Exuvium

Awake at four o'clock and up by quarter to five so that I could be at Castor Hanglands NNR by 5.30 a.m. ready to lead the PLG early morning walk. Things didn't go entirely smoothly as the person bringing the signs overslept, and several people ended up parking in entirely the wrong place, thanks to Eventbrite over-riding our location on the ticket.

But eventually we all met up and gloried in the rich diversity of birdsong, which included two mellifluous Nightingales, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffcaff, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler - as well as many resident species. We spent a little time looking at the plants too, finding charismatic early-season species including Marsh Valerian, Marsh Marigold, Goldilocks, Wood Melick and Wood Spurge. After the walk we decamped to the Granary Tearoom for a very tasty breakfast, which also gave everyone a chance to socialise. Generally a great success!

When I arrived home the weather was  warm and overcast, and Pete pointed out the first three Large Red Damselfly emerging from our pond by climbing the Yellow Iris leaves. One had achieved its full colouration, but this one had clearly only just emerged from its exuvium and was in a very fragile state.

The rest of the day was spent doing this and that - a visit to Chris's house and some weeding in his front garden, coffee with Lizzy's Mum and Dad, a bit of food shopping ready for tomorrow's street party and then some time catching up with some emails. 

Pete and I had a lovely quiet dinner as Alex was out with friends at a nearby village's Coronation party, and Charley had gone to visit her Mum and Dad. 

Feeling tired now - I think I need an early night...