Seeing the Changes 268

There were sudden changes at the NWCW at Penclacwydd. The Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) had burst into leaf and the Aspen (Populus tremula) was covered in catkins. Spotted my first Red campion (Silene dioica), Cowslip (Primula veris), Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) and Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) of the year. There were also first sightings of Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria), female Brimstone (Gonepterix rhamni) and patrolling male Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) butterflies. Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) were also about. There were also lots of Common mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings with their mothers as well as a few Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) chicks trying to interest 'parent' birds. In Bynea, Red clover (Trifolium pratense) was in bloom.