Bacon Baguettes And Beer

I type at the end of a long weekend, scene of a big clan get-together and much relative-ity. As the title suggests, there has been high quality provender going around, and I fear to tread upon the scales, really I do...


With the north Wales branch staying here, outings have mostly been of the sedate variety, with an amble about the Patch on Friday nearly being notable only for the cracking scream - proper Devon stuff, too - until a male Golden-ringed Dragonfly [immature, with brown eyes] appeared! Patch Tick! :D He sat and posed on a bush for us and gave excellent binocular views.

The birds picked up on Saturday, as a stroll along a section of the Teign* gave stunning views of a very confiding Wood Warbler  :)  as well as Pied and Spotted Flycatchers and a Dipper having a kip on a sunny rock. Beautiful Demoiselles were out in force where the sun shone and among the many Blackcaps singing away, one was very sneaky [those sylvias... ;) ] in mimicking Garden. There was also a small Fritillary spp. [Pearl or Small Pearl] messing about, but the little git pulled a Houdini before I could get bins on it's underwing pattern. Drat.

On Sunday we had the big get-together to introduce our newest member to the clan. Though the chosen pub had spectacular views, the only birds flying through it were singles of Buzzard and Raven. Also, I was a designated driver. Despite this, it was a good day, with fine scran laid on and much cheer among those assembled. :)

Today was much cooler and cloudier than forecast [well, than the one I saw, anyway] and so hoped-for dragons and butterflies were utterly absent. Birds didn't do too badly, though. At Stover, the GC Grebes have chicks! 3 good-sized ones, too  :D  We also saw a Grass Snake!! :D  Only my second ever - the other was at Stover too - it was swimming merrily along until a family of Mallards saw it and chased it off!
After more of the title [I love not having to drive ;) ] we wandered about Yarner, where Wood Warblers were vocal but not visual, but the Pied Flies more than made up for it! We had some superb views, the only problem being that one so typical of Yarner; you find an occupied box, move back to avoid disturbing the birds, and then realise you're right beside the next one...




[[*Schedule 1 vagueness applies]]