Islay Welly Walks - Upper Killeyan to Lower Killeyan

On our walk yesterday we saw lots of Marsh Fritillary caterpillars, but no adults. They are a long way behind their counterparts down south, where butterflies have been on the wing for a couple of weeks. Still, we were encouraged by the presence of many caterpillars - some quite large, indicating that still more have already pupated and will emerge as beautiful butterflies within the next couple of weeks.

We also saw at least four big, hairy Garden Tiger Moth caterpillars on our cliff top walk and, upon our descent to the beach, were rewarded by a glorious vista of the blue ocean and a carpet of multi-coloured flora, incuding bright, sunny Marsh Marigolds and some beautiful deep purple Early Purple Orchids.

See you on the next welly walk! But, if you can't wait till Monday - give me a ring or email and I'll get the wellies out . . .

Early Purple Orchid - Orchis mascula

Garden Tiger Moth larva

Marsh Fritillary larva

Weekly Welly Walk

Tomorrow's weekly welly walk will be from Upper Killeyan to Lower Killeyan, meeting at the RSPB car park at 10.30 am. We'll be looking for Marsh Fritillary butterflies so hopefully the good forecast will materialise! We may go a bit further to Dun Mor Ghil if time and people allow! The walk should last around 4 hours and cost £15 per person. Don't forget your lunch and suitable footwear : )

Islay Welly Walks Weekly Walks!

Our weekly Monday walks begin on Monday 19th May with a 3 - 4 hour circular walk at Ardnave, similar to that advertised on our website.
Meet at 10.30 am at Ardnave Loch. Please bring your wellies, suitable waterproofs if necessary and your packed lunch!

Walk to Traigh Bhan

 On Monday we took Heather to Sanaigmore and Traigh Bhan, a beautiful location for a grave to mark a very sad event in shipping history.

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Paul and Heather at Cnoc an Tighe

Gully near Cnoc Uamh nam Fear

Grave at Traigh Bhan

BIRDS

Ringed Plover, Wheatear, Chough, Stonechat, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Sand Martin, Meadow Pipit, Raven, Hooded Crow, Pheasant, Eider, Skylark, Wren

FLORA

Milkwort, Lousewort, Heather, Cross-leaved Heath, Butterwort, Lesser Celandine, Marsh Marigold, Water Mint, Thrift, Round-leaved Sundew

INSECTS AND INVERTEBRAE

Green Hairstreak, Emperor Moth (female), Marsh Fritillary Caterpillars, Shield Bug sp., spider sp