deer deer

 

02-03-26 - Bawsinch Nuture Reserve is often a decent bet for early butterflies. It is round the side of Duddingstone Loch and I wasn't really fit for a 10mile hike. (What a depressing admission from someone who used to run 53 mile long races.) I dusted off my bike (Suunto says the first bike ride in 3 weeks!) and carried it down the tenement stairs wondering if my back and leg issue would allow me to cycle. However it was just like riding a bike - you don't forget how to. I kinda knew this from the last time I had a bad back - cycling was relatively painless and much easier than walking. Although last time after half an hour on the bike I'd get off and struggle with the first mile of walking. Pretty much the same this time. But I thoroughly enjoyed scooting across town at huge speeds compared to limping to the Botanics.

Bawsinch is closed to the public. You have to join SWT to get a key. The best thing is that there are no dogs and dogwalkers allowed. No dog poop and no dogs chasing the birds and deer. The amount of wildlife isn't much different to that of the Innocent Railway and Holyrood Park / Duddingstone Loch but the no dogs thing is a deal-maker. Also by default no screaming kids, entitled teens or cowboy junkies and just a nice place to go chill with peace and quiet and hardly another soul in sight. Bliss!

I went over to the trail with ponds that runs parallel to the Innocent Railway cycle path. The butterbur and straw surrounding the ponds attracts butterflies. I caught sight of the second butterfly of the year, this peacock, near to there. I crept around it taking photos. Although I was a bit disappointed there was no sign of any more after that. Richard had seen a small tort a couple of days in a row and I was surprised on 2 recent visits to Bawsinch not to have come across this one (or others) which was in the same area as the peacock. I suppose I shouldn't complain!

I did actually have a few lovely moments. There was a fairly constant toothache in my right leg which just wouldn't let up (made worse by the cycle, alas.) I kept squatting and circling my hips as this gives a brief respite from the ever present nagging sciatica. But it was defo taking the edge off my tranquil nature bathing. 

Then through the trees I caught sight of a small herd of maybe 5 or 6 roe deer.

I didn't want to spook them but I also realised as I slowly went in their direction that they were much more calm than the deer you get down at Aberlady and Gullane way. They will go bounding away if you get within 100m. Whereas these deer showed no great fear and continued munching grass even though I was nearer than 30m. I suspect the no dogs thing made them less cautious. As I got closer they'd walk rather than bound away. They had certainly seen me but just weren't that bothered. For a moment I wondered if they got the sense I was walking wounded and not capable of giving chase, but I don't think I had been means tested and found wanting.

the velvet on this buck's antlers was shed/rubbed off
within a couple of days

Then I remembered about the butterflies and had a last visit past the butterbur pools. No luck! Quite a few bumblebees buzzing about, no further butterflies.

butterbur - favourite of early butterflies and bees

Early Bumblebee

looking across to Thomson's Tower in Dr. Neil's Garden
taken from Bawsinch as leaving

buff-tailed bumble

It was a bit of a faff to unpadlock my bike and cycle half a mile to Dr Neil's garden to re-padlock it there, on the opposite shore of Duddingston Loch, but worth it. Not for butterflies, which can often be found on the flowering heather clumps down near the water's edge. None there today, just more bumblebees. However the place was looking terrific. Like a smaller cousin of the Botanics this garden is immaculately maintained, free of charge to enter and a delightful place to wander round when the sun is shining. Lots of benches to sit and enjoy the birdsong and duck-calls from the Loch.

a shouty robin

I was on my way back out when I came across a small hareem of (female) pheasants. I got out the sunflower hearts and we did a quick photo session. No sign of the male today. I didn't hang about much longer as I had a plan to cycle across town to the Botanics and see if any more butterflies had appeared there. 

honey bee

video clips from Bawsinch and Dr Neil's

At the Botanics I started at the rock garden (near the East gate) and came across Alan who'd just found this peacock. It was lurking under these leaves and I was impressed he'd noticed it. I messaged Ken who was also lurking within the Botanics. Almost immediately the butterfly took off and we lost sight of it. However after a further search we found it atop some bushy evergreen. Where it stayed until Ken turned up. 

number 3 butterfly this year, 2nd peacock today

I went for a bit of a wander still hoping to see the RA I felt might be waiting for some sunshine to show itself and likely nectar on one of the many flowering rhododendrons. I went back to one of my favourites in the rhododendron copse but it was only host to flies and bumblebees. 

each time past I take a photo of this
Viburnum lantana - Wayfaring tree

buff-tailed?

starts with pink buds that lighten into nearly white flowers
often a hit with early red admirals, but not today

Eristalis tenax - Drone fly

dunnock by the Chinese Pond

greenfinch by same pond

kingfisher (f) by Willow Pond

I had intended to catch back up with Ken as I hadn't said goodbye but was by now beginning to ache after quite a long day and decided to head home. It was getting a bit overcast and cold. I was glad I'd had fun on the bike and it proved it was the best way to travel around town to various venues without parking troubles or navigating buses. Although I longed to be free of pain and get back to full mobility. Nice to scoot home quickly by bike, rather than limp another slow mile.

13miles cycled (and walked) in 5 hrs
Bawsinch bottom right, Botanics top left