Wildflowers and Butterflies at Killard....

We're having fabulous weather here in County Down, so today we decided to have a picnic lunch at Killard.



After lunch we went for a walk along the beach and then across the headland which is covered in wildflowers.
I often wonder how many people just walk on a piece of earth, unaware of the beauty at their feet.


bee orchid

Today we were treated to some wild poppies, bee orchids, sea campions, wild cyclamen, kidney vetch, thrift, buttercups, and daisies. And others I could not identify.
There were a few blue butterflies too.


common blue


sea campion


wild poppy

Killard is always a nice place to go, but it is especially nice on a day like today....

Farley Mount....

Saturday 7th June 2008

We didn't go very far last weekend. The plan had been to go to Titchfield Haven, to spend some time at the reedbeds, but things kept happening to hold us up. Then when we eventually got in the car, it wouldn't start!!! We just sat there and laughed....

It was soon going again, but we gave up on the Titchfield Haven idea and went to Farley Mount, not far from where we live.


the horse monument

We had a walk to the Horse Monument, which brought back some memories for Ian. As a boy, he, his Dad and his brother would cycle to Farley Mount on Sundays, while his Mum was back at home cooking the dinner......

I must admit I used to love going off on my bicycle when I was young.... I had a blue, Raleigh Mark 2, my pride and joy.... That was my first real taste of freedom............ well, until I lost it, or should I say..... someone stole it, my mother went berserk!! Yes, I did get into lots of trouble when I was young!

Birdwise it was very quiet, but there were lots of butterflies. Common Blue, Small and Large White, Speckled Wood and Brimstone..........


female common blue.....

Then on the way to Romsey I spotted a pair of Bullfinches......which meant another bird for this years list....

143. bullfinch