Bàgh an Dà Dhoruis

Apologies for any mis-spellings in the title - my map is so worn that I can no longer read it in places! *Thanks Armin - now corrected!* Lorna and I had a long walk to this beach on the north coast of Islay on Saturday. It was a most glorious day with just enough breeze to make walking comfortable and keep the midges at bay! We saw lots of wildlife, with caterpillars being our highlight this time. This beach is perhaps my favourite beach on Islay (I know I've said somewhere on The Oa is, but I've just changed my mind!) It's pretty inaccessible too, which means it's never mobbed and has lots of volcanic sills as well as views of Colonsay. Now all the thousands who read this will be heading to the north of the island . . . A wonderful walk!
Becky

Bombus hortorum - Garden Bumble Bee

Broom Moth caterpillar

Emperor Moth caterpillar

Satyr pug caterpillar

Walk from Kintour to Tighnaspeur and back to Tallant

As far as the weather's concerned, all I can say is I'm glad we didn't attempt it yesterday! This was a circular walk from Kintour across relentless bog and ancient dùns to Tighnaspeur (Sky House) and back to the phone masts at Tallant. Not a long walk in terms of miles, but over very difficult terrain. It was thoroughly enjoyable and we saw lots of creepy crawlies! I'll miss Lorna's company on these walks - not many folk can say at the end of the walk, when discussing the ups and downs of the day, "but I liked the bog!"
Becky

BIRDS
Raven, Meadow Pipit, Robin, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch (all at Tallant), Skylark

MAMMALS
Red Deer (roaring)

INVERTEBRATES
4-spot Orb Weaver Spiders (lots), other spider spp, Violet Ground Beetle, Satyr Pug caterpillars, Marsh Fritillary web, Bombus pascourum (Common Carder Bee), Brown Leafhopper, Hoverfly spp,

FUNGI AND LICHEN
Cladonia sp., fungi to be identified

FLORA
Bog Pimpernel, Cross-leaved Heath, Bell Heather, Heather, Devil's-bit Scabious, Round-leaved Sundew, Water Mint, Goat Willow, Bog Myrtle, Lesser Spearwort, Tormentil, Milkwort

Female 4-spot Orb Weaver Spider on its web

Wall remains of Dùn Beag

Bombus Pascourum (Common Carder Bee)

Raven calling

Satyr Pug larva on Devil's-bit Scabious

Violet Ground Beetle