Seeing the Changes 415

In Bynea, Common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) and Marsh sow-thistle (Sonchus palustris) were in flower.

Arctic Avarice?

Global warming appears to have stimulated 'exploitation fever' in the Arctic region. Even rich and civilised Norway (producing all their electricity from hydroelectric schemes) seems keen to grab much of the newly-accessible oil, precious stones, uranium, rare metals and gas as possible (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/damian-carrington-blog/2011/jul/06/norway-arctic-natural-resources?INTCMP=SRCH). This seems certain to exacerbate the effects of warming on that region as well as having profoundly detrimental effects on the organisms and peoples who operate in that icy region.

Toon Birds

Surprised to see lots of nesting Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) on the stone supports of the Tyne Bridge in the centre of Newcastle. They had also taken over all the surrounding offices and were voiding the guano. They must think it's a convenient cliff.

More Northern Days

Got some nice shots of a Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) at Tynemouth where I also noted nesting gulls near the North Pier. At Corbridge (Northumberland) there were masses of wild flowers near the Tyne including Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) and White campion (Silene alba).

Northern Days

Around Jesmond Dene in Newcastle, alien Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was in vogue as were Clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata) and Nettle-leaved bellflower (Campanula trachelium). In Newton Links in Northumberland, there was lots of Common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris) along with masses of Ladies bedstraw (Galium verum) and nesting Arctic terns (Sterna paradisaea) on the shore. Also got some nice shots of a Meadow pipit (Anthus pratensis) with a butterfly.

Seeing the Changes 414

Between Blackpill and Westcross, noted Crow garlic (Allium vineale), Golden samphire (Inula crithmoides) and Traveller's joy (Clematis vitalba) in flower. The Burnet rose (Rosa pimpinella) had turned to hips.

Krazy Kenfig

The day started with a striking Large emerald moth (Archiearis parthenias) in Loughor. Went on the Zoology trip to Kenfig where we saw Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), Early marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata) and Marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris). Critters included mating Dark green fritillaries (Mesoacidalia aglaja), Bee beetles (Trichius fasciatus), a Ruby tail (Chrysis ignita) and an orange-bodied Hymenopteran.