no hoots given

8th JulyHere we are into July already. This was something of a frustrating trip and yet also fairly enjoyable. I had heard there was a family of long-eared owls in the Pentlands. Gordon had been walking his dog and had enjoyed a tremendous display from them - the adults flying nearby and catching food to give to youngsters in the trees overhead. Loads of photos were going up on birding sites, others having similar encounters. I waited until a decent weather day and caught the 44 bus to Balerno terminus.With Mary being a bit crocked, it is a long time since I have gone into the Pentlands. Emperor moths and green hairstreaks would have been the last mission (although Bonaly) on the 23rd April. And I tend to forget just how fab the place is. I walked up to Threipmuir car park and thought I should probably do the Red Moss boardwalk while I was there. It is a favourite little circuit and often dragonflies and large moths can be seen, as well as butterflies. It was a little too late for…