Natural highs and lows

A slow start today, before a drive south to the village of Potton and a trip to RSPB Headquarters with Ruth. The coolness of an early autumnal dawn had gave way to a pleasantly warm morning. The three of us set off around the heath, stopping occasionally to photograph the heather, flowers and insects. Megan spotted a large beetle on a pathside sign. It wasn't, as I had first thought, a shield bug, but in fact was a Western Conifer Seed Beetle. This, we later learned, was an accidental introduction to the UK (in 2007) from the west coast of North America. I found a very fresh Fly Agaric, yet to be gnawed by anything. Definitely worth a photo. We wandered through the gardens of the HQ building, and just before we returned to the car park, we discovered a dung beetle on the path. Later attempts at an ID suggested it was a Minotaur Beetle. Ruth was enjoying the day out, as little Louis was in Pre School, so we went to a pub for a wonderfu...

During the night, about 3am, we were awakened by a Tawny Owl, calling loudly from quite close. "Ke-wick, ke-wick, ke-wick." The day properly began with an email requesting that I complete a survey. As it concerned the Big Garden Bird Watch and volunteering for the RSPB, I decided to contribute my twopenn'orth. A few minutes later, I arrived at the final questions which included "Which age group are you?" For the first time ever, I realised that I was in the last group, which was a bit of a moment. Daughter Ruth and grandson Louis visited us today, and we all ventured to Fineshade Wood, a site which I hadn't previously been to. In early Summer, it is a Mecca for butterfly enthusiasts, as Fineshade is home to a thriving colony of Purple Emperors. Not in mid October though. However, we had a lovely lunch at the cafe, then wandered along one of the waymarked trails. We saw several Migrant Hawker and Common Darter dragonflies, a few species of plant t...

Today, we were supposed to have a family get together at a country park. Elder daughter, Sally, was driving down from Lincolnshire, younger daughter Ruth (plus her son Louis) would be heading north from Bedfordshire, and Megan and I would saunter across from Rutlandshire to all meet up in the Soke of Peterborough. Just as we were about to leave our accommodation, Ruth phoned to say that she couldn't start her car, so we revised the plan and all met up at her house. I behaved dadly and attempted to diagnose the problem, which appeared to be either a faulty starter motor or a dead battery. We all wandered through the narrow streets of Potton to a cafe for lunch, then on the way back I purchased a set of jump leads. With these, we were able to start Ruth's car and prove it had been a flat battery all along. Grandson kept us all entertained with his energy, songs, toys and games. We will attempt the country park again tomorrow.

Despite not having to rise early to give Mocha the cat her medicines and breakfast, I did manage to be up and about just after dawn this morning. Today we met up with good friend Alan (who visited us earlier in the Summer), at Stanwick Lakes Nature Reserve, near Raunds.  Although it was a warm day, the odes were few, but we found plenty else of interest. More birds were added to the holiday list, flowers were identified, the many patterns of Harlequin Ladybirds were photographed and we spotted three Otters, probably a mum and two cubs. There were several visits to the cafe, as is only right and proper. Alas, I am too tired to wrangle with video footage of the Otters, but here are a few views of the Reserve. The other highlight of the day was standing within three metres of the UK's loudest songbird, the Cetti's Warbler, as it belted out its "song". They sing from deep cover, so although we occasionally saw a bit of veget...

After our day's travelling yesterday, we did not rise early this morning, so I missed the opportunity for a sunrise photo. However, here I am, a shadow of my former self, taking the morning air before we spent the day at the Anglian Water Birding Centre at Rutland Water. Whilst the day's main focus was the avian interest, inevitably there was much else to sample: flowers, fungi, trees, insects and sausage rolls. We managed to see a lifer, a Pectoral Sandpiper, and spotted four species of odes: Common Darter, Migrant Hawker, Willow Emerald Damselfly and Southern Hawker. Too many photos to go through, but here's a brief taster: Spindle tree, Hornet and a 7-spot Ladybird. Apologies, I have not figured out comments and replies yet. I must give a special mention to the Chicken and Ham Pie at the Coach House Inn at South Luffenham. Pastry and filling were superb.

It is after 9pm, we're ensconced in a little wooden lodge near Rutland Water, having left Stromness aboard the mv Hamnavoe shortly before 6.30am. Thankfully, the crossing to Scrabster on the Scottish mainland was smooth. The drive to Inverness Airport was a little more stressful, owing to roadworks on the A9 (convoy system in operation) and an unexpected 40 minute detour when an accident closed the Cromarty Firth bridge. There were some lovely Autumn colours, lit by a low sun, and we managed to catch our flight to Birmingham. Then there was the small matter of negotiating the motorway system of the English Midlands, before finally arriving at our abode for the next week, just as the sun was setting. Following a much-needed shower and then a pub meal, I have just enough energy left for a quick blogpost. We shall sleep soundly and perhaps be a little more communicative tomorrow.