WASPS HAWKERS AND CRAKES

WASP SPIDERWASP SPIDERrock samphire and rock sea lavenderSTARLING FLOCK

MAIN HOUSECASTLE AND MOATBLUE TAILED DAMSELLEAF HOPPER?RABBIT?BY HENRY MOORE

FOLKESTONE RAINBOWFOLKESTONE SUNSET

Having spotted a large wasp spider at Samphire Hoe on tuesday in monsoon conditions,I decided to pay a quick early visit there on thursday morning before heading off to Scotney Castle for the day.Twas a beautiful calm sunny morning and the large female spider was still there in her web.Wasp spiders were first found in britain in 1922 and are gradually spreading northwards now having reached Cambridgeshire and probably beyond.The starling flock at the Hoe is increasing daily now a rough estimate of 400 birds,the rock samphire,from which the place takes its name is now in full bloom as is the rock sea lavender.Having picked Cathy up it was off to Scotney for the day, it is a national trust property with the main house an old castle with moat and extensive gardens,well worth a visit.Ihad hoped that golden ringed dragonfly might be there but that was not to be,  several brown hawkers,lots of red eyed damsels and plenty of blue tailed damsels were there however.The day ended with a rainbow and sunset over Folkestone and a brief siting of the persoid meteor shower.Friday morning was still dry, have the weather forecasts ever been so out of touch?, so Itook the chance to visit Grove in the hope of seeing the spotted crake,which eventually obliged coming out of the reeds to poke around for a short time before reteating from whence he came,too distant for meaningful pics i am afraid.