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 wonderful lunch.
Back at Chez Ruth, Dad was tasked with replacing the flat battery in her car, and then it was time to go and collect Louis from Pre School.
Before we left to head back to our accommodation, there was time for Louis to sing Happy Birthday to his granddad and everyone to have some chocolate cake.
Tomorrow is a day for packing, another brief trip to Rutland Water, driving to Birmingham to return the hire car and booking into an airport hotel for the night.
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