Seeing the Changes 610

On Sunday, we went to Oxwich on the Gower, There were signs of the recent heat-wave but Marsh helleborine (Epipactis palustris), Rest-harrow (Ononis repens), Sea holly (Eryngium maritima), Wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and Pignut (Conopodium majus) were much in evidence, many attracting insects. The Stone bramble (Rubus saxatilis) fruit was much riper than the Bramble equivalent. There were masses of Common field grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus), Small blue butterflies (Cupido minimus) and Small skipper (Thymelicus flavus). Gatekeeper butterflies (Pyronia tithonus) were mating as were Six-spot burnet moths (Zygaena filipendulae) as the female emerged from her pupa. There were many Sloe bugs (Dolycoris baccarum) and umbellifers showed beetlemania, including Cteniopus sulphureus).

Burning Brighter?

There is an interesting newspaper story about local Nepalese being recruited to 'hunt' poachers of tigers in their Himalayan region (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jul/28/tigers-extinct-endangered-patrol-nepal?INTCMP=SRCH). It is claimed that the action has led to a "small but encouraging rise in tiger numbers". The poachers, of course, are very heavily financially rewarded by selling tiger parts (especially the bones) for Chinese medicine and getting the locals to appreciate their 'star' conservation subjects can be an effective strategy. The presence of tigers might well increase tourism to the region. Given, however, experiences with other poached species (e.g. Elephant and Rhinoceros), one can't help but fear the poachers will ratchet up their 'game'. Their financial inducements might well increase. 

Seeing the Changes 609

More progress on fruit production with Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) coming into berry in Bynea. In Loughor, invaded by a Bordered beauty moth (Epione repandaria) and a male Yellow tail (Euproctis similis).

There's No Business Like Snow Business

Fashion sometimes appears to claim victims indirectly. Apparently, the burgeoning fashion for cashmere wool has led to a great increase in goat numbers in the mountains of Asia. Their requirement for vegetation has decimated the numbers of antelope in the region (which, along with also suffering Yaks, need the food), resulting in marked declines in the already rare and highly secretive Snow leopard that would feed on them  (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/jul/23/snow-leopards-yaks-cashmere-gaots-fashion?INTCMP=SRCH). So a top predator falls prey to the pashmina!

Seeing the Changes 608

There were masses of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) in Gorseinon. The Hazel (Corylus avellana) was producing nuts and the Field rose (Rosa arvensis), hips. Also got a nice shot of a Gatekeeper butterfly (Pyronia tithonus) there. In Bynea, Traveller's joy (Clematis vitalba) was in flower and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus) berries starting to ripen.

Birder's Bonus 133

A Great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major) arrived to eat the peanuts in my Loughor garden.

Moth-Eaten?

A Rosy footman (Miltochrista miniata) moth deposited some eggs on my PVC door in Loughor. I presume they wont be able to nosh their way through that!