Beachcombing at Sanaigmore

We set off on a glorious Monday afternoon on a beachcombing mission. We managed to find four things on our 'Eye-spy' sheets (Pied Wagtail, Ringed Plover, Mussel, Mermaids' Purses) and a whole host of other stuff too and learnt about what things should NOT be found on the beach. One of the most exciting finds was a small piece of flint which a young explorer found - not a common sight on our Islay beaches. We also learnt a lot about wild flowers, thanks to the inquisitiveness of our three regular visitors (Phil, Sandy and Carol from London). Just for them (and anyone else who is interested!) I am going to repeat the information about some of the flowers we saw on our walk. It certainly paid off taking my new book on the walk and thanks everyone for making it such an enjoyable exploration!

BIRDS
Oystercatcher, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Ringed Plover, Raven

FLORA
Eyebright, Red Bartsia, Monkey Flower, Wild Thyme, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle, Sandwort, Autumn Gentian, Common Centaury, Thrift (died back), Silverweed, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Self-heal, Water Forget-me-not, Lady's Bedstraw, Red Clover, Pineapple Mayweed, Yellow Rattle, Harebell, Common Sorrel, Redshank

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) - Euphrasia comes from the Greek for 'delight'. From the 14th Century onwards, because it resembles a bloodshot eye, the juice or distilled water was drfopped into the eye to improve eyesight. Drinking tea made from it was thought to aid mental clarity and enable one to detect those telling lies!

Redshank - The blotches on the leaves were thought to be drops of Christ's blood from the cross and as a result in parts of Ireland it was known as bloodweed and used to stop bleeding.

Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella) - The Latin name derives form its discoverer, Gentius, the pirate king of Illyria 180-167 BC, who was defeated and imprisoned by the Romans. It also goes by the name Dead Man's Mittens in Shetland, from its resemblance to fingernails protruding form the ground!

INSECTS
Grayling (possibly), Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Shieldbug sp, Meadow Grasshopper

BEACHCOMBING
Mussel shell, Shore Crab shell, Piecrust Crab shell, Dogfish eggcase, Skate eggcase, Flint, limpets, rib bone, other bones! part of al obster claw, Purple Topshell