July 2011 part 5

As we walk towards the kingfisher pond I notice a ragwort being eaten by a group of caterpillars.

The caterpillar of the Cinnabar moth grows to 2.5cm long and feeds on ragwort as in the picture in July - August. The colour acts as a warning.
Once back home I see a fledgling house sparrow in the garden ( we had lots last year ) but this is my first in 2011.

House sparrow (Paser domesticus) Pairs stay together for life. Both adults build loose round nests of grass and straw in  a tree or bush, crevices or eaves of a house. They lay 4-5 eggs and incubation lats up to 14 days. Both parents feed the young who leave the nest after 16 days and are fed for a further 19 days. There can be up to 3 broods.