Back on dry land

The Safari is back on terra firma today but we have a couple of 'left-overs' from yesterdays nautical adventures. A first summer (2CY) Kittiwake in abysmal light. Anyway on with today's safaris. Out on the estate early doors we found White Dead Nettle.

And one of the species of Solomon's Seal. Anyone know how it got its name? We haven't got a clue!

A plumbing malfunction enforced latrer than anticipated venture out gave us the oportunity to walk up the drive in sunshine. This remarkable event had brought out four butterflies, two 'whites' a male Orange Tip and this Red Admiral.

Frank was even treated to a mid-morning game of ball, which he seems to have enjoyed. An afternoon safari to look for Red Squirrels was unsuccessful but we did finfd this strange beast. It was grwing under dense Yew canopy with a very limited ground flora of suckers of White Poplars...point us in the right direction someone...a Broomrape?


Further round the nature trail we saw these leaf mines on Hogweed - over to you Dean...

The Red squirrel feeding station was mammal-less but the birds were very busy. Here we have an acrobatic Nuthatch.

Followed by a Blue Tit and Coal Tit.

Wooly bullies come in colours other than 'standard' brown...

And finally the obligatory view of the old bridge (still in use - been over it several times) at Coldstream, complete with Salmon fisherman and his Ghillie...wonder how much that's costing him a day...could be as much as a grand or so!!!

Where to next? Last full day tomorrow and the weather is set to take a turn for the worse...for a change...again!!!

In the meantime let us know whose fishing for what in your outback.

Blogger is doing our fruit - anyone else suffering?