Seeing the Changes 1342

Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara) flowers in Loughor.

Seeing the Changes 1341

 

In Bynea, Cut-leaved cranesbill (Geranium dissectum) was much in evidence and the southern marsh orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) were much more impressive nearer Penclacwydd. In that further location, web-nests of the Lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria); female and male Oedemera nobilis beetles active on the buttercups were spotted as well as a female Common blue damselfly (Enallagma cyathigerum) and a Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) in flight.

Age Discrepancy?

It doesn't bode well that, when the younger generation are protesting about climate change in record numbers (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/may/24/latest-global-school-climate-strikes-expected-to-beat-turnout-record), their 'elders and betters' in the UK and elsewhere are, reportedly voting in large numbers for 'strong leaders' who are often associated with climate change denial.

Special Delivery

For the first time in ages, a pair of White stork in an Oak tree in Sussex are reportedly sitting on 3 eggs (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/may/22/white-storks-could-become-first-to-breed-in-wild-in-uk-for-centuries). There might actually be a re-introduction of this flagship species.

Seeing the Changes 1340

In Loughor, the escaped Pencilled cranesbill (Geranium versicolor) was in bloom. In Bynea, stunted Southern marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and Buckshorn plantain (Plantago coronopus) were flowering. A silica-encrusted Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) was being destroyed by Mullein moth (Cuculia verbasci) larvae.

Seeing the Changes 1339

In Three Crosses, Yellow iris (Iris pseudocorus) was in bloom.

Mum's the Word?

A study showing that dominant Bonobo mothers give their sons a 'leg up' by facilitating their matings (perhaps it should be called a 'leg over?) makes good evolutionary sense (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/20/pushy-bonobo-mothers-help-sons-find-sexual-partners-scientists-find). The mothers reportedly usher their boys into locations where fertile females are found and even attack other males who attempt to join in the activity. She, of course, shares 50% of her genes with her son and every fertilisation passes on 25% of these genes.