What a Day!

Sunday, August 30th 2015

The title and photos for the blog today, had already been decided, Carnivores!  However people went out and about and came back with species galore so the blog has changed!

Grass of Parnassus as can be seen from the photograph is not a grass at all.  It has five stamens, which alternate around the centre of the flower, with the same number of delicately fringed modified stamens.  It is fainly scented like honey and this along with the veins on the petals attract insect pollinators.

Some flowers have already set seed.

One species that does fit under the carnivore umbrella is this Eyed Ladybird, found sitting on the rail of a bridge along Risedale Beck.

Ann and Lesley went for a walk armed with cameras and came back with this fantastic caterpillar.  For once the markings and long hairs made it easy to ID.  It is an Alder Moth, last recorded on the reserve as an adult in 2008.

They also spotted a prominent moth sp caterpillar and it was photographed by Brian.  We will try to ID this moth.

 It is the time of year when early morning visits to the Crater, out on the training area, take place to ring the Meadow Pipits.  They come to the area to feed and the majority caught are juvenile birds.  So far they have been in short supply, but today the first one was caught! 

And no apologies for another photograph of the third one ringed!  They are beautiful birds.

Thank you to everyone for providing sightings and photographs for the blog.

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