Making Hay

Yesterday was wet and miserable, tomorrow, the forecast is for strong winds, so we decided on a little outing today.  Just a few miles from home - wonderful spot with woodland, grazed upland and a heathland area . The heather is in all bloom at the moment. We saw Ravens, Swallows, House Martins, a Kestrel and Meadow Pipits above the Grassland area as well as Blackening wax caps, Dung Roundheads and Puffballs in the grass. On the heath, there were lots of butterflies, notably Peacocks, Gatekeepers, Speckled Woods and plenty of these Wall Browns. We also saw a male and fledgling Stonechat, and in the woodland, Chiffchaffs, Siskins, and a lot of Grey-spotted Amanitas (extras) and Blushers. Combined with the fine views and blue skies, it was just glorious.