Sunday June 9th and the promised migration of Red Admirals and Painted Ladies arrived big style. I have heard tales from Norfolk to Aberdeenshire recording this influx. Super powerful RAs and PLs sweeping in on European winds. Who can tell if there are plans afoot to conquer these shores or if it's just a follow-the-wind-and-see-where-we-turn-up scenario. But they are here. And have had to tough out the rainy windy weather of late.
But it made the run a couple of Sunday's ago very pleasant as there were plenty handsome specimens to try to photograph. (2 weeks on and they are still here.) I got carried away and took far too many indiscriminate pics, really enjoying the feeling we are in the middle of a great revival. I'm sure the truth is more like the fields and coastal paths are barren compared to 50 years ago. But meanwhile the sun is shining and we should welcome these European migrants after their long and arduous journey here. Bonjour!
But it made the run a couple of Sunday's ago very pleasant as there were plenty handsome specimens to try to photograph. (2 weeks on and they are still here.) I got carried away and took far too many indiscriminate pics, really enjoying the feeling we are in the middle of a great revival. I'm sure the truth is more like the fields and coastal paths are barren compared to 50 years ago. But meanwhile the sun is shining and we should welcome these European migrants after their long and arduous journey here. Bonjour!
The small coppers at Luffness were kept busy reminding the much larger Painted Ladies who was here first and who's turf this rightly was!
On the way back down to the bridge at Aberlady we passed a mother deer suckling a baby deer. She was very nervous and keeping a wary eye on us. They have a habit of leaving the youngsters alone in the field while they go off foraging. I could see we were making her nervy so we didn't hang around too long or get too close taking photos.
On the way back down to the bridge at Aberlady we passed a mother deer suckling a baby deer. She was very nervous and keeping a wary eye on us. They have a habit of leaving the youngsters alone in the field while they go off foraging. I could see we were making her nervy so we didn't hang around too long or get too close taking photos.
When I saw this young seal way up the beach I thought it was dead (despite no obvious injuries,) so gave a bit of a jump when it fluttered and spluttered as I went close. There was no way to tell if it was ok or not. When we got back to our phones Mary called it in to the stranding people, but as we didn't request a follow up call, we have no idea what came to pass. It wasn't there next time I ran nearby a few days later.
was this bird really singing with a mouthful of caterpillar?
The sand and Sea Rocket on the shoreline made a great backdrop for the butterflies.
There were a couple of elderly peacocks near Gullane Point, looking like well worn library books. They seem to still be able to fly with remarkably little wingspan remaining. I think it is down to willpower more than aerodynamics. This one was happy to climb onto a warm hand on a coolish day, and was carefully replaced into the grass afterwards. There was a feeling that despite the coolness the Summer was well underway and the continual company of butterflies on our run seemed to confirm this. The good stuff feels just around the corner!
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