They were greeted on arrival, not just by me, but by several Swifts flying spectacularly overhead catching insects in mid air. Scoutmaster, Guy Thompson, explained how these incredible birds only touch down to lay their eggs, everything else being achieved on the wing. Even sleeping!
We then hunted for Orange Tip caterpillars and Ladybird larvae/ pupae in the vegetation near the gate, and various other things were spotted on the way to the bird hide. We heard more birds than we saw but benefited from the coincidental arrival at the hide of Tim Earl, a professional ornithologist resident on the Island, who was able to tell us some interesting facts and figures. I handed over my GPS to one of the Scouts so that whatever we spotted could be given a grid reference and recorded. These are listed below in the usual way together with photos, some taken by one of the Scouts with my camera. Thanks for your help, guys!
Time flew by almost as quickly as the Swifts overhead and we were soon back at the gate and saying goodbye until next time.
With thanks to both the Scout leaders and to "The Explorers" - I enjoyed your company and sharing some of Ballachurry's secrets with you.
SC210694 House Sparrow; 7 x Swifts;
SC208694 family of Great Tits heard but not seen.
SC210694 7 x 7-spot Ladybird Larvae
SC210694 2 x Ladybird Pupae. 1 is 7-spot but the other may be a Harlequin Ladybird, so checking with the UK Ladybird Survey.
SC209694 7-spot Ladybird larva
SC210694 several butterfly caterpillars. Probably Small Tortoiseshell but could be Peacock, too small to tell at this stage.
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| House Sparrow |
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| Butterfly caterpillars in the nettles |
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| close up of the caterpillars |
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| 7-spot Ladybird larva |
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| Ladybird pupa |
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| and another - could be a Harlequin? |
