Waxcap #4 for 2021

The last of the three expected early season Waxcaps - the Dingy Waxcap. In the East Field in its usual spot - a very reliable fruiter!

Waxcap #3 for 2021

As expected the Citrine Waxcap has made an early showing. In both East and West fields at the moment.

I'd like them more if they stopped eating orchids

The young fawn skittishly following its mother was nice to watch - if only they would leave the orchids alone......

New Species - Mint Leaf Beetle

I found a small (7-8mm) mettalic green beetle on my shirt and tried to id it. Eventually I decided it was a Mint Leaf Beetle (Chrysolina herbacea) but it didn't seem to have a lot of Welsh records and didn't recollect having any mint. However the id was supported by someone who knows beetles and I found (by smell initially) a large patch of mint just be the house. Case solv-ed.

Waxcap #2 for 2021

One of the expected early season waxcaps - the Fibrous Waxcap (Hygrocybe intermedia), loud and proud in the West Field

Local site - big hit of Pyramidal Orchids

Not on The Narth but the closest limestone protected site is Dixton Embankment whcih is just full of Orchids at the moment, not to mention more Marbeled Whites than you can point a stick at and other floral lime specialists such as Yellow Wort. Here's a photo of a whole stack of Pyramidal Orchids.

Marbled White back

I saw my first Marbled White on 27th June - a little later than last year. With the weather being rather cold and overcast I am not sure that others will follow until it brightens up. The photo is an old one taken in sunnier weather.