Not a Lot

Thursday, June 24 

We've had a rather long, and generally unremarkable day. It's not often that I am at a loss for something to write about. Why? I can't answer that either.  We started with the moth traps, more leps in number this morning, more species too, three of them as yet unidentified. We wanted to drive south down the coast, so we didn't stop to check the books. This lovely Bloodvein is our first this year and looks  newly hatched,

 

It was drizzling, with very low cloud when we set off, the low cloud became thick mist as we passed Criccieth, its clifftop castle barely visible. It's a 50+ mile drive to RSPB Ynys Hir reserve. Not far in distance, yet a difficult drive on busy roads through several conurbations. No views to admire, all was low cloud grey.

Shortly before reaching our destination. Dyfi, (No V in the welsh language, a single F makes the V sound, the Y is pronounced uh,) Ospreys signs kept appearing. An enormous roadside sign pointed the way to the car park. We did not resist.  

Dyfi Wildlife Centre, an energy efficient, sustainably built, fit-for-purpose centre, was due to open in 2020. I don't know that it did. This splendid building was open to-day. We watched an Osprey flying above the far trees - from the car park, before Pam went in to recce. It's a 500 metre walk to the viewing hide, which I decided not to attempt.

Shortly after leaving, the sign for Ynys Hir appeared. It's about half a mile off the road down a narrow lane. The car parking area had two Magpies, a Robin and a loudly singing Garden Warbler. The reserve is well known for its Pied Flycatchers - amongst other species. Pam spoke to a warden who, on completing the usual breeding survey, was horrified to find that there were even fewer birds than they'd anticipated, owing to the tremendous lack of insects on which to feed. The paucity of insects seems to be country wide.

We had to be sure of returning in time to take a moth trap to Glaslyn. The drive home was much better. Some sunshine, no rain and no mist, brought the stunning scenery to life. A climbing road, through towering hillsides, forests and scree slopes, with small, rushing, stony bedded, mountain streams. 

Back at Cae Glas in time for a cuppa before leaving again for Glaslyn, 16 miles away, with our portable moth trap and battery. The arrangement was that we would be there before six o'clock. It was a quarter of an hour before that when we arrived to find the entry gates padlocked. Neither had I received the promised phone call. We decided to wait, as we could see at least one car still inside. Dead on six, Heather got into the car and drove towards us before opening the gates. I don't know whether she'd forgotten.....Anyway, we drove in, over the railway line bridge and down to the Centre watchpoint. As always, Pam did all the work of setting up the trap out of the wind. Safe too we hope. 

A wall near the road entrance had small patches of this flower which we have not named yet. Maybe David B will know again? Thanks if anyone can help.

 

 

After a short inspection of Criccieth beach, we got home at seven o'clock. In time to watch most of Sri Lanka's 20/20 innings and all of England's. Another excellent performance with an easy win. Same as last night's match which I watched on SKY Go on my IPad - whilst France were playing Portugal at the Euros, 2-2 the result. England will be playing Germany next Tuesday. Wales will play Denmark on Saturday.


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