magpie

the inedible magpie moth; it doesn't even bother to fly away. It is said to be very common but this is the first time I have seen one ... presumably this is because we just haven't been looking. Is a thing common only when you look for it? My experience is usually in the other direction, a thing is common until you try and find it (sales at Lidl spring to mind or bargain wines at Tesco's).

agrimony

this is the first time we have seen agrimony in the woods. This is a very versatile little plant, associated in Cornwall and Devon with magic and known as fairy's wand or fairy's rod (Aaron's rod by the more God fearing) It has been used to treat snake bites, poor sight, forgetfulness and curly tails. Dad's boot shown for size comparison.

brimstone and betony

flimsy but fast butterfly, in Penny's piece, in the sun. It was impossible to photograph with its wings open and us pushing our wet noses into have a closer look. 

spot's lost treasures

some early puff balls, summer is showing signs of becoming autumnal ... not yet please!

Harriet's season

when the sun came out today the hills were alive to the sound of butterfly wings flapping, the blues are probably common blue and silver studded blue but very pretty against the yellow ragwort and purple knapweed. The large orange butterfly is a slightly worn out dark green fritillary.

visitors enrapt

this morning's visitor, a young kestrel eyeing up a tasty fast food morsel at the bird table. Our surviving apple trees are cropping very heavily this year.