Can't escape without some wildlife, sadly no otters!
Birds' feet are masterpieces of art and engineering, the gull is basically a clawed hunter scavenger. Moorhens are my favourite, I must chase some for good photo. They're becoming less shy along the canal.
White Ermine Moth, Spilosoma lubricopeda, has an unexpected yellow patch on its abdomen, and collects plant toxins for its own protection..
Carnivorous sundew, Drosera intermedia (L) rotundifolia (R) not quite maneaters but maybe useful for midges.
Early Purple orchid, Orchis mascula.
Ragged Robin, Lychnis flos-cuculi. Quite uncommon nowadays, drainage for "improving" land led to habitat loss, so always pleasing to see. The Latin means "cuckoo flower", but that's the usual common name for Cardamine pratensis, sometimes known as "Lady's Smock", no idea why. Don't muddle with "Lady's Mantle" Various species of Alchemilla. Anyone else confused?
My old friend not-very Common not-always Spotted Orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Always pleasing to see. Heath Spotteds are said to be common there, and sometimes hard to differentiate, but have a less toothy lip.
No comments:
Post a Comment