Sunday 22nd June 2014

Today Chris and I headed out to Ballaghennie, hoping to be able to use our macro lenses on bugs. I managed to locate a Scarce Crimson and Gold (Pyrausta Sanguinalis) which is a tiny day flying moth that only occurs in one place on the island and two locations in Ireland. After getting a few pictures of it, I noticed it seemed to be struggling to fly. Chris moved the grass slightly to free it only for us to realise it had been caught by a Jumping Spider - the first one I've seen on the island.

We went briefly to the Point of Ayre but, didn't see anything apart from the usual

We decided to head back to Ballaghennie to see if we could get more/ better pictures of the Pyrausta. When we arrived however, we found something else - a Small Elephant Hawk Moth. Chris ran a moth trap out here a few years ago and caught 36 specimens (none harmed and released after counting) but had never seen one in daylight.

We phoned Bill but, he was busy at home so, a few more pictures and we decided to leave a sign for him

Just as we were about to Leave, Bill arrived so we found him a Pyrausta and showed him the Hawk Moth

Saturday 21st June 2014

This morning Dave and I parked at Douglas Head then headed off towards Middle Farm and the original Fairy Bridge

We carried onto Port Soderick. After a stop for lunch we then headed along Marine Drive

Sunday 15th June 2014

Today Chris and I headed for the Point of Ayre as he wanted to try for some pictures of the Yellow legged Gull that he'd seen on Saturday. I went off for a walk

In the afternoon, I went with Bill to Maughold Head

Saturday 14th June 2014

Today Dave and I started our day at Archallagon, hoping to see Damselflies and Dragonflies round the fire pool but, we didn't see any at all. We did see a tree that had been decorated.

We next drove to the Raggart and walked through to Peel

After an ice cream, we drove to Close Sartfield to see the orchid display

Sunday 8th June 2014

No walk yesterday as it was very wet but, what a difference this morning! Chris and I headed out to Ballaghennie and I walked across the heath to see the Moonwort. I counted 20+ plants today, I've never seen as many.