Growing antlers

Small things that once flew

Ribwort plantain

A summer favourite. 

Although common they brighten up any meadow at this time of year.

The Cockchafer beetle

The Cockchafer beetle Melolontha melolontha (also known as a May-bug) is 2-3cm long and blunders about at night at this time of year. When you have a chance to look at them closely they are rather beautiful and surprisingly hairy. 

They are quite noisy beetles and if I'm out in the evening they tend to get caught in my fringe - which is alarming. Although I've managed, through experience, to stifle my instinct to scream.

The Common Pheasant

Clearly king of the meadow

Turkey follow up

OK, once you get over the 'wattle gag reflex' they are mightily impressive birds.

Fascinatingly disgusting

It's a turkey