February on the Isle of Skye

12 February 2013 . . . . Outing to Kyleakin with the U3A Nature Group. We saw Redshank by the Obbe, lots of Eiders in the Kyle and a Bullfinch on the Hill of the Fox.

18 February 2013 Warm and sunny today and the first signs of spring in the Willow and Hazel.

19 February 2013 . . . . Leitir Fura Warm and sunny again (though frost at night) and the first Primrose!
Primula vulgaris	Galls of a cynipid wasp on oak leaves. (thanks to Murdo for the i.d.)

21 February 2013 . . . . Loch Cill Chriosd Spotted a family of Whooper Swans on the loch, but apparently they've been there for a few months.

photo: Ken Billington

25 February 2013 . . . . Saw a pair of Bullfinches whilst I was out walking the dog.

photo: Ken Billington

26 February 2013 . . . . Leitir Fura (The second of what I hope will be weekly visits.) Still warm and sunny and more Primroses have appeared. Also the first Celandine. Not much bird activity, but had a great view of a Buzzard as it sailed over my head, and also saw a Long-tailed Tit.

27 February 2013 . . . . Glasnakille to Drinan Heard a skylark singing and spotted this little fungus:

Sarcoscypha austriaca (Scarlet Elfcup)

28 February 2013 . . . . Ran the moth trap last night (first time this year)
Phigalia pilosaria (Pale Brindled Beauty)	Colostygia multistrigaria (Mottled Grey)
Agriopis marginaria (Dotted Border)	Agriopis marginaria (Dotted Border)