Walk at Killinallan

Lorna and I sadly resigned ourselves to a non-boggy walk yesterday - yes,  the amount of rain we've had over the past month or so has even defeated the Islay Welly Walker! So we enjoyed a windy walk along Traigh Baile Aonghais and enjoyed the ever changing clouds and lighting.
Becky

Acorn barnacles and pink algae/seaweed

A freshly deceased Spider Crab

Freshly deceased Goose Barnacles

Afternoon sun over Traigh Baile Aonghais

Looking towards Gortantoid Point from low in the dunes!

Ladybirds and Spider crabs

Who says crabs aren't cute? It's hard to resist with our recently arrived spiny spider crabs. They possess 2 'horns' inbetween their eyes, just visible beneath the various seaweeds pinned to their shells for camouflage. Their carapace also hosts a mini sponge garden where sponges take up residence, as well as barnacles which make full use of this moving 'rock' as they filter for food. Fascinating! All day yesterday the two spider crabs were clasped together, seemingly fighting (they are both male), so we have released one. The remaining crab is called Spongebob!

Our ladybird larvae are growing bigger every day! I expect they will pupate within the next few days, where they will metamorphosise, emerging as yellow adults 6-8 days later. The familiar red with black spots pattern will appear after several hours, once the shell has hardened.

Lorna

Spider Crab Shell

A regular visitor to the island found this huge spider crab shell at Laggan beach and brought it in for us to see. Judging from the number of acorn barnacles on its shell, it must have been a great grand-daddy of a Spider Crab! The shell measured approx. 6" x 5". Thanks for bringing it in , Ann!
Becky

Exploring Sandy Shores at Killinallan

Summer Sandy Shore Session

Baby Spider Crab

Fiona had a record 45 people on her family activity session yesterday! That's brilliant! They saw lots of shore crabs, hermit crabs, butter fish, a lion's-mane jellyfish and a really cute baby spider crab. Thanks Fiona. If this continues we're going to need more fishing nets!
Becky