Seeing the Changes 621

More weird aseasonal weather after the big storm. Fly honeysuckle ( Lonicera xylosteum ) is still in bloom and the world is full of fungi. 

Defensive Caterpillar from Sikkim

A better view of the caterpillar that reacts to touch by 'growing horns'.

Himalayan Highlights

A bit of an absence in the Indian Himalayas (Sikkim). The students were excited by the mountains. The mountains, themselves were spectacular. We ran the moth trap, as usual, and caught some impressive moths. We also caught a stray dog. A Praying mantis came to examine our Kestrel recording equipment. We spotted a monster, hairy caterpillar and a green one that generated horns and a smell when threatened. Butterflies were spectacular with a Red lacewing, a Stripped blue crow, a Dark ceruleon, a Red-base jezebel and a brown with blue spots on its tail. We were visited in our accommodation by a Himalayan squirrel and the students enjoyed dressing up as Tibetans.

Birder's Bonus 135

The Canada geese (Branta canadensis ) appear to be moving from the wetlands and passing over Loughor. Much like my going off to Sikkim for 2 weeks.

Seeing the Changes 620

Visited in Loughor by The Vestal (Rhodometra sacaria ).

Seeing the Changes 619

The torrential rain in Loughor has generated a mass out-break of fungi (probably Common funnel Clitocybe gibba ).