Butterfly Spotting

A visit to Penicuik Storehouse for re-fillery items (and coffee, of course) shopping in nearby Lidl was followed by a run home 'the pretty way'. this took us towards Gladhouse reservoir past fields of sheep and lambs - not just any sheep but our favourite, Herdies, whose lambs are jet black. Sadly no photo opportunities as they were all far away or hiding behind wire fences.

We stopped for a potter by the reservoir, noting the shameful number of bonfire residues, some directly beneath the pine trees and evidence that once or twice the fire had escaped the confines of the bonfire. But all was quiet, bar the shouting of a few distant geese and we could observe the Green-veined white butterflies feeding exclusively on dandelion flowers. I've one or two photos (and then some) but prefer this of the open wings.

I've been watching the video footage coming from our bird box and, after much coming-and-going and building material taken in and out, this evening we see that there are five eggs. It has been a privilege to watch the hen in her travails and to see the results so far, she is now fast asleep.  There has been a bird roosting in the box every night since the middle of March, we assume that it was this hen.