In search of Spring Squill - Becky discovered this flower in 2010 on one of her Islay coastal walks. I remember seeing in on Oronsay many years ago and being captivated by its small beautiful blue star shaped flower and squiggly curling leaves. It has taken me 6 years to finally find time to go in search of the Islay Squill. With only one recent record of it south west of Saligo it is a relative rarity for Islay despite a general wide distribution through the nearby Hebridies. The weather of late has been one of a perfect typical Islay Spring, dry and sunny, not like the rubbish cold and wet springs of the last couple of years, so long walks are a joy and with an excuse to get out Mandy (our centre manager) and I went on a quest. There is so much to see, soon we saw a Marsh Fritillary butterfly, these are just beginning to emerge so look out for them over the next few weeks. I will be looking forward to our first summer Sunday Ramble this weekend to Solam, near Ardbeg as we may get to see Marsh Frit.s too as I saw many caterpillars there at Easter. Many flowers are out to enjoy, here's just some of the wonderous colour of last Sunday afternoon.
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| Butterwort |
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| Lousewort |
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| Small Copper butterfly on Trift |
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| Roseroot |
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| Common Dog Violet |
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| Bird's Foot Terfoil (in bud) |
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| Bird's Foot Terfoil (in bloom) |
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| Cluster of Littorina saxatilis (rough winkle) |
Finally after much walking I stumbled upon the perfect little blue flower on close cropped coastal pasture, 7 small flowering spikes only 6-7cm tall, then another 8 spikes on a separate patch.
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| Finally excitement, the treasure in our quest amongst the Tormentil and sheep dung |
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| Spring Squill (Scillia verna) |
A grand afternoon enjoying Islay's wonderful wildlife and weather.
Fiona MacG
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