A winter moth and tractors

As an extra special birthday present the RSPB have put my through some tractor training.  Thanks to the marvellous, patient Ray Piper for teaching us the ways of the PTO and 3 point linkage.  On day three (today) we were assessed by Ray, and I’ve now been given the go ahead to get tractoring.  It’s all a bit mad really.  At least one of the tractors that we drive is the size of a small house.  It has power steering, no, power everything, and feels as easy, if not easier, than driving a car.  And yet, if the driver was to take their eye off the ball for a couple of seconds he/she could find that they had just driven over a car.  Apparently 13 year olds are allowed to drive tractors, and 16 year olds can take them on roads.

Here are some wildlife photos taken in the Land Rover and cottage.  The moth (in the LR) is a winter moth (Operophtera brumata).  Apparently it has an internal anti-freeze that prevents it allows it to fly through the winter.  Top stuff.  The beetle was found wandering the cottage looking for st john’s wort.