Ramble at Killinallan, 3rd August 2012

We were joined by an extended family from Gloucestershire for our ramble today. Amory (aged 8) was in charge of photographs and Islay (aged 7) chatted happily away to Lorna, pointing out everything she saw en route. Everyone was asking questions about everything we saw and no-one seemed to want to return to the cars. I have rarely seen such knowledgeable and enthusiastic children. How many people of any age can chat away about raising dragonfly nymphs - let alone an 8 year old! We're looking forward to seeing Amory's photos! It really was a delightful ramble. Thank you for joining us and do come back next year!
Becky

BIRDS
Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Grey Heron, Curlew, Swallow, Sand Martin, Eider, Oystercatcher, Stonechat, Raven, Starling, Rock Dove

FLORA
Northern Marsh Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Frog Orchid, Common Twayblade, Lady's Bedstraw, Forget-me-not sp., Speedwell sp., Skullcap, Water Mint, Marsh Marigold, Marram Grass, Black Bog-rush, Grass of Parnassus, Burnet Rose (leaves), Milkwort, Wild Thyme, Thrift, Lesser Spearwort, Purple Loosestrife, Marsh Pennywort, Marsh Lousewort, Eyebright, Marsh Willowherb, Marsh Thistle, Spear Thistle, Sea Plantain, Knotted Pearlwort, Daisy, Meadow Buttercup, Self-heal, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Cat's-ear, Mouse-ear sp., White Clover, Red Clover, Autumn Gentian, Lesser Meadow Rue, Ragged Robin, Iris (leaves), Meadowsweet, Yarrow, Tufted Vetch, Harebell, Devil's-bit Scabious, Silverweed (leaves), Sweet Vernal Grass, Yorkshire Fog, Bracken, Black Knapweed, Fairy Flax

INVERTEBRAE
Butterflies and Moths: - Common Blue, Dark Green Fritillary, Meadow Brown, Green-veined white, Ringlet, Six-spot Burnet, Fox Moth (larva), Micromoth sp., other moth sp
Other: - Weevil beetle, Orb Weaver Spider nest, Harvestman sp, Common Green Grasshopper, Meadow Grasshopper, Froghopper

MAMMALS, AMPHIBIANS AND SHORE CREATURES
Grey Seal, Common Frog, Shore Crab

FUNGI
Shaggy Ink Cap, Dung Roundcap, Yellow Waxcap

Looking at flora

Common Green Grasshopper

Islay does some birdwatching

Mating Six-spot Burnet Moths on Devil's-bit Scabious

Meadow Grasshopper

Shore Crab