constitutionals

 

13th ~ 18th August

Mary and I are both a bit too crocked to run. So we find ourselves going out for walks - constitutionals - on days when we don't have anything else on and the sun is shining. It feels a bit like what we might be doing in 15 years time as pensioners - hobbling round a few favourite local venues. It is not a bad way to spend time but at the same time absolutely fucking awful. It is time we sorted ourselves out and got back running. Meanwhile here are 4 days when we were out with cameras to nearby locations and took some photos...

I suspect these rules are neither fully respected
or enforced at the Botanics

First up on the 13th was the Botanics. Quite a few trips there as M prefers flat walks to hilly and the plants and flowers are always cheerful. Sometimes a few butterflies and hoverflies, curiously not always. The sundial near the cafe has been surprisingly accurate of late. I think this shot was taken around 1.50.

echinacea

tempted to scoff some flowers

to cure my sciatica

we always enjoy seeing these

some nice wildflowers near the duck pond

moorhen chicks are fairly friendly
but we hadn't taken birdfood for once

dunnock on the scavenge as well

this overpriced small basin in a shop window nearby
always gets admired but would require matching accommodation

the Water of Leith is looking very lush currently

On the 14th we went to Calton New Burial Ground again. It is a bit steep for Mary's achy legs but the buddleia is in flower and attracts a good few butterflies. Almost puts the botanics to shame! Even though all the wild flowers are self seeded. Lots of valerian as well although no hummers as yet that we've seen. Nice to see a brand new Painted Lady there.

a few walls as well

I didn't expect to see a common darter. It was posing nicely on the buddleias and allowed me to get very close. The quality of photos is down on the usual - I have been carrying my Lumix bridge camera, not the G9, because it is so much lighter, as I suspect carrying a heavy backpack of camera and lenses is partially responsible for my sciatica and back problems.

We always enjoy the view over to Holyrood park

Next up on the 15th, the Botanics again. Still waiting for the purple torch to flower properly and there weren't that many butterflies about. These first 2: the admiral above and comma below were shot at Powderhall on the (distant) riverside buddleias before we reached the Botanics.

next to the beech hedge
good spot for pollinators

love these signs by Leith Academy
no idea what they mean

Being a Friday the Queen Mother's Garden was open. (It is otherwise closed except for weekends due to the work being carried out on the palm houses.) Usually good for a butterfly or 2, and in this case large whites and a painted lady.

large white

Mary, fast running out of enthusiasm

palm houses will be spectacular after the refurb

already looking great

heron hunting on Wol on way home

A solo trip to Warriston on the 16th. Not a huge amount going on but nice to see some end of season holly blues. The squirrel above was barking. Not sure why, it wasn't at me I don't think. Could be another squirrel. Or maybe the sparrowhawk.

nice to see the grey wagtail
- if it was the same one as always returns annually, after the breeding season

sleepy wren

holly blue female on rosebay willowherb

HB at the end of the crypts.

possibly the last one I'll see of the second brood
hopefully marks something of a return to the cemetery

the crows are always happy to pose for peanuts

squirrel silhouette
(squirroulette?)

stone carving catching the light

knackered old red admiral

cricket match next to the cyclepath on way home
red ball to side of wicket, not out

baby bullfinch gets fed by mother

made a mess of this as shutterspeed too slow and light was bad,
excuses, excuses!