Devon SSSI nature reserve and eco lodges - Maggie's Blog
24 August
Swallows, cows and a caterpillar...
These guys have got some growing to do! It's 24 August and they look like they're pretty newly hatched - the third brood of swallows in Ian's workshop this year. I've got everything crossed for them, as it doesn't seem to have been a particularly good year for swallows. Despite the workshop success, we've had far fewer nests in the barn this summer.
Already, birds from earlier broods are gathering on the wires, looking like they're thinking about the long trip back to Africa. But the parents of these youngsters are busy gathering flies as fast as they can. Will they fledge in time to make the journey - anyone know? Barrie - care to comment?!
The cows are back for another stint, although they'll start their munch in the big field, Lower Newland Moor. Andrew and Fiona's family herded them down the lane this evening, past the lodges with guests looking on from their balconies.
And finally, a caterpillar - though I don't know what kind. It doesn't seem to be on my Field Studies Council guide to butterfly caterpillars, nor can I pick it out from the what's this caterpillar site. The only thing it looks like is a virgin tiger moth - but that's a North American species - I must be missing something.