A Small Toad

Was surprised to see a small toad in the garden. Around 3 inches long. I think it's a toad rather than a frog because of its warty skin. Hope that it will eat up the slugs and snails that have invaded the garden after the wet April.

Red Campion

Red campion (Silene dioica) at the top of the Massney Braes.

Although at the beginning of June the white of Queen Anne's Lace is the dominant plant surrounding the local footpaths and verges, vivid patches of colour are given by red campion.

Silenus, the drunken, merry god of the woodlands in Greek mythology, gave his name to Silene dioica, the Red Campion. The second part of its scientific name, dioica, means 'two houses', and refers to the fact that each Red Campion plant has flowers of one sex only, so that two plants are needed to make seed. Female flowers have no stamens, while male flowers have only a small, non-functioning ovary.

 Red campion on the bank at the start of the Serpentine Walk.

The flower has five deeply notched petals, narrowed at the base and an urn-shaped calyx.

Serpentine Walk All Clothed in White

The start of the walk at Lower Largo - Queen Anne's Lace covering the path

 Further along the path an avenue of white May blossom and Queen Anne's Lace

Eider Ducks with Ducklings

A pair of eider ducks with ducklings swimming just off the pier in Lower Largo.

To the Far Bridge in Keil's Den

The approach to Keil's Den, cows contentedly grazing in a field dotted with buttercups and daisies. Largo Law is in the background.

 Hawthorn and rowan trees were in full bloom.

 The path throgh the woods.

Apart from bluebells there was red campion ....

....and greater stitchwort....

....and speedwell to name but a few. 

The stone bridge at the road at the top of the den. There has been damage at one side of the bridge. Not sure if it has been hit by traffic or if it is simply a landslip.

Bluebells in Keil's Den

One of the most spectacular sights in mid to late May must be the bluebells in Keil's Den. At every turn there are more delights.

Where the path comes up through the trees to a grassy area there are bluebells as far as the eye can see. 

Here bluebells line the path through the trees.

Red Velvet Mite

Sitting in the garden this morning noticed a tiny red blob on the paving stones and then realised it was moving. Eventually identified it as a red velvet mite (Trombidium sp.) It was only about 2 mm in size. It eats aphids and so is a friendly garden creature.