big wood

 

14th April, trip to Saltoun Big Wood.

Not sure what prompted this, possibly the fact the berlingo needs taken out and exercised every 6 weeks, especially in cold damp weather. Since all of March and April were cold and damp we drove to Saltoun Big Wood. Weather was okay but not quite warm enough for butterflies, although there were quite a few peacocks especially near willow catkins and dandelions.

We parked the van down the road at West Saltoun and walked up the road between East and West Saltoun. The end of road parking had looked muddy and rutted and we didn't want to lose the catalytic converter off the bottom of the car.

bee-fly

We hoped to see a few commas. End of last season here (early September) was spectacular for them and the anticipation was that a few would overwinter and pop up this month. Disappointing numbers but not zero which is, I suppose, something.

incoming!

whew, missed!

quite a few bee-flies about
they are so small there could have been loads

There were a couple of peacocks at the log pile past the large pond on the right. I seemed to remember lots on the willow catkins here last year. Like a dozen. It could have been later in the year, or just warmer. I think most of the following pics were of the same peacock, as many had large pieces missing presumably from bird strikes.

Instead of leaving by the main driveway and entrance off the Saltoun road we left by the small trail that descends to the river and exits near the bridge on the far side of West Saltoun. It made a more interesting walk back to where we'd parked the vehicle.

I was impressed Mary opted for more butterfly hunting and drove us home via Postman's Walk hoping the lower ground may be better for less breeze and more butterflies. Sadly, it wasn't! But you can never be sure without checking. It probably added another mile or 2 to the day out, and was perfectly pleasant. Oh well, you can't win 'em all. 

still smiling!

a handful of miles round a lovely place for a walk