Nature Ramble at Killinallan - Friday 21st September 2012

I was pleased to have a ramble on the first day of autumn, and that the weather was so favourable. For once the seals weren't singing, but there was still a wealth of floral bounty to enjoy. Thanks to Rosie, Marion and Laurie for coming and for being so enthusiastic.
Becky

BIRDS
Curlew, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Bar-tailed Godwit, Rock Dove, Starling

FLORA
Autumn Gentian, Daisy, Ragged Robin, Flag Iris (leaves), Frog Orchid, Tormentil, Marsh Pennywort, Tufted Vetch (leaves), Marsh Lousewort, Grass of Parnassus, Devil's-bit Scabious, Black Bog Rush, Self-heal, Marsh Thistle, Red Clover, Bracken, Wild Thyme, Burnet Rose (leaves), Yarrow, Meadowsweet, Thrift, Harebell, Water Mint

LICHEN
Fruitose sp (Ramalina), Crustose sp (Lecanora), Foliose sp (Xanthoria parietina)

INSECTS AND SPIDERS
Bombus lucorum (White-tailed Bumble Bee), Orb Weaver Spider

SHORE CREATURES
Shore Crab

Autumn Gentian

Bombus lucorum (White-tailed Bumble Bee) on Devil's-bit Scabious

Unknown insects on Grass of Parnassus

Compare this to last Friday's seascape!

Rosie watches a compliant bumble bee (closer photo above)

Marsh Fritillary Webs and Bees

After the ramble Lorna and I went to look for Marsh Fritillary webs. We saw about a dozen at one site and were encouraged by this. Also by the number of bumble bees emerging in the lull of the storm.
Becky

White-tailed Bumble Bee (Bombus lucorum) on Devil's-bit Scabious

Marsh Fritillary caterpillars braving the elements

Bumble Bee nest - Bombus lucorum

Alistair MacCormick of Craigens sent us this photo of a bumble bee nest he found in his garden. I'm pretty sure they're Bombus Lucorum - White-tailed Bumble Bees. Thanks, Alistair!
Becky

Bumble Bee Foray

My latest thing is bumble bees but, despite the fact there's relatively few species found on Islay, I'm still finding it difficult to identify them! Yesterday I went for a bit of foray along the road to the Machrie Hotel. The verges abound with Black Knapweed and the air was full of the gentle buzzing of bees. I snapped away happily and managed to photograph two species of bumble bee. I've printed off some credit-card sized ID guides if anyone is interested or download from http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/research/projects/bombus/_key_colour_british/QuickCard.pdf
Becky





Bombus pascuorum - Common Carder Bee

Male Bombus lucorum - White-tailed Bumble Bee