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Showing posts from July 26, 2020

On mans Weeds anothers' Wildflowers; Saturday 1st August 2020

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There are a profusion of yellow coloured flowers on show along the coast at the moment, this particular bank of "weeds" was particularly interesting. Hoary Mustard With Ragwort, Hoary Mustard, Wild Parsnip, Evening Primrose, Great Mullein, and Autumn Hawksbit in  the mix. Great Mullein flower close up Ragwort and Cinnabar Moth caterpillars The Ragwort had a few Cinnabar Moth Caterpillars, just one of the 87 or so invertebrates which rely on the plant for survival; whilst the Great Mullein showed some signs of being attacked by the Mullein moth caterpillar. Plenty of other wildlife about with Holly Blue, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Large White Butterflies all on the wing, and recently born Viviparous (common) Lizards on the wooden wall near the main access to the beach at Pembrey Country Park, a few adults were also on show, this lizard has a highly variable pattern of markings making for quite a show. Also on the wall was a very nice Rob

Autumn is here:- 27th July 2020

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Not so fast some may think, however in the natural world the signs of the changing seasons are all around, not least along the coastline. An hour on Cefn Sidan showed just what is happening with waders breeding in the sub-Arctic regions already back on the beach, with 170 Sanderling and c30 Dunlin, many moulting from summer plumage into the drab winter plumage. Sanderling Juvenile Black-headed, Herring, Lesser Black-back and Greater Black-backed gulls forming large mixed flocks with a few Mediterranean Gulls in the mix. The recent unsettled weather with well timed high water has, as usual brought Gannets and Manx Shearwaters in close. While all this is going on second brood Holly Blue butterflies are around Pembrey Country Park along with Dark Green Fritillaries. Most flowers are "going over" however look closely and there are plenty still to be found, Yarrow in both white and pink forms is plentiful, with Common Mallow, Restharrow, Wild Carrot being some of the m