The Lizard, day four, Kynance Cove and Kennack Sands

Started the day off (16th) with a wild asparagus (a local speciality) hunt and we spent the afternoon at Kennack Sands. 

 This Sanderling and Dunlin were on the rocks at Kennack Sands. Also connected with the local Choughs with three flying past the cliffs towards Kynance Cove. Not too much else bird wise- had Whimbrel and Black-tailed Godwit calling at night from the tent.

 Rock Pipit

 I put the moth trap up at Windmill Farm on Wednesday night, a pretty good catch considering I only had the actinic heath trap. Rosy Footmans, Magpie, Lackeys, True Lovers Knots, Drinker, Small Emerald, July Highflighers, V-pugs, Early Thorns, Peppered Moth, Dingy Footmans, Garden Tiger, Small Fan-foot etc. Highlights included this Kent Black Arches (above) and Anania crocealis (below)- a moth lifer.  

 Anania crocealis

 Dark Sword Grass- the only migrant I had 

 Still working on this pug

 Wild asparagus- an endangered species. I managed to find this plant with the help of exact GPS coordinates and also with Tony looking from his window and guiding me in with '10 meters to the left, next to the bramble' - got it! 

 Cornish Heath- this is an endemic to the Lizard peninsula (more HERE ). With Black bog rush and Western Gorse, Cornish Heath forms a unique heathland environment endemic to the Lizard peninsula. More HERE and HERE. There are four species of heather on these heaths, Common Heath (Ling), Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heather and Cornish Heath. 

Sheep's-bit. The cliff botany is beautiful this time of year with characteristic Wild Thyme, Betony, Wild Carrot, Thrift, Thyme Broomrape, Rock Samphire, Sea Campion, Smooth Hawk's-beard, Kidney Vetch, Common Knapweed and Butcher's Broom (at Kennack Sands). Here's a bit more on Lizard botany HERE.

Autumn Squill- an early one of this local speciality 

 Location of the moth trap on Wednesday night 

 The stunning coast line looking towards Kynance Cove

 The entire coastline is a carpet of wildflowers 

 Outcrop of Serpentine at Kennack Sands. The Lizard peninsula geology is an ophiolite complex, with characteristic Serpentine (a semi-precious stone which is locally carved into ornaments). An ophiolite is a section of oceanic crust which has been uplifted to the surface, a rare geological phenomenon which dictates the unique ecological environment that we find on the Lizard peninsula. There can't be many places in the world where the entire cliffs is made of gemstone.  

Rock pooling in the afternoon with the family at Kennack Sands