Ramble at Sanaigmore, 26th August 2013

Every ramble is special and unique with its own blend of personalities and sightings, none of which is really within anybody's control and it is this element of surprise which is so exciting about our nature rambles. Today's was so full of wonder and excitement that it has definitely made it into my own personal top five in the INHT ramble charts! Thanks to all who came. A special mention should be made of the inexhaustible Whitney who had asked me to make her a chart to tick off everything she saw. This I did, complete with a points system (which, it has to be said, was revised en route - the harebell obviously getting more points than anything else!) She managed to clock up 1333 points by the end of the ramble and hopefully learnt something as she went! Well done, Whitney! Thanks too to Ann who gave an impromptu geology lesson and pointed out the differences between phyllite ("a type of foliated metamorphic rock created from slate that is further metamorphosed so that very fine grained white mica achieves a preferred orientation." Wikipedia) and greywacke ("a variety of sandstone generally characterized by its hardness, dark color, and poorly sorted angular grains of quartz, feldspar and small rock fragments." Wikipedia) Other highlights were the otter (a first for 8 out of our 13 ramblers), a slime mould and a Painted Lady butterfly. Something for everyone then! (Except for the elusive Chough!)
Becky

BIRDS
Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Starling, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Oystercatcher, Shag, Linnet

FLORA
Bird's-foot Trefoil, Meadow Buttercup, Silverweed (leaves),Common Storksbill, Monkey Flower, Water Forget-me-not, White Clover, Red Clover, Lady's Bedstraw, Daisy, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Common Hawkbit, Eyebright, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Lesser Burdock, Common Nettle, Common Ragwort, Autumn Gentian, Common Centaury, Self-heal, Wild Thyme, Pineapple Mayweed,  Red Bartsia, Marsh Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog, Fairy Flax, Harebell, Yarrow, Curled Dock, Cut-leaved Cranesbill, Water Mint, Harebell, Purple Loosestrife, Cat's-ear

INSECTS AND INVERTEBRAE
Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Harvestman, Cranefly, Large Yellow Underwing

MAMMALS
Otter

LICHEN AND FUNGI
Xanthoria parietina, Red Waxcap, Yellow Waxcap, Slime Mould sp

Red Waxcap

Slime Mould

Ramble at Killinallan, 12th August 2013

Just two for today's ramble and it would appear I arrived five minutes too late because I'd just missed the female hen harrier and, more importantly the juvenile White-tailed Eagle which was fishing on Loch Gruinart prior to my arrival. Just the way it goes I suppose. We nearly missed being rained upon today, but not quite. The wonder of Killinallan is that from May through to September there is a splendid, ever-changing floral carpet. The predominant colour today was blue with a gorgeous array of Devil's-bit Scabious and Harebells adorning the dunes, providing much food for the bumble bees which were also in abundance today - hurray!
Becky

BIRDS
Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Eider, Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Oystercatcher

MAMMALS
Grey Seal

INSECTS
Green-veined White, Dark Green Fritillary, Small Copper, Common Blue, Carabus Clatratus, Tachina Grossa, Common Darter

FLORA
Grass of Parnassus, Black Bog Rush, Self-heal, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Cat's-ear, Eyebright, Spear Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Lady's Bedstraw, Red Clover, Bracken, Wild Thyme, Marsh Pennywort,  Lesser Meadow Rue, Northern Marsh Orchid, Frog Orchid, Field Gentian, Ragged Robin, Iris, Meadowsweet, Yorkshire Fog, Soft Rush, Sea Spurrey, Thrift (only just), Harebell, Tufted Vetch, Fairy Flax, Water Mint,  Marram Grass, Yarrow, Common Knapweed, Devil's-bit Scabious, Burnet Rose, Autumn Gentian, Devil's-bit Scabious, Autumn Gentian

Autumn Gentians

Shaggy Ink-caps

Small Copper

Tachina grossa

Ramble at Sanaigmore, 29th July 2013

All nine of us watched the grey cloud approach and I shook in my odd boots as it was the first time ever on a ramble that I hadn't brought a jacket. With everyone else prepared, however, we ventured forth into the heavy rain. Our ramble was curtailed but Ben spotted a Ringed Plover's nest just before we turned back and we were surprised that we hadn't been mobbed as a result. We quickly turned back round to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate at Outback Art and discuss our sightings in the warmth. Thanks to everyone for turning up and it was good to see Amory and Islay and their extended family back; they'd joined us for a ramble last year and decided to return for more rambling - even if it was in the rain!

Becky

BIRDS

Sand Martin, Swallow, Starling, Wren, Meadow Pipit, Redshank, Black Guillemot, Ringed Plover, Twite

INSECTS

Common Carder Bee, White-tailed Bumble Bee, Small Tortoiseshell

FLORA

Bird's-foot Trefoil, Meadow Buttercup, Silverweed, Monkey Flower, Water Forget-me-not, White Clover, Red Clover, Lady's Bedstraw, Daisy, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Common Hawkbit, Eyebright, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Lesser Burdock, Common Nettle, Common Ragwort, Field Gentian, Common Centaury, Self-heal, Wild Thyme, Pineapple Mayweed, Red Bartsia, Marsh Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog, Harebell, Yarrow, Thrift, Bog Pimpernel, Black Knapweed

Ringed Plover nest

Nature ramble at Kilchiaran, 22nd July 2013

There were just two takers for today's ramble - another sunny one as well and full of butterfly life - perhaps the most ever species seen on any of our rambles. Despite 'Nettle City' we found very few caterpillars - why, I wonder, when this is the best bunch of nettles I can recall seeing on Islay? The highlight for today's couple though was the beautiful male Linnet which posed for quite a while. It was our Leicestershire's couple first ever Linnet and they were delighted.
Becky

BIRDS
Common Gull, Fulmar, Black Guillemot, Hooded Crow, Raven, Starling, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Sand Martin, Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Oystercatcher, Rock Dove

FLORA
Bog Pimpernel, Water Mint, Marsh Bedstraw, Marsh Willowherb, Marsh Marigold (leaves), Flag Iris, Eyebright, Germander Speedwell, Water Forget-me-not, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Meadow Vetchling, Kidney Vetch, Wild Thyme, Thrift, Bracken, Common Nettle, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Lesser Spearwort, Red Bartsia, Harebell, Ragged Robin, Red Campion, White Clover, Red Clover, Lady's Bedstraw, Burdock, Hawkbit, Selfheal, Marsh Thistle, Yorkshire Fog, Tormentil, Daisy

INSECTS and INVERTEBRATES
Harvestman sp, micro moth sp, Red Admiral, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Dark Green Fritillary

Harebells - my favourite flower

Harvestman sp - possibly Phalangium opilio male.

Nettle City - hunting for caterpillars

Mating Meadow Browns

Ramble at Killinallan, 15th July 2013

Nine adults, three children and one baby (Islay) set off on what turned out to be a breezy ramble yesterday at Killinallan. The Grey Seal colony were sleeping at first, but treated us later to their mournful singing. The dunes were awash with colour. "The only colour of the rainbow we can't see is orange!" one of our younger ramblers noted, at which point Malcolm willed (unsuccessfully) a Small Copper to fly by. Such enthusiasm enriches our nature rambles no end and, from the youngest to the oldest, each brought questions and enthusiasm to make this another very enjoyable ramble at what is one of the island's best botanical locations at probably its peak time of year.

Becky

BIRDS

Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Eider, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Wheatear, Redshank

FLORADaisy, Meadow Buttercup, Grass of Parnassus, Black Bog Rush, Self-heal, Common Milkwort, Bog Myrtle, Tormentil, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Cat's-ear, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Eyebright, Spear Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Lady's Bedstraw, White Clover, Red Clover, Bracken, Wild Thyme, Marsh Pennywort, Silverweed, Lesser Meadow Rue, Pyramidal Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid, Frog Orchid, Field Gentian, Forget-me-not sp., Cuckoo Flower, Marsh Marigold (leaves and seed heads), Ragged Robin, Iris, Meadowsweet, Yorkshire Fog, Soft Rush, Sweet Vernal Grass, Sea Spurrey, Thrift (only just), Harebell, Tufted Vetch, Sea Milkwort, Fairy Flax, Water Mint,  Marram Grass, Goat Willow, Marsh Bedstraw, Yarrow, Common Scurvy Grass, Common Knapweed, Devil's-bit Scabious, Bog Pimpernel, Corn Spurrey, Field Speedwell, Burnet Rose, Heath Spotted Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Adder's Tongue Fern, Sea Plantain, Sea Arrowgrass, Water Horsetail, Marsh Lousewort, Common Valerian


OTHER
Common Frog, Six-spot Burnet Moth, Micro moth sp, Ringlet, Grey Seal, Shore Crab, grasshopper sp

Ramblers at Killinallan

Frog Orchid (Coeloglossum viride)

Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)

Ramble at Kilchiaran, 24th June 2013

Well, the highlight of today's ramble has to be the otter, spotted by Malcolm and seen very well by everyone present, the first ever on a ramble! The sun came out more and more and we stayed out longer and longer - all 12 of us! Another great ramble - thanks everyone!
Becky

Watching the Otter at Kilchiaran Bay

BIRDS
Herring Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Hooded Crow, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Rock Pipit, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Sand Martin, Common Sandpiper, Eider Duck (with 3 ducklings), Fulmar, Ringed Plover, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit

FLORA
Field Forget-me-not, Germander Speedwell, Marsh Marigold, Heath Bedstraw, Water-cress, Water Mint, Ragged Robin, Early Marsh Orchid, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Common Nettle, Spear Thistle, Meadow Buttercup, Daisy, Cat's-ear, Kidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Dove's-foot Cranesbill, Wild Thyme, Foxglove, Star Sedge, Black Sedge, Common Spike-rush, Yorkshire Fog, Crested Dog's Tail, Lesser Spearwort, White Clover, Bracken, Greater Burdock, Sea Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, Broad-leaved Dock, Thrift, Tormentil, Cuckoo Flower, Yellow Flag, Common Milkwort, Marsh Pennywort, Meadowsweet, Common  Sorrel, Chickweed, Common Mouse-ear, Meadow Vetchling, Lesser Trefoil, Tufted Forget-me-not, Water Avens, Sea Arrowgrass, Marram Grass, Soft Rush, Field Speedwell, Hemlock Water-dropwort

MAMMALS
Otter, Rabbit

INSECTS
Click Beetle, Dung Flies, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Heath, Green-veined White

Nature Ramble at Killinallan 17th June 2013

What a fantastic ramble! There were seven ramblers out enjoying the sunshine with the Grey Seals at Killinallan today and we were rewarded with the most obliging Common Lizard ever, which ended its 5 minute long display by starting to run up Riona's leg, much to our amusement! She said she wouldn't have been as calm if it had been an adder! Malcolm also showed us Adder's Tongue Fern, a diminutive member of the fern family and a new species for me and we saw the first ever nature ramble Marsh Fritillary. Birds, there were few, but there was enough to look at besides - oh, and the beautiful Burnet Rose was in bloom too. Thanks for coming everyone! I have a hopeful feeling I've left something out of the lists and that someone will notice!
Becky

Adder's Tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) named after a belief that its similarity to a snake’s tongue meant it could be used as an antidote to snakebite.

Burnet Rose (Rosa pimpinellifolia)

Common Lizard

Ramblers at Killinallan

Sea Spurrey sp.

BIRDS

Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Eider, Herring Gull, Redshank, Wheatear, Skylark, Raven

FLORA

Meadow Buttercup, Burnet Rose, Early Marsh Orchid (subspecies pulchella and coccinea), Heath-spotted Orchid, Sea Spurrey, Sea Plantain, Sea Milkwort, Common Milkwort, Common Butterwort, Adder's Tongue Fern, Pyramidal Orchid, Germander Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, Tormentil, Marsh Marigold, Thrift, Daisy, Bog Myrtle, Cat's Ear, Marsh Thistle, Heath Bedstraw, White Clover, Bracken, Common Twayblade, Cuckoo Flower, Bogbean, Ragged Robin, Iris, Meadowsweet (leaves), Yorkshire Fog, Carnation Sedge, Soft Rush, Fairy Flax, Water Mint, Common Scurvy Grass, Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), Marsh Lousewort, Common Sedge, Star Sedge, Common Cottongrass, Common Spike-rush, Water Horsetail

INSECTS

Small Heath, Marsh Fritillary, unknown beetle (awaiting id), Bombus lucorum (White-tailed Bumble Bee), Six-spot Burnet Moth, Dung Flies, Green-veined White, Large Red Damselfly

MAMMALS, REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Grey Seal, Common Lizard, Common Frog

Nature Ramble at Ardnave - 24th September 2012

I was more surprised than ever when four intrepid ramblers walked boldly through the door yesterday morning and announced they wanted to book for the ramble that afternoon. Undeterred by our doom and gloom about the weather forecast they said they'd call back at 1.30 pm to see what the verdict was. Meanwhile two more men turned up and asked if there was any way they could get a lift for the ramble! I think I was the only reluctant one, but we all togged up with gaiters and waterproofs and set off, preparing ourselves by discussing Shackleton and Antarctica on the way.

It was actually OK. Lesson learned - do not always trust the forecast! Or maybe it was a case of expecting the worst so anything slightly better would seem a bonus. Anyway, thanks folks for encouraging me to get out. It was a great ramble (no photos though!) - I'm glad it wasn't today!
Becky

BIRDS
Curlew (heard), Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Chough, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Snipe, Grey Heron

FLORA
Common Storksbill, Ragged Robin, Grass of Parnassus, Marsh Marigold (leaves), Flag Iris (leaves), Water Mint, Devil's-bit Scabious, Sheep's-bit, Bell Heather, Tormentil, Meadowsweet, Yarrow, Common Centaury (new one for this ramble), Lady's Bedstraw, Marsh Lousewort, Square-stalked St John's Wort, Water Cress, Brooklime, Speedwell sp., Forget-me-not sp., Common Nettle, Creeping Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Self-heal, Lesser Spearwort, Silverweed (leaves), Red Clover, White Clover, Harebell, Milkwort, Red Bartsia, Meadow Buttercup, Wild Thyme, Daisy, Bracken, Tufted Vetch (leaves)

LICHEN AND FUNGI
Xanthoria parietina (yellow foliose), Anaptychia runsinata (Brown foliose turning green when wet), Ramalina sp. (grey/green fruitose), Lecanora sp (crustose with black 'jam tarts'), Red Waxcap

MAMMALS AND INVERTEBRATES
Hare, Wolf Spider, Fox Moth caterpillar

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)

Ramble at Kilchiaran - 14th September 2012

A very small group of three of us set off on a very stormy afternoon for a very quick ramble at Kilchiaran. The camera didn't come out often so I only have one decent photo to show for it. The wind had died down considerably before the end of the walk. Despite the conditions we saw more raptors than on any other ramble, but little else. An enjoyable afternoon nonetheless.
Becky

BIRDS
Raven, Chough, Rock Dove, Buzzard, Kestrel, Hen Harrier (f), Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Eider, Shag, Gannet, Common Gull, Great Black-backed gull, Herring Gull, Linnet, Ringed Plover, Starling, Pied Wagtail

FUNGI
Dead men's Fingers

MAMMALS
Grey Seal

INSECTS
Silver Y Moth

FLORA
Nothing unusual noted

Stormy sea at Kilchiaran

Nature Ramble at Ardnave - 3rd September 2012

There were only three of us for this afternoon's ramble and it thankfully stayed dry throughout, albeit quite windy, which put paid to any insect life. Still, there was plenty of flora to see and we were rewarded for our patience by a flock of about 50 Chough playing and calling in the dunes at the end of the walk.
Becky

BIRDS
Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Curlew, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Starling, Mute Swan (with four cygnets on Loch), Stonechat, Oystercatcher, Wigeon, Raven, Chough

FLORA
Marsh Marigold (leaves), Redshank, Sheep's-bit Scabious, Devil's-bit Scabious, Red Bartsia, Common Storksbill, Daisy, Harebell, Tormentil, Hawkbit, Watercress, Grass of Parnassus, Heather, Bell Heather, Milkwort, Eyebright, Wild Thyme, Meadowsweet, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Red Clover, Common Nettle, Bracken, Water Mint, Marsh Lousewort, Marsh Willowherb, Water Forget-me-not, Lady's Bedstraw, Silverweed (leaves), Lesser Trefoil, Mouse-ear sp., Thrift, Sneezewort, Yarrow, Butterwort (leaves)

OTHER

Yellow Waxcap, Red Waxcap, Puffballs and lots of other fungi

One of the fungi we saw on today's ramble

Nature Ramble at Ardnave - 20th August 2012

Our first nature ramble in a fortnight!!! The sun shone all morning and then, as if on cue, as soon as I'd switched the engine off, the rain started. It was a heavy downpour, but all five of us were determined to carry on with the ramble. Then, just as I was considering a curtailed ramble as Olivia's feet were getting very wet, the sun returned - much to our delight. Sheepsbit Scabious was a new flower for us I think at this locality, so that was a highlight and the Chough performed well, calling for us as they flew overhead.
Becky

BIRDS
Herring Gull, Turnstone, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Common Gull, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Chough, Starling, Rock Dove, Oystercatcher, Swallow, Wheatear, Greylag Goose 

FLORA
Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Meadow Buttercup, Water Cress, Water Mint, Forget-me-not sp., Silverweed, White Clover, Daisy, Mouse-ear sp., Eyebright, Marsh Thistle, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Thrift, Lesser Spearwort, Ragged Robin, Common Nettle, Yellow Iris (leaves), Common Storksbill, Ribwort Plantain, Bracken, Cat’s-ear sp., Chalk Milkwort, Red Clover, Harebell, Grass of Parnassus, Bog Pimpernel, Pineapple Mayweed, Self-heal, Wild Thyme, Tormentil, Marsh Willowherb, Purple Loosestrife, Slender Stalked St. John's Wort, Water Speedwell, Devil's-bit Scabious, Sheepsbit Scabious, Heather, Bell Heather, Common Nettle, Red Bartsia, Harebell, Common Burdock, Purple Loosestrife, Goosegrass

LICHEN
Lecanora sp. (white crustose lichen with black 'jam tarts'), Xanthoria parietina (yellow foliose lichen)

BUTTERFLIES AND DRAGONFLIES
Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Green-veined White, Common Darter

SHORE CREATURES
Shore Crab, Cockle Shell, Common Whelk, Limpet

Goosegrass -  Galium aparine

Sheepsbit Scabious -  Jasione montana

Sheepsbit Scabious -  Jasione montana

Ramble at Sanaigmore, 30th July 2012

What a glorious afternoon for a ramble! Nine of us set out at Sanaigmore today and what a treat was in store for us in the form of the spectacular floral carpet that surpassed any such displays that we saw here last year. What our list lacked in birds or insects, it more than made up for in flora today. The highlights were definitely Sanaigmore's first recorded Frog and Pyramidal Orchids. After finding the Frog Orchid I joked that all that now remained was for someone to find a Pyramidal Orchid - and lo and behold - minutes later Anne called us over to examine an orchid she'd found - none other than the Pyramidal Orchid itself. I was delighted! Thanks Anne and to everyone for a most enjoyable ramble.
Becky

BIRDS
Gannet, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Starling, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Wheatear, Chough, Raven, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail

FLORA
Bird's-foot Trefoil, Meadow Buttercup, Marsh Marigold (leaves), Silverweed (leaves),Common Storksbill, Monkey Flower, Water Cress, Water Forget-me-not, White Clover, Red Clover, Lady's Bedstraw, Daisy, Mouse-ear Chickweed, Common Hawkbit, Eyebright, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Lesser Burdock, Common Nettle, Yellow Iris (leaves), Common Ragwort, Autumn Gentian, Common Centaury, Self-heal, Wild Thyme, Pineapple Mayweed, Prickly Sow Thistle, Yellow Rattle, Red Bartsia, Marsh Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog, Fairy Flax, Harebell, Yarrow, Common Sorrel, Frog Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid, Sea Milkwort, Thrift, Broad-leaved Dock, Curled Dock, Brooklime, Wall Speedwell, Germander Speedwell, Carnation Sedge, Ragwort, Field Gentian, Common Milkwort, Sea Plantain, Buck's-horn Plantain

INSECTS
Common Blue Butterfly, Ringlet, Small White

MAMMALS
Rabbit

LICHEN
Xanthoria parietina (foliose; bright yellow on rocks and wall), Parmelia saxatilis (foliose; grey), Anaptychia runcinata (foliose; brown/bronzey patches on wall), Ramalina sp., (fruitose; grey/green bushy patches on wall), Physcia adscendens (whitish with 'eyelashes')

Carpet of Eyebright



Dunlin




Frog Orchid - Coeloglossum viride




Examining flora




Pyramidal Orchid - Anacamptis pyramidalis




Common Centaury - Centauruim erythraea




Examining a Mermaid's Purse



Ramble at Kintra, 20th July 2012

Five of us set off on a glorious afternoon to explore Kintra and see more of it than before - not because we walked farther -just a different way! I have a feeling the way we went will not be repeated unless we have another Jack who was keen to cross a proper river and got his feet wet in the process. Highilghts were the Little Terns and male Hen Harrier. Eleanor was delighted. It was also encouraging to see so many butterflies- no dragonflies though.Thanks for the adventure folks!
Becky

BIRDS
Chough, Raven, Hooded Crow, Eider, Shag, Fulmar, Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Rock Pipit, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Hen Harrier, Arctic Tern, Little Tern, Rock Dove, Starling

FLOWERS
Yellow Rattle, Red Bartsia, Lady's Bedstraw, Lesser Meadow Rue, Forget -me-not sp., English Stonecrop, Thrift, Wild Thyme, Meadow Buttercup, Lesser Spearwort, Eyebright, Flag Iris, Bog Myrtle, Heath-spotted Orchid, Round-leaved Sundew, Tormentil, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Milkwort, Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Lousewort, White Clover, Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Common Cottongrass,  Common Nettle, Harebell, Cuckoo Flower, Hard Fern, Daisy, Self-heal, Heather, Yarrow, Marsh Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog, Perennial Rye Grass, Sea Plantain

INSECTS AND INVERTEBRAE
Harvestman ( Leiobunum sp)., Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Dark Green Fritillary

AMPHIBIANS
Common Frog

Dark Green Fritillary

Ringlet

The adventurous way beneath the waterfall

The waterfall at Kintra

Next Ramble - Sanaigmore - Friday 1st June

A change to the programme. Sign up for our next ramble at Sanaigmore on Friday 1st June, meeting there at
2 pm. I'm looking forward to making the list of flora and fauna, so do join us - it'll be good fun. Remember to book your place before 1 pm on Friday (01496 850 288/07967 205229).

Nature rambling at Sanaigmore 2011

Becky

INHT Wildlife Centre is now open in Port Charlotte

Our Natural History Centre in Port Charlotte is now open from 10.30am-4.30pm Monday - Friday.  A warm welcome to Lorna Williamson who is joining our Centre manager Becky Williamson for the season.  They will be busy getting the displays and tanks up and running this week.

Our program of natural history rambles starts on June 1st.  These are short and very informal and easy going 'Rambles' (as opposed to 'Walks') led by Becky at a series of different locations around the island.  As the name suggests, they involve a great deal of stopping to peer at and identify all sorts of plants, birds, bugs, beetles, lichens and liverworts.  They are very easy going, a perfect day out for all ages, abilities and levels of natural history knowledge.  One of the fun things that Becky hopes that you will help her with is to create lists of all the different species that you find - which is actually great fun.

The rambles must be booked in advance, by phoning either the Centre (01496 850288) or mobile (07967 205229) at any time up to 1.00pm on the day.  Each ramble starts at 2.00pm and lasts for around two hours.  There is nothing strenuous involved, but please come prepared with waterproof footwear and clothing to suit the weather.

At Bunnahabhain: we meet beside the road before it turns down to the distillery.
At Kilchiaran: we meet by the chapel.  There is plenty of parking in the laybys.
At Sanaigmore: there's plenty of parking at the end of the road.
At Killinallan: meet where the road ends in a (usually) locked gate.
At Ardnave: beside the loch where the track turns left towards the farm.
At Kintra: in the signposted car park through the gate out of the farm yard.

Prices for the Rambles are the same as admission to the Centre - Adult £3, Concession £2, Child £1.50, Family £7.50

Flora and Fauna at Ardnave, 23rd September 2011

The rain held off for the six of us this afternoon at Ardnave. Most of the wild flowers have now finished, but fungi is springing up all over the place and the waders are passing through.The highlight today was the flock of Wigeon that landed on Loch Gruinart just as we left to walk back to the cars. We also saw a flock of about 20 Ravens flying low over the Loch. Thanks for everyone's contributions. Next Monday will be our last ramble for the season, so join us if you can at Kintra (booking required).
Becky

BIRDS
Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Raven, Meadow Pipit, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Rock Dove, Starling

MAMMALS
Rabbit

LICHEN AND FUNGI
Xanthoria parietina (yellow foliose), Anaptychia runsinata (Brown foliose turning green when wet), Ramalina sp. (grey/green fruitose), Lecanora sp (crustose with black 'jam tarts'), Physcia adscendens (with 'eyelashes'), Caloplaca flavescens (orange with 'fingers'), Ochrolechia parella or Fish-eye Lichen (white crustose with 'dents' in apothecia (fruiting bodies))

INSECTS
Bombus lucorum (White-tailed Bumble Bee), Bombus pascuorum (Common Carder Bee), Unknown tiny black bug, Leafhopper, Froghopper

FLORA
Dove's-foot Cranesbill, Common Storksbill, Jointed Rush, Common Spiked Rush, Daisy, Dandelion, Hawkweed sp., Ragged Robin, Grass of Parnassus, Lady's Bedstraw, Devil's-bit Scabious, Marsh Lousewort, Water Mint, Water Cress, Mouse-ear sp., Chickweed, Forget-me-not, Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga), Common Nettle, Spear Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Self-heal, Lesser Spearwort, Silverweed, Red Clover, White Clover, Prickly Sow Thistle, Red Bartsia

Prickly Sow Thistle - Sonchus asper

Watching the poor White-tailed Bumble Bee cling to a Scabious

Red Bartsia - Odontites vernus

Flora and Fauna at Kintra 9th September, 2011

Yes, it was miserable this morning, but thankfully by the afternoon we had a glimpse of celestial yellow stuff for the ramble at Kintra. Didn't mean we didn't get VERY muddy! It was the third ramble for the three ramblers from down south and they've also joined Craig on Colonsay and Mark on Islay for the RSPB walks so, by now, they were reeling off the names of all the flowers and birds themselves! Goldcrest is a new one for our rambles list. Thanks Carol, Sandy and Phil. Here's our list!

BIRDS
Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Hooded Crow, Chough, Raven, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Grey Heron, Goldcrest, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Swallow, Common Gull, Cormorant, Eider Duck, Red-throated Diver, Greylag Goose, Gannet

FUNGI AND LICHEN
Red Waxcap, Yellow Waxcap, Clavulinopsis luteo-alba, lots of unknown species, Peltigera membranacea (Dog lichen)

INSECTS
Green-veined White, Emerald Damselfly (female), Red Admiral, Bombus pascuorum (Common Carder Bee), Common Hawker, Cranefly, Grasshopper sp.

AMPHIBIANS
Common Toad

FLORA
Lady's Bedstraw, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Red Bartsia, Red Clover, White Clover, Ivy-leaved Crowfoot, Sheep Sorrel, Eyebright, Self-heal, Marsh Marigold, Flag Iris, Common Reed, Common Spiked Rush, Jointed Rush, Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Bell Heather, Bog Pimpernel, Devil's-bit Scabious, Harebell, Daisy, Hawkweed sp., Marsh Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Tormentil, Meadow Buttercup, Lesser Spearwort, Silverweed, Mouse-ear sp., Ragged Robin, Common Cottongrass, Bog Asphodel, Bog Myrtle, Yellow Rattle, Yarrow, Marsh Pennywort, Common Nettle, Milkwort, Yorkshire Fog, Marsh Willowherb

Grasshopper - any ideas which species?

Clavulinopsis luteo-alba (I think!)

Flora and Fauna at Ardnave, 5th September 2011

Low on numbers today (only 4 of us), but still an enjoyable ramble, enhanced by the sunshine which came out the minute we'd all donned waterproofs for the brief shower! We took a left, instead of a right, turn once at the coast, just for a change and here's our list:

BIRDS
Chough, Hooded Crow, Raven, Mute Swan, Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Linnet, Pied Wagtail (and White), Common Gull, Sand Martin, Starling

LICHEN
Physcia adscendens, Xanthoria parietina, Ramalina sp., Verrucaria maura and lots of other species; Red Waxcap, Yellow Waxcap and several other species.

MAMMALS
Grey Seal, Rabbit

SPIDERS AND INSECTS
Orb Weaver Spider (in its silken home), Daddy-long-legs

SHELLS
Flat Periwinkle, Dog Whelk, Common Periwinkle, Common Cockle, Common Mussel, Purple Topshell, Turban Shell, Pfeiffer's Amber Snail (Oxyloma elegans)

FLORA
Lesser Water Plantain, Harebell, Daisy, Dandelion, Hawkweed sp., Mouse-ear sp., Forget-me-not sp., Water Cress, Water Mint, Grass of Parnassus, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Dove's-foot Cranesbill, Common Storksbill, Lesser Spearwort, Eyebright, Wild Thyme, Yarrow, Brooklime, Marsh Lousewort, Marsh Willowherb, Groundsel, Knotted Pearlwort, Square-stalked St John's Wort, Marram Grass, Self-heal, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Silverweed, Perennial Rye Grass, Yorkshire Fog, White Clover, Red Clover, Ragged Robin, Common Spiked Rush, Jointed Rush, Lady's Bedstraw, Lesser Meadow Rue, Common Nettle, Bracken, Marsh Pennywort, Flag Iris, Curled Dock

Although on coastal rock, this is a land, rather than a marine snail, not sure of species though.
Pfeiffer's Amber Snail (Oxyloma elegans)

Flora and Fauna at Sanaigmore, 2nd September 2011

Yesterday's ramble broke another record - the wettest yet, but all six of our ramblers refused to turn back, despite pressing from the leader! That's what I like to see! Botanising was more of a challenge as a lot of flowers were resolutely closed against the bad weather. Thanks eveyone for making it such an enjoyable ramble.
Becky

BIRDS
Chough, Swallow, Stonechat (family of 7), Ringed Plover, Curlew, Gannet, Rock Dove, Herring Gull

LICHENS AND FUNGI
Xanthoria parietina (foliose; bright yellow on rocks and wall), Parmelia saxatilis (foliose; grey), Anaptychia runcinata (foliose; brown/bronzey patches on wall), Porpidia sp., (crustose; black dots on wall); Ramalina sp., (fruitose; grey/green bushy patches on wall), Physcia adscendens (foliose; 'eyelash lichen'), plus other unknown species, waxcap sp., (also lots of unknown fungi spp). I intend to return and do a thorough lichen inventory of this wall. Any closet lichen experts/enthusiasts please get in touch!

FLORA
Forget-me-not sp., Chickweed sp., Hawkweed  sp., Monkey Flower, Yellow Rattle, Creeping Thistle, Spear Thistle, Meadow Buttercup, Red Bartsia, Daisy, Harebell, Self-heal, Redshank, Shepherd's Purse, Hogweed, Butterbur, Eyebright, Autumn Gentian, Field Gentian, Common Centaury, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Common Storksbill, Silverweed, White Cover, Red Clover, Groundsel, Pineapple Mayweed, Common Nettle, Lady's Bedstraw, Common Ragwort, Black Knapweed, Jointed Rush, Prickly Sow Thistle, Cleavers, Marsh Willowherb, Yorkshire Fog, Yarrow, Thrift, Marram Grass, Scarlet Pimpernel, Ribwort Plantain

OTHER
Common Toadlet, Fox Moth caterpillars, White-tailed Bumble Bee, Common Carder Bee

Rather wet Fox Moth Caterpillar