birds and bugs at warriston

 

Yet again more snaps from Warriston cemetery. This was on the 21st March and interesting to have company for a change. It started as a solo trip though, and I think reasonably early as I wanted to catch the wrens in the act - they tend to disappear earlier than most. 

a few flowers showing themselves as early signs of Spring

quite a few insects about as well

I'll often see specific stones I haven't noticed before
when the sun strikes them or picks out details

lots of the usual suspects at the feeding tables

fritillaries about to bloom

and then Andrew and Unda appeared

We went back to the feeding tables for a bit then slowly made our way round most of the areas. There was chat about birds not having "suck". At the drinking bowl (a re-purposed frying pan without handle?) the blackbird was dipping its (slightly open) beak into the water then tilting its head back. I told them my pal George had mentioned pigeons are unique for having suck and don't need to do that tilting back thing to drink. Andrew suggested maybe that was why they would kiss. I had never really noticed or taken note. But we were about to get a vivid lesson. 

robin and angel

bullfinch

not a ladybird

And we found an area rich with ladybirds. I have been struggling to find ladybirds in the headstones and it helped to have 3 pairs of eyes looking. Near the crypts every second stonecarving seemed to have small occupants. We began to see them everywhere!

Andrew found a shieldbug

another stone I only noticed once the sun showed it off

the East gate robin

This chap seems to have gone walkabout last couple of times I have been there. It is very tricky trying to tell the robins apart (although one is ringed which makes it easier) and I have half a feeling the friendly one has shifted territory to over near the feeding table. Or has a couple of families on the go. But I really couldn't be sure. 

when you've left your hair colouring on too long

insects in the sunlight - a good sign

A&U noticed these perhaps otter prints in the riverside mud

and a woodpecker high in the trees down by the Water of Leith

wren

dunnock

Having just been discussing pigeons kissing - billing and cooing - we were then treated to this rather full-on display. Jeez they were really going at the snogging like a couple of hormonal teens at the disco and there did indeed seem to be no shortage of suck!

and one thing leads to another... 
quick! look away!

It was a very pleasant afternoon and although there was nothing that spectacular it was very nice to wander about chatting and just looking at the small things and taking photos in decent light. Late on, long after we had given up hope of seeing any butterflies, one flew up from near the crypts. We all watched in vain as it disappeared over the gravestones heading south. We quartered the area but it had done the magic portal thing and gone off to another dimension. I expect it will be back soon. Alan (another wildlifer) has photographed both small torts and peacocks there in the last week. It is all (s l o w l y) kicking off! Must hurry back!

treecreeper

blackbird with unusually red bill

shoe crow?