1.jpg" style="display: block; height: 379px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marsh Hawksbeard (<em>Crepis paludosa</em>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
Walking down from Little Round Top wood I noticed a herd of young bulls near the phone mast to the East and picked up my pace. Sure enough, the bullocks began briskly trotting towards me. Luckily, I was able to squeeze through a gap in a barbed wire fence before they reached me :(</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F-b-VbxYGYx_4Vi185uitlTTbgFv3prABTdGg7x7S6BfXUYGfER3Q4E527HfDW5ACzLaDOV2qt98ykUEECHAjI19kentF4nmojTRju_ARh6PIYtMtkQcBiqDXQ6uk0PQiLMj2-rvnIk/s1600/Sheep+and+landscape+3.jpg" style="font-size: 85%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509728985105916050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F-b-VbxYGYx_4Vi185uitlTTbgFv3prABTdGg7x7S6BfXUYGfER3Q4E527HfDW5ACzLaDOV2qt98ykUEECHAjI19kentF4nmojTRju_ARh6PIYtMtkQcBiqDXQ6uk0PQiLMj2-rvnIk/s400/Sheep+and+landscape+3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 328px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />I caught this Common Carder-bee (<em>Bombus pascuorum</em>) in my parent's garden:<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjbpvU7Vxf6GHz8GLoB61WQ-ShynaHOUuxlSwQhyVzPfNeDaztUO2jAJcb7L2zfYfR3TnbteHQNNOx9xsVo22zhY-yUu1QwCzKUBhQwH3b-4CxiU3iT6_FumE07jtfiRGeWYg_01qNCo/s1600/Bumblebee+(Bombus+pascuorum).jpg" style="font-size: 85%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509729523589568162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjbpvU7Vxf6GHz8GLoB61WQ-ShynaHOUuxlSwQhyVzPfNeDaztUO2jAJcb7L2zfYfR3TnbteHQNNOx9xsVo22zhY-yUu1QwCzKUBhQwH3b-4CxiU3iT6_FumE07jtfiRGeWYg_01qNCo/s400/Bumblebee+(Bombus+pascuorum).jpg" style="display: block; height: 351px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Common Carder-bee (<em>Bombus pascuorum</em>)</span>
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<em>Bombus pasuorum</em> is the commonest of the ginger 'carder' bumblebees and can be identified by the presence of black hairs on the abdomen.<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><iframe frameborder="0″ scrolling=" height="370" name="mymapcode" no"="" src="http://pastehtml.com/view/bomqkrbfb.html" width="420"></iframe></span></div>Theresa Dockeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10818647371910017489noreply@blogger.com0