frog aid

a frog in the hand is worth .... ? For some reason we have had an invasion of frogs indoors, so we gently escort them out.

meadow magic

The sun brought out the butterflies today, they must be getting desperate! The range and balance of wild flowers in Greenscombe (I am never quite sure whether this is spelt with one 'o' or two) meadows are always slightly different year to year. This year there are lots of ox eye daisies, and dozens of butterfly orchids (great and small). There are dozens of heath fritillaries, so it seems that they are now well established in this tiny spot.

The characteristic feature of the heath fritillary is a black spot in section S2 of the underneath of the fore-wing. This is not visible in the bottom photograph (typical!) but at least it shows a good view of the patterns underneath the wings.

Royal Cornwall Show 2012 3

we always like to check out the opposition (no lurchers allowed, pedigree chums only)

and one of the highlights are all the old steam and traction engines, alongside massive new tractors, a snip at £150,000.

Royal Cornwall Show 2012 2

Prime beef big boy exhausted after taking first prize, and sheep walking. Even by our grim standards the weather has been foul, and the sheep marquee was wrecked by the wind. Not that that stopped anyone from having a great day out.

Royal Cornwall Show 2012 1

prize winning pigs taking a quick nap, and some pig fanciers in a nearby stall (taken with permission!)

wagtails

our grounds are so full of birds now they even want to coming shopping with us to make sure we get the right kind of quality birdseed. This is a very juvenile pied wagtail hitching a ride.