Warmer weather arrived in west central Scotland today, although there was still a cool westerly wind. Nevertheless the improved temperatures brought some interesting insects out during a walk in Loch Ard forest. These included a Golden-ringed Dragonfly, a Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, a Red-necked Footman and some unusual flies and hoverflies.  Flowering plants included Ragged Robin and also notable was a Common Toad. Birds were mostly unspectacular but included a small number of Swifts (together with Swallows and both martins) and singing Greenfinch and Reed Bunting.