26th Sept. Members of the Scottish Council of Volunteer Organisations visited Windyhills during their two day conference at Inverurie.

22nd Sept. A Ruby Tiger caterpillar (right) is food to the Spiked Sheildbugs. The Ruby Tiger had two generations this year. They are classed as resident and common and sometimes fly during the day.

18th Sept. Aquatic beastie survey carried out by Marie Donald. Giant beetle identified as Dytiscidcus marginalis. (see beasties section of Flora and Fauna)

10th Sept. Hazelnuts ready now but not very plentiful. Majority of them are boss, that is no kernel.

Dragonfly and Damsel

18th Sept. A Red Darter Dragonfly rested on Ann's back for five minutes on a Sunny afternoon at Windyhills.

Sept. Weather has been good and the harvest is safely in. The heather has put on a great show this year. Glorious purple on the moorland.

15th Sept.   Fungi survey commenced.

11th Sept. Members of Woodhead Community Trust enjoyed a walk round Scottish Wildlife Trust property at Gight with Dr. Mark Young.

27th August. Successful Moth watch was held at Woodhead and a new species, the Chevron was recorded for the area.

21st August. Small Copper, Ringlet, and Green veined white butterflies were flying in sunshine. Young bullfinches, Spotted Flycatcher, Kestrel, Linnets, Magpies, Swallows, Great Tits, Blue Tits and Coal tits were among the birds seen on the visit by the RSPB members. Two swallows were seen chasing a bat.

29th July. Magpie Moth (right) blown in from North West Scotland. Can be seen flying during the day. The caterpillars are black with yellow bands, they feed on currant and gooseberry bushes and can easily defloiate them.

25th July Meadow Vetchling [Yellow Vetchling] scrambling through the grass in profusion. Wild rasps ready.

2oth July. Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large White Butterflies enjoying the Sunshine.

19th July. Scarce Chamomile Shark caterpillar (left) found on Chamomile at Woodhead. Usually found at the coast, this year about a dozen have been found inland. Only four adults moths have been recorded in this part of Aberdeenshire.

13th July. Buzzard chicks ready to fly the nest. Dunnock collecting nest building material.

12th July. Ringlets butterflies in abundance. Also saw Meadow Brown.

11th July. Watched  Damselflies at the bog. Very hot day. Marsh  and Spear Thistle flowering, habitat of the Painted Lady caterpillars. Bog Aspodel and Sundew flowering.

8th July. Tan coloured Buzzard at Quarry. Saw a Barn Owl late in the evening at Windyhills.

7th July. Lesser Stitchwort, Bog Aspodel and Bramble flowering.

5th July. Lattice Heath Moth (right) sighted at Windyhills.

A rare moth for this part in Aberdeenshire. Only one was spotted last year.

4th July. Grasshopper enjoying the fine weather while resting briefly on ling heather.

Fay and Sarah discovered that water beetles like to snack on baby frogs. See picture in the Beasties section of the Flora and Fauna.