Canal Walk 9 6 2007 (2)

I love ferns and I love the way they grab a root-hold wherever thay can. These were growing on bridge ...er...31.

Irene is training for the 'Moonwalk' in Glasgow next weekend (all 26 miles of it) and Kevin is looking forward to fish and chips at Whelans.

I found this moth on the steps up from the canal on the way back. I will identify it later & post the results. Update: It's a White Ermine (Spilosoma lubricipeda). Lubricipeda means 'slippery foot' and refers to the caterpillar's habit of running about looking for a place to pupate. Food plants include dandelion & plantain. It is unpalatable to birds. ( This information is adapted from A Handguide to the Butterflies & Moths of Britain & Europe Wilkinson & Tweedie Treasure Press 1980 p93)

We also saw a Heron hunting frogs in a field and the odd Painted Lady butterfly adorning the Cow Parsley. There were hordes of delicate blue Damselflies but not a single dragonfly to be seen. It may be a little early but as we had Summer in April this year I thought there might be some around.