Arnhall Castle

Or the remains thereof. It dates from 1617 but it looks beyond saving now with trees growing through the few bits of stonework still standing. If you're interested there's  more information here. Thanks to Marlieske for the derelict challenge.

Up with the lark today to meet R and her dogs at Lecropt. We walked the circuit of the Keir Estate and were out for a couple of hours. I'm glad we went early as it's hot in the sun. It was all looking lovely. 

Yesterday afternoon we found a baby swallow in the garden. I know that swallows, swifts and martins are the only fledglings you should help if you find them on the ground. I phoned the SSPCA for advice and eventually they scheduled one of the officers to come and rescue it. You can maybe sense the 'but' coming ... unfortunately the poor wee bird died. It didn't look injured,  though it possibly was, but it could just have been exhausted.  It was a perfect little chick. The SSPCA gave lots of helpful information and dire warnings about avian flu. I wish we'd been able to save it. 

As a sort of compensation I saw a baby curlew on the walk this morning but it was too far away for a blip.