Seeing the Changes 376

In Bynea, Oxford ragwort (Senecio squalidis), a white umbellifer, Wild raddish (Raphanus raphanistrum), Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Heath speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Common cleavers (Gallium aparine), Greater celandine (Chalidonium majus), Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca),  Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), Silverweed (Potentilla anserine), Black medick (Medicago lupulina) and Red clover (Trifolium pratense) were all in flower. In Loughor, the flowers of Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) were complete and Wood forgetmenot (Myosotis sylvatica) were in flower. Also visited by a Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) and noted that all the Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) were furnished with foral 'candles'.

Seeing the Changes 375

In Swansea, there were lots of Spanish bluebells (Endymion hispanicus), Ramsons (Allium ursinum), Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris) and Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum). Common scurvy-grass (Cochlearia officinalis) was in bloom in Westcross. There were masses of Dandelion (Taraxacum spp) clocks on the shore at Blackpill as well as Common vetch (Vicia sativa) in flower. There was lots of Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria tircis) activity in Swansea and Loughor. There was also a Bee fly (Bombylius spp) in Swansea.

Birder's Bonus 95

In Escalles near Calais got some nice shots of a Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) and noted lots of Swallow activity on cliffs. In Carrefour in the Cite d'Europe shopping centre, House sparrows (Passer domesticus) appear to have established themselves.

Seeing the Changes 374

 Lots of flowers in bloom besides the lakes at Oud Loosdrecht (the Netherlands) including White dead nettle (Lamium album) and the strange Common broomrape (Orobanche minor). There were also some impressive Gnats.

Birder's Bonus 94

In Oud Loosdrecht, near the lakes spotted my first Swallow (Hirundo rustica) of the summer.

Birder's Bonus 93

One unusual spin-off from the bulb fields in Keukenhof (near Amsterdam) is a Great-crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) patrolling the waterways.

Seeing the Changes 373

In Utrecht, there were also masses of Wood anemones and strange water-associated flying insects (Stone flies?).