Are You Sitting Comfortably?

Saturday, June 27th 2015

Are you sitting comfortably?  (Only those of a less than young age will remember this comment!) Then I'll begin.

As has been mentioned the Cape Wrath team headed out across Arkengarthdale on Thursday.  On Friday they were follwed by those going to Edinburgh.  An unringed Golden Plover chick was found, missed by the Thursday travellers!  It now sports a ring!

News from the north today, sent by Adam, said that they have had good weather and spent the afternoon on Loch Borralie.

They ringed a good number of Herring, Common and Black-headed Gulls as well as some Sandwich Terns chicks, shown below.  These chicks are not long hatched, as you can still see their egg tooth that they use to help them hatch.

Back at Foxglove the warm weather encouraged the invertebrates to show themselves.  Taking a photograph of an orchid, it was not until it was downloaded that a little blue mark was noticed. When this was enlarged it was found to be a tiny insect.

We are either becoming more observant or there are more Cardinal Beetles around, as they are seen more frequently.  This one co-operated and turned sideways on so his toothed antenna can be seen and also his large jaws which he uses to catch and eat other insects. His red colour protects him from predators as they think he is toxic.

Foxgloves are coming into flower and their pink stems can be seen in many places around the reserve.  In one flower a spider in its web, has taken up residence!

Dog Daisies make a beautiful show opposite the heath.  Sometimes, if they are examined closely, a variety of insects can be found on them.  Some are feeding from the pollen and nectar, whilst others await prey!  These insects have very long legs.

The bee saga continues.  On arrival this morning the bees were checked to see that all was calm.  A blue dot moved!  A closer look and yes the Queen is back in the hive!  There are still queen cells in the hive.

What happens next?

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