The recent spell of good weather had left the island looking parched. The dead flower stems off Thrift, blowing lazily in the wind, are in stark contrast to the vivid purple of the newly opened flowers of Rock Sea Lavender. Contrasting patches of yellow are provided by flowering Ladies Bedstraw (so called as it was once used as a sedative for ladies in labour) whilst the edible leaves of Sea Purslane form small oasis of green among the parched grass. Meanwhile the small blue flower bells of Harebell can be seen poking through the grass in the Obs garden.
 |
| Sea Purslane |
 |
| Dead Thrift |
 |
| Rock Sea Lavender and a patch of green Sea Purslane |
 |
| Ladies Bedstraw |
 |
| Harebell |
Flowering Ragwort has attracted day flying Cinnibar Moths and their tiger striped caterpillars are on almost every plant. The birds leave them alone as they are distasteful as they absorb the toxins from the plant into their bodies. Cinnibar Moths got their name form the red mineral cinnibar that is a toxic mercury ore. Funny how a moth named after a red toxic ore is itself toxic.
Two pairs of Swallows seem to have bred on the island this year with these un-ringed birds being seen on the cliffs in Niffy Bay. One nest of pullus was ringed so these are a different brood.
Meadow Pipits also seem to be doing well and young Linnets were everywhere with four being ringed during the morning.
 |
Adult Meadow Pipit
The only signs of migration was when a Woodpigeon dropped briefly into the Canoe Club garden before heading off towards the mainland.
All in all a very pleasant way to spend a Wednesday morning and I was back home in time for lunch after washing the salt and sand off the Landrover.
|
No comments :
Post a Comment