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  • Bell Heather Erica cinerea
    163160.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    155568.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    144911.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    144908.jpg
  • Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi Wingspan 40-60mm. A broad-winged moth. Males fly from late afternoon onwards, females are nocturnal.  Adult has rounded wings with two pale, waved crossbands; male is reddish-brown, female is greyish-brown. Larva is large, with black and golden hairs; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread in western and northern Britain; much more local elsewhere.
    140670.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    140239.jpg
  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
    128400.jpg
  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea
    163159.jpg
  • Heather - Calluna vulgaris
    162333.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    144910.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    144909.jpg
  • Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi Wingspan 40-60mm. A broad-winged moth. Males fly from late afternoon onwards, females are nocturnal.  Adult has rounded wings with two pale, waved crossbands; male is reddish-brown, female is greyish-brown. Larva is large, with black and golden hairs; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread in western and northern Britain; much more local elsewhere.
    141642.jpg
  • Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi Wingspan 40-60mm. A broad-winged moth. Males fly from late afternoon onwards, females are nocturnal.  Adult has rounded wings with two pale, waved crossbands; male is reddish-brown, female is greyish-brown. Larva is large, with black and golden hairs; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread in western and northern Britain; much more local elsewhere.
    141640.jpg
  • Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi Wingspan 40-60mm. A broad-winged moth. Males fly from late afternoon onwards, females are nocturnal.  Adult has rounded wings with two pale, waved crossbands; male is reddish-brown, female is greyish-brown. Larva is large, with black and golden hairs; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread in western and northern Britain; much more local elsewhere.
    140750.jpg
  • Fox Moth Macrothylacia rubi Wingspan 40-60mm. A broad-winged moth. Males fly from late afternoon onwards, females are nocturnal.  Adult has rounded wings with two pale, waved crossbands; male is reddish-brown, female is greyish-brown. Larva is large, with black and golden hairs; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread in western and northern Britain; much more local elsewhere.
    140739.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    136212.jpg
  • Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia Wingspan 40-60mm. An unmistakable and beautiful moth; males are day-flying, females are nocturnal. Adult male has beautifully patterned brown forewings and orange hindwings, each with a striking central eyespot; female has beautifully patterned grey wings, with maroon bands and larger eyespots than male. Larva is green with clusters of hairs arising from yellow, warty spots; feeds on Heather and Bramble. Widespread but local; associated mainly with heaths and moorland.
    122994.jpg
  • Close up heather and bracken at base of tree on forest floor in caledonian pine forest at Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145503.jpg
  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea
    164283.jpg
  • Heather - Calluna vulgaris
    161278.jpg
  • Argent & Sable - Rheumaptera hastata
    156478.jpg
  • The Spey Way near Aviemore, Cairngorm National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145501.jpg
  • HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Wingspan 100-120cm. Britain’s most familiar harrier, usually seen gliding at slow speed, low over the ground. Adult male has pale blue-grey plumage except for white belly, white rump and black wingtips. Adult female is brown with darker barring on wings and tail, streaking on body underparts, and a narrow white rump. Juvenile is similar to adult female but breast and wing coverts are brighter. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Breeds on upland moorland, winters on lowland heaths and near coasts.
    143972.jpg
  • The Footballer - Helophilus pendulus
    145117.jpg
  • Cyclist on the Spey Way near Aviemore, Cairngorm National Park, Scottish Highlands, Uk
    145502.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145545.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145546.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145547.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145548.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145550.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145552.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145551.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145553.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145554.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest at Abernethy Forest National Nature Reserve, Loch Garten, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland, Uk
    145555.jpg
  • HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Wingspan 100-120cm. Britain’s most familiar harrier, usually seen gliding at slow speed, low over the ground. Adult male has pale blue-grey plumage except for white belly, white rump and black wingtips. Adult female is brown with darker barring on wings and tail, streaking on body underparts, and a narrow white rump. Juvenile is similar to adult female but breast and wing coverts are brighter. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Breeds on upland moorland, winters on lowland heaths and near coasts.
    143971.jpg
  • HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Wingspan 100-120cm. Britain’s most familiar harrier, usually seen gliding at slow speed, low over the ground. Adult male has pale blue-grey plumage except for white belly, white rump and black wingtips. Adult female is brown with darker barring on wings and tail, streaking on body underparts, and a narrow white rump. Juvenile is similar to adult female but breast and wing coverts are brighter. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat – Breeds on upland moorland, winters on lowland heaths and near coasts.
    158073.jpg
  • Heathland Fire - Ashdown Forest
    160201.jpg
  • Heathland Fire - Ashdown Forest
    160202.jpg
  • Heath fire in Ashdown Forest, Sussex. England
    157696.jpg
  • BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    128398.jpg
  • BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    144548.jpg
  • BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    144549.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue - Plebejus argus - male (top row) - female (middle row) - N Wales ssp. caernensis (bottom row). Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    157240.jpg
  • Heather Beetle - Lochmaea sutusalis
    145108.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136567.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136566.jpg
  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
    158046.jpg
  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) - on the east side of Lundy, Devon. Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
    155428.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    145001.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    145000.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136565.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136564.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    136181.jpg
  • Silver-studded Blue Plebejus argus Wingspan 25-30mm. An iconic heathland butterfly whose fate is inextricably linked to appropriate habitat management. Flight is buzzing and hard to follow but adults are also fond of sunbathing on Heather. Adult male has blue upperwings with a white margin and dark submarginal band; female upperwings are brown with orange submarginal spots. Underwings are grey adorned with orange and black spots, with shiny spots at the centre of orange and black spots adorning the underwings. Flies June-July. Their larvae feed on Heather and gorse species.
    134446.jpg
  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
    110841.jpg
  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
    113659.jpg
  • Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus L 37-42cm. Familiar moorland gamebird. If alarmed, takes to the air explosively; flight comprises bouts of rapid wingbeats and long glides on bowed wings. Both sexes have uniformly dark wings. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has chestnut-brown plumage overall; fine feather markings visible at close range. Note red wattle above eye. Adult female has paler, more buffish grey and marbled plumage than male: well camouflaged when sitting on nest. Juvenile resembles adult female but with less well-marked plumage markings. Voice Utters a distinctive, go-back, go-back, go-back. Status Confined to heather moorland and feeds primarily on shoots of Heather and related plants. Moors are sometimes managed by selective burning for grouse (encourages young plant growth).
    143044.jpg
  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
    134752.jpg
  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
 Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
    155459.jpg
  • Heather - Calluna vulgaris
    161277.jpg
  • Dipoenas tristis - female. This rare species (Na) hunts in grass and heather on heathlands in Southern England and feeds on ants.
    157128.jpg
  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157023.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europeus - Chicks in nest. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156479.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155970.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155971.jpg
  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
    155972.jpg
  • Cross-leaved heath - Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
    155456.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    141331.jpg
  • July Highflyer Hydriomena furcata Wingspan 25-30mm. A very variable moth, come forms of which are stunningly colourful; the broad, pointed-tip wings are held flat at rest. Adult typically has distinctive bluish-green forewings with two narrow dark cross bands. Some individuals are yellowish or brown overall. Flies July-August. Larva feeds on sallows, Hazel, Bilberry and Heather. Widespread and common.
    140972.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    140348.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    140346.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    140278.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
    140277.jpg
  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
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  • July Highflyer Hydriomena furcata Wingspan 25-30mm. A very variable moth, come forms of which are stunningly colourful; the broad, pointed-tip wings are held flat at rest. Adult typically has distinctive bluish-green forewings with two narrow dark cross bands. Some individuals are yellowish or brown overall. Flies July-August. Larva feeds on sallows, Hazel, Bilberry and Heather. Widespread and common.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • COMMON DODDER Cuscuta epithymum (Cuscutaceae) Climbing. Bizarre, parasitic and leafless plant that lacks chlorophyll and gains its nutrition from host plants, which include Heather, clovers and other herbaceous plants. Found in grassy places and on heaths, the slender, red stems twining through the vegetation. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, pink and borne in dense clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common in S; scarce elsewhere.
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  • Mountain Hare Lepus timidus Length 45-60cm Has shorter ears and more compact body than Brown Hare. Tail is uniformly white and ears are tipped black. Adult Scottish race has greyish brown coat in summer, palest on underparts and most rufous on head. Underfur is blue grey. In winter, acquires thick, whitish coat except for buffish nose. Adult Irish race has reddish brown summer coat and variably buffish brown and white winter coat. Mostly silent. Scottish animals favour heather moors and mountains. Irish Hares favour more grassy habitats.
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  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
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  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
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  • Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca Length 50-70cm Rare snake with vaguely viperine markings. Pupil is rounded (vertical slit in Adder). Sunbathes but typically partially hidden. Hibernates October-April. Diet includes other reptiles. Sexes are similar. Adult has slender body but relatively large head; scales are satiny smooth. Overall ground colour ranges from bluish grey to reddish brown. Has darkish spots along length, sometimes combining to form Adder-like zigzag. Head has dark patch; posterior margin is sometimes rather V-shaped. From side, note dark eye stripe. Juvenile is similar but has spots along flanks. In Britain, restricted to mature heathland with bushy Heather (Calluna vulgaris). Rare because of habitat loss, inappropriate heathland management and fires.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Green Hairstreak - Callophrys rubi - Upperwing (top) Underwing (bottom) Wingspan 25mm. A small butterfly whose buzzing flight is hard to follow. Adult seldom reveals brown upperwings; underwings are bright green and an extremely good match for the leaves on which it rests. Flies May–June. Larva feeds on gorses, Heather and trefoils. Locally common on heaths, cliffs and downland scrub.
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  • Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus - male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Black Grouse Tetrao tetrix L 40-45cm. Bulky moorland gamebird. Males display at traditional leks to interest nearby females. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly dark plumage with red wattle above eye. Displaying birds elevate and spread tails (which look lyre-shaped) and reveal white undertail coverts. In flight, tail looks long and forked; wings have white bars. Adult female has orange-brown plumage finely marked with dark bars. In flight wings show narrow white bar. Juvenile resembles a small female with subdued markings. Voice Displaying male utters a bubbling, cooing call. Status Scarce and declining in many areas. Does best on moorland comprising mosaic of grassland, heather moorland, bilberry stands and adjacent woodland.
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  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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  • Cross-leaved heath - Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
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  • Cross-leaved heath - Erica tetralix (Ericaceae) Height to 30cm. Downy, grey-green undershrub that favours damp, acid soils. It is the characteristic plant of the waterlogged margins of many heathland and moorland bogs. FLOWERS are 6-7mm long, rather globular and pink; borne in rather compact, terminal and 1-sides clusters (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are downy capsules. LEAVES are narrow, fringed with hairs and borne in whorls of 4 along the stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region, but always in wetter locations than Ling or Bell Heather.
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  • True Lover's Knot Lycophotia porphyrea Length 16-19mm. An intricately-patterned moth that is sometimes disturbed in the daytime. Rests with one forewing partly overlapping the other. Adult has chestnut-brown forewings with white and black markings. Flies June-August. Larva feeds on Heather and species of heaths. Widespread and locally common in suitable heathland and moorland habitats.
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  • Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus Wingspan 45-70mm. An impressive, broad-winged moth. Male is day-flying, larger female is nocturnal. Adult male has reddish-brown wings with a curved yellowish crossband and white central spot; female has similarly patterned wings but the ground colour is buffish-yellow. Flies July-August. Larva is brown and hairy; feeds mainly on Heather. Widespread and locally common, mainly on heaths and moorland.
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