Motney Hill & Blue Bell Hill 11/05/21

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A glorious morning at Motney where the 'purring' of Turtle Dove was soon heard. Two birds were seen, often on wires over the scrub.

At DE only one Adder was found, a female seen before, and apparently still unmated.

Also just one female Adder at CL, though a new, most impressive, individual. A single Painted Lady was present together with several Peacock.

Arriving at Blue Bell Hill reserve just after 10 the weather had unfortunately clouded over, and it started to rain. I took some pictures of a local Raven before deciding to come back later.

In the afternoon it was mostly sunny, though fairly windy on the reserve. However, I found a fairly sheltered area on the lower slope with an excellent sward of downland plants, including Wild Strawberry. Three new for the year butterflies were found, Dingy Skipper (approx. 6), Grizzled Skipper (approx. 4), and a single Green Hairstreak. Brimstone butterflies were also quite active.

Turtle Dove & Starling (juv)

Common Whitethroat

Adder (female) at CL








Raven

Dingy Skipper

Dingy Skipper

Grizzled Skipper

Grizzled Skipper

Brimstone (male)

Green Hairstreak

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