What's in a cowpat?

Lorna, Crystal and Carl examine some of the fascinating invertebrate life to be found in a cowpat. Well, it's fascinating if you want to know what choughs eat!  And isn't that everybody?
Malcolm

Harpalus rufipes - Smaull

Genus Agonum

A beetle from the genus Agonum - species not known.  Smaull.

Loricera pilicornis - Smaull

Flat backed millipede - Smaull

These millipedes have two legs each side of each segment and are flat backed with raised bumps.  Smaull

Yellow Flag Iris - Smaull

My first Flag iris flower of 2012.  Smaull.

Compost Worm - Eisenia veneta

I think this is probably a compost worm, rather than a brandling (Eisenia fetida).  Under a stob at Smaull.

Young Ravens

Young ravens on sea cliffs - Smaull

'Opera Rocks' and coastline at Smaull

The well-kent landmark rocks north of Saligo have been steadily changing their name from 'Braigo Rocks', which I have never heard anyone use, to 'Opera Rocks' because of their resemblance to the famous building in Sydney Harbour, which was of course only finally completed in 1973.  I am sure they have a Gaelic name too, though I do not recall seeing one.  It is a spectacular section of Islay's coastline.  Carl

Corncrake corridors - Smaull

Two pictures of corncrake corridors - fenced areas along the edges of fields at the RSPB reserve at Smaull planted with nettles to provide respite from grazing and early cover for the returning birds.  One was calling from here yesterday - with possibly two more in different areas, although as they were only calling sporadically and at different times, they could conceivably have all been the same bird.