Purple Saxifrage and Marsh Fritillary Caterpillars

I tend to think spring is advancing when I see these tiny black creatures emerge from wherever they've been hiding all winter, make their way to the top of a plant shoot and bask in the warm sun. Little did I expect to see them twisting and turning their pin-sized heads this cold and breezy afternoon on our stroll on the Oa. But there they were - and lots of them. It was fantastic! As if that wasn't exciting enough, Jane spotted first one, then several clumps of brilliant lilac Purple Saxifrage adorning the cliffs. These amazingly coloured flowers know where to grow for safety, for nothing can graze them there! The ones I photographed were the only accessible ones! What a wonderful afternoon!
Becky

Marsh Fritillary caterpillars

Each black spot is a clump of caterpillars!

Purple Saxifrage

Purple Saxifrage on the cliffs on The Oa

Purple Saxifrage and hundreds of ducks

With all those pictures of wintry weather, it was a relief and joy to see this splashes of purple at Lower Killeyan today. What fortitude these tiny flowers display in braving the elements - the same elements endured by hundreds of ducks on the River Sorn this afternoon, although it is debatable that the latter felt the cold as much as the poor duck drivers behind them or the crowds on the bridge watching the annual plastic duck derby!
Becky

Purple Saxifrage (Saxifraga oppositifolia)

Racing ducks on the River Sorn

Purple Saxifrage - Saxifraga oppositifolia

I was very excited to get a text last night informing me that the Purple Saxifrage were in flower. I'd missed them last year, so was keen to see them this year. I rushed over to the Oa and walked down a burn where just a few flowers were in bloom. These early flowering, delightful little flowers are not found on many places on Islay, although they are not considered rare. I think they are one of the first saxifrages to bloom, and their bright petals are certainly a welcome sight at any time, but particularly on what must have been the warmest day of the year so far on Islay. What a treat!
Becky

Purple Saxifrage - Saxifraga oppositifolia

Purple Saxifrage - Saxifraga oppositifolia