Just Looking

Saturday, August 12th 2017

Hazel nuts are still ripening. I suspect that the Grey Squirrels have checked them for ripeness and readiness to eat, as one or two empty shells have been found, but have found that they are not quite right for a feast. Soon the ground will be covered by empty shells.

Ripening Hazel nuts

Whilst looking under the Hazel leaves the tiny new catkins could be seen growing.

Hazel catkins

It is always interesting to look under tree leaves, especially if they are full of holes. In most cases you find very little, but sometimes you get a surprise, a spider in her nest looking after her egg case.

Spider in nest with egg case

Bridge rails are places where a variety of bugs may be found. We usually prefer to take photographs of bugs and insects against a green leafy background, but the hairs on this Pale Tussock Moth caterpillar rather deterred us from touching it!

Pale Tussock Moth Caterpillar

Always a joy to see at this time of year is the Grass of Parnassus.

Grass of Parnassus

We try and do like to be scientific, but when faced with this photograph we just had to wonder what they were talking about!

Skipper butterflies in conversation

Some of the Swaledale Bird Ringing Group are heading to Norway for a week, to ring birds. They are going to Dividal National Park, (68°38′N 19°52′E) which covers an area of 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi). It was opened in 1971 with the intention of preserving a very little disturbed inland valley and mountain area. It is south of Tromso and inside the Arctic Circle. (If I have my geography correct.) There are no communications so we will have to wait for their return, with cameras full of photographs. We wish them safe journeys and an excellent week of bird ringing.

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