17-10-26 Second last day of sunshine in this three day spell of high pressure. Also the second last butterfly of the year I got close to*, barring any outliers which can happen right into the first week of November. Feeling tired from all the activity of yesterday's trip to Errol, I took it easy with just another wander along to the Botanics with Mary. It was perfectly pleasant although it felt a little frustrating due to a distinct lack of insects (and birds) to photo despite the sunshine.
*There were a couple of sightings of distant RAs which I have not counted. See bottom of this page.
*There were a couple of sightings of distant RAs which I have not counted. See bottom of this page.
I can never resist photographing the Pilrig Street berries with their backdrop of warmorange although that paintwork is beginning to fade and smear and really needs another coat. Often the blackbirds will feed here but I've never yet seen waxwings arrive in time to enjoy them. It always gets my mind churning about waxwings (link from last year's encounter) - those annual visitors. I saw an online post about them arriving in Fair Isle (between Orkney and Shetland) and wondered if they have plans to come further South. It is one of the few Winter treats actually worth keeping an eye on.
the heron at Canonmills gave me the tongue
bit rude!
Syrphus hoverfly
not many about today
not many about today
woody taking a dip and splash
highlight of the day!
I saw something stirring in the flower bed and assumed it was a wren or dunnock hopping between flowers. I waited quietly and it turned out to be a mouse or vole which popped out very briefly, blinking hard in the bright light before disappearing back under the folliage. Mary missed this as she seemed to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
at the willow pond there was little of interest
though if I had realised this juv moorhen was casting such a sharp reflection
I'd have got a better shot of it
though if I had realised this juv moorhen was casting such a sharp reflection
I'd have got a better shot of it
autumn colours all over, wherever you looked
collared earth star fungus
oval shaped honesty
Long hoverfly - Sphaerophoria scripta
as above
Syrphus ribesii
Being a Saturday the Queen Mother's garden was open. There wasn't much going on there and several bushes / flower clumps that often have hovers and the occasional butterfly were entirely absent of insects. We noticed the path round the side towards the glass houses was open and wandered round to the troughs of alpines next to the Palm Houses. (The Palm Houses are now open but at the weekend tends to be fully booked. Mary is not particularly interested so I'll do a visit and full review when I am on my own, on a weekday, and once the crowds thin.)
Almost right away we spotted this red admiral around the ceratostigma minus. I had forgotten there was one of those here - it is not that famous a butterfly hotspot but there have been the occasional late season admirals seen here and this one made me realise how excited about them I get. (Today did not feel like it had butterfly potential so this was a complete bonus.) Especially as it hung about for ages nectaring on the vivd blue flowers making for very cheerful images. Mary took some photos and was done long before I had half-filled my SD card with stills and video.
admirable!
soundtrack: Alice Lake by North Americans
soundtrack: Alice Lake by North Americans
some of the alpine beauties in the greenhouses there
We came out the greenhouse to find the admiral had settled on these odd looking plants that seem to sprout Tiny Turner wigs. It didn't sit there for long before returning to the blue flowers to nectar.
sarracenia leucophylla
On the way back I noticed these carnivorous pitcher plants which use a long stem as a pitfall trap for small insects which it then digests. They are pretty and always worth a close up.
Back in the Queen Mother's garden (should this now be called the King Grandmother's garden?) there were plenty of plants in good light but fewer insects.
red-tailed bumblebee
rose campion
Mary!
sometimes dead things are interesting to look at too!
moss on the wall at Canonmills catches the sun at this time of year
I'm sure I was taking these same photos here around now last year
I'm sure I was taking these same photos here around now last year
the grey wagtail has returned
although I struggled to get a decent photo that wasn't blown out and too contrasty
although I struggled to get a decent photo that wasn't blown out and too contrasty
heron as always lurking in the reeds
On the way back through Powderhall Rigg housing estate I saw 2 magpies who were picking insects from this pipe conduit hole in the brickwork. It meant they had to balance on the pipe while pecking out beasties and they were casting interesting shadows in the strong light as they used their wings like a tightrope-walker's pole.
and away!
sparrow
I had got out the habit of checking the buddleias at Powderhall since they finished flowering, but then as I was passing an admiral (on the ground) flew up and away. I noticed it landed on a large bush of ivy atop the nearby high wall and there was a second RA beside it. I struggled to get decent photos as they were miles away. Nice to know where they are hanging out.
meanwhile Mary was stood waiting at the top of that challengingly steep lane
but what was she taking a photo of?
Mary's photo
Mary used her street lens all day today. I was quite jealous and nearly got my 12~60 out as well - it was definitely a day for scenery and wide shots rather than distant birds in trees. But I suspected if I put the street lens on there'd be a kestrel or distant butterfly and I'd miss the shot. It shows how hooked I am to the reach of the 400mm zoom - my go-to lens.
And I loved the photo Mary took (above) - I've been meaning to take this pic for a while. I really like the poster which google lens has failed to identify. There is not text on the image and although similar to existing stuff, it is very striking. Not sure if it advertising art, hairdressing or photography. There have been various flyposting art people using street furniture to exhibit their work. I like it considerably more than spray paint which is usually lazy and more about ego than art.
I like the above photo for capturing the surroundings as well as the poster. Maybe next time I'll forgo the zoom lens and mainly use the 12~60. Last time was at Jupiter Artland and I always really enjoy the flexibility of the wide angle as it has enough moderate zoom to be a good all-rounder. Works well for holiday scenery. Talking of which we are now considering the annual Winter break in Tenerife. Won't be till after the c-word though.
And I loved the photo Mary took (above) - I've been meaning to take this pic for a while. I really like the poster which google lens has failed to identify. There is not text on the image and although similar to existing stuff, it is very striking. Not sure if it advertising art, hairdressing or photography. There have been various flyposting art people using street furniture to exhibit their work. I like it considerably more than spray paint which is usually lazy and more about ego than art.
I like the above photo for capturing the surroundings as well as the poster. Maybe next time I'll forgo the zoom lens and mainly use the 12~60. Last time was at Jupiter Artland and I always really enjoy the flexibility of the wide angle as it has enough moderate zoom to be a good all-rounder. Works well for holiday scenery. Talking of which we are now considering the annual Winter break in Tenerife. Won't be till after the c-word though.
5.5miles in 3hrs37
