15th July

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A very enjoyable morning walk down the banks then along the valley.  Weather was mostly sunny for the first hour but then clouded over.

PV looked a picture with an abundance of flowers. Butterflies were very active, particularly Peacocks, at least 50 being seen.  They were frequently found on bare ground of the path, presumably absorbing heat or taking salts. 




Peacocks

A total of 17 butterfly species were seen, one of the first being a Small Copper on the Banks. A female Silver-washed Fritillary then posed well for the camera in PV. Both Small and Essex Skippers were present, the latter more common and in a head on view showing the 'dipped in black ink' antennal tips, which are a key id feature for the species in comparison to other skippers.

Small Copper

Silver-washed Fritillary

Red Admiral

Green-veined White

Marbled White

Common Blue

Peacock

Reptiles seen were two adders and three slow-worms. The first adder, a melanistic individual, remained well hidden amongst vegetation.

Melanistic Adder

Slow-worm

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