Sunny Birder

Sunny Birder

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It's all right

Lennon, Harrison & McCartney

I was sure this was a Green-veined White Butterfly then couldn't find the spot on the wing when I came to look at the image.  Then remembered that early forms often don't have the spot.   This one is on Cuckooflower

One of a couple of very faded Peacock Butterflies

26^th May.  Sam and I spent a few hours in Gosforth Park Nature Reserve today and had the place almost to ourselves bumping into only two other people in there.  To have such peace and quiet on such a wonderful day is worth the membership subscription, even before adding any other benefits.  We explored some areas not looked at by us before.  Of course the reed-beds were alive with the song and calls of Sedge and Reed Warblers and we managed good sightings of both especially two Reed Warblers in one of the willows.  Common Terns flew over the pond and several were on the nesting platform. Swallows, House Martins and Swifts fed over the pond. One Swallow rested on top of a reed for some minutes before flying off.  Jays made there usual harsh calls across the reserve.  Butterflies that caught the eye were Green Veined White, Orange Tip, Peacock and Speckled Wood.  I had a brief sighting of a Common/Pygmy Shrew almost at my feet before it scuttled into hiding.  A couple of Song Thrushes were seen.  A very enjoyable few hours in the sun.

Enjoying the sun

Germander Speedwell?  Been a bit neglectful of botanical matters recently and its so easy to forget.  Stunning blue.

On my return I took the chance of a little practice with the macro lens in the garden.  Some interesting results.  A few are shown below.