Lynchcombe Steps
Linnet (Linaria cannabina) – Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8805
June has been a strange month on the Lynchcombe nature reserve. This Somerset Wildlife Trust nature reserve sits on the sunny side of the Mendip Hills. Normally, at this time of year it is covered in butterflies. I have counted hundreds on a single day. This year numbers have been down to below ten. Perhaps July will see a bounce back if the weather improves.
Birds have stepped in and this linnet and whitethroat were a wonderful surprise.
Common Whitethroat (Curruca communis) – Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9159
The highlight on the way to Lynchcombe are the skylarks of Deerleap.
Skylark – Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9001
It was a big surprise to discover how long the hind toe is on skylarks. It seems ridiculously long, but I did find an explanation:
We conclude that ground-dwelling passerines living on vegetated, typically grassy ground, have larger feet, due to both longer toes and claws. This probably facilitates movement over uneven and unstable vegetation. – Research Gate
Early in the morning they take advantage of the posts that follow the dry-stone walls.
Skylark – Deerleap, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_8654
The day started with another beautiful sunrise. This time over Cooks Fields reserve that neighbours Lynchcombe and Deerleap.
Early Morning at Cooks Fields – Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8954
Swollen-thighed Beetle remain one of my favourite June insects. They love the many thistles that cover the reserve.
Swollen-thighed Beetle – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8773
And finally…
Imagine my surprise to stubble across a sleeping fox in the middle of a field. It was so peaceful out in the open.
Sleeping Fox – Lynchcombe, Mendip Hills, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_9364
