Doors Open Days in Dumfries and Galloway so we headed down to the Mull of Galloway to see the lighthouse and exhibition.
The weather was changeable with some showers but I managed to get some blue sky in my photos!
The lighthouse and exhibition are well worth a visit, there is a small charge usually, but its great fun for kids…
…counting the steps, 115 in all I think!
The view from the top is amazing!
The foghorn from the lantern room
The RSPB Visitor Centre
Looking north
Tiny people!
Back down on the ground and a Peacock butterfly spotted trying to shelter from the wind by the lighthouse garden wall.
Not many seabirds about at the moment, mainly Gannets
Ruby Tiger caterillar I think
Sloe Shieldbug
Another Ruby Tiger racing across the path (my excuse for photo being blurred, but it was fast!)
Rosa Rugosa hips, loved by the birds.
Having been buffeted by the wind and rain at The Mull, we retreated to somewhere more sheltered-Ardwell Pond.
Fish Ladder
Panoramic view (click to see larger)
Avenue of trees
Vipers Bugloss
A stunning wild flower and great for bees!
Himalayan Balsam, whilst the bees also love this, it is a non native invasive species, it spreads fast and the bees will pollinate this leaving the native plants, not good!
Lots of Nettle Tap Moths on the ragwort
Ardwell House
I shout-Naked Ladies! My husband and son get all excited…
…until they realise I am talking about these pretty autumn bulbs, so called as they appear without their leaves!
Autumnal looking pond
Sun through Gunnera leaves
Reflected bridge
Reflected colours
Plenty of ducks, a few swans, moorhens and Little Grebes on the pond today
Mallards on the path
Back at the car I ventured on to the beach where I found this caterpillar, nowhere near any vegetation.
A bright-line Brown-eye moth caterpillar I think.
