Bittern Bonanza...

After going to see the Green-winged Orchids at Silverdale Lots we popped in to Leighton Moss. We hadn't intended to, as we had the dog with us, but it was overcast, so we could leave him in the car for a wee while. And wow ...we hadn't expected to see anything special, with a lot of the ducks having left for the continent, however..... three different Bitterns in flight..Wow!...oh, and a couple of Bearded Reedlings flew over the reed tops too.

The first view of Bitterns was a pair flying over the reeds and then the third was a solitary bird. 

The reserve looked quite different from our last visit...lots of Yellow-flag Iris out in flower.

Great-crested Grebe on the nest.

In the centre of the photo there are two birds - Bitterns.

Bittern..and below...

..and one of several Marsh Harriers.

Green-winged Orchids: Silverdale Lots

There's just so much to do and see in May - especially when you have spent half of the month away! Anyway on Tuesday we had a trip down to South Cumbria/North Lancashire - and what a day it was! We began in Silverdale Lots, where there were still some Green-winged Orchids out - clearly it had been and still is a spectacular display! 

A paler specimen.

 

First 2024 Moth Trap

Back from holiday and a dry, still night, so time ot get the moth trap out. Just 10 species: Brimstone 2; Common Carpet 1; Flame Carpet 3; Garden Carpet 1; Mother of Pearl 1; Pale Tussock 1; Poplar Haw 3: Sandy Carpet 2; Scalloped Hazel 1 and Small Square-spot 1. 

Pale Tussock.

Brimstone.

Scalloped Hazel.

Poplar Hawk-moth.

 

Port Ellen

Our departure - and another glorious day! 

Hooded Crow on the beach.

Arriving ...

The  superyacht Kismet - only 3 million a week to hire!

The lighthouse.

Seeking shade.

Heading into Kennacraig.

Bridgend Woods

We haven't been to Islay quite this early in May, so it was lovely to see a haze of Bluebell-blue on many of our walks. When we have visited Bridgend Woods previously it has been for Snowdrops - this time though it was Bluebells.....and lichens (sadly on felled wood). 

Finlaggan: Home of the Lords of the Isles

Our second cultural stop was a visit to Finlaggan. Finlaggan was home ot the Mac Donald chiefs for almost 400 years from the 12th to 16th Century. The Lords of the Isles ruled western Scotland and met the Kings from Scotland, England and France as equals (https://islay.scot/finlaggan-home-of-the-lords-of-the-isles/). Today there are ruins and grave slabs still on site...

The bridge ot the island...

The chapel ruins.

Grave slab - under cover from the elements.

The slab ..

Portnahaven

Back 'home' and a glorious evening to catch up with local friends....and some Eider ducks...