Summer is reaching its height here in west central Scotland. The meadows at Bishopton and Finlaystone have been mown, and the Mute Swan flock at Lanbank has jumped to 17 (from 2). New flowers over the past month have included Bird's foot Trefoil, Ragwort species, two types of Thistle and a purple flowered Vetch. New flowers this week / today have included Rose bay Willow-herb (on the south-facing bank of the M8 at Bishopton), Sea Aster / Michelmas Daisy (on the Inchinnan Bridge), Mugwort and a yellow-flowered crucifer with pale grey-green leaves (not unlike the Pineapple Weed now flowering in gardens in the estate). Also noticed two new patches of "Fox and cubs", just before and just after the eastbound M8 / Erskine Bridge slip. No Willow Warblers along the river this evening, but 3 Chiff Chaffs and possible Blackcaps were excellent substitutes.
A trip to Midlothian yesterday found flowering Reedmace, Honeysuckle, Marsh Orchid (above) and Ragged Robin (above) at Vogrie, Yellow Rockrose on a wall behind the mining museum and Poppies (above) in the field at Lingerwood (with a singing Yellowhammer and family parties of Swallows).