Birding and other distractions

A blustery day though mostly sunny, hence warm out of the wind. Plenty of butterfly activity at Bredhurst, notably in PV.  Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns were abundant, while Peacock seem to be increasing. Highlights were a female Silver-washed Fritillary, plus a brief view of White Admiral.  Other species included Green-veined White, Small Copper, and a Holly Blue. In TF only the odd Common Blue was present, and barely any skippers.  However, a male Brimstone was nice, plus a fresh Painted Lady. At the top of Strawberry Banks, a small unmown area beyond the tree-line was alive with butterflies, including three SW Fritillary, two Peacock and a Painted Lady. Reptile sightings were a juvenile male Adder (PV) and a Slow-worm (TF). Peacock Green-veined White Holly Blue Small Copper Common Blue Silver-washed Fritillary Silver-washed Fritillary Painted Lady Painted Lady Juvenile Adder

Not much evidence of sunshine during this visit, though reasonably warm (up to 20C) and the rain held off until just as I was leaving. Since my visit here on the back of a Turtle Dove survey last week Chalkhill Blues have emerged in some numbers at the western end of the site. The males looked pristine, and allowed close observation in the relatively cool conditions today. One female was also found. I glimpsed what was probably a male Common Blue though two females were more obliging for the camera. Gatekeeper were numerous and Marbled Whites still very active, though now looking slightly past their best. Other butterflies included two Peacock, several Red Admiral and one Comma. Unlike last week there was unfortunately no sign of Clouded Yellow. An attractive dragonfly proved to be a Migrant Hawker, probably an immature male on account of the subdued eye colour (normally blue). Three Adders were found, two males and a juvenile, the latter probably one of last years offspring being ...

My annual visit to this site, usually in search of Purple Emperor and today was no exception. Dave and I arrived by 11 a.m. by which time it was already very warm.  We watched a couple of Purple Hairstreak on oak in the car park, and then headed up the track towards the first triangle. A White Admiral and Comma were found there plus another Purple Hairstreak. However, no sign of Purple Emperor  so we walked further on to the 'master tree'.  A White Admiral on the ground was very photogenic, though a Silver-washed Fritillary much less so. Whilst waiting in this area a passing dog walker kindly informed us that others were watching a Purple Emperor further along the track, so promptly headed in that direction. The male was fortunately still present, probing for salts on the ground for about ten minutes before flying off. On the way back a Southern Hawker of the rarer blue form was found, plus my first of year Spotted Flycatcher! The meadow by the car park had Gatekeeper and...

On the way back from the Lake District we arrived at Cemlyn Bay by midday. The tern colony was clearly the main attraction, and the sight, sound and smell of this was remarkable. The Elegant Tern had flown out to sea about 30 minutes earlier so it was a case of waiting hopefully for its return, and in the process enjoying the other inhabitants of the colony. Sandwich Tern was the most numerous species, the warden saying that 1900 pairs had been counted this summer, and they seemed to be having a very successful year judging from the number of juveniles to be seen. Adults were constantly returning with small fish. 380 pairs of Common and Arctic Terns were also said to be present, with the latter species being more obvious and often quite close. A single Roseate Tern was also found. After an anxious wait the Elegant Tern flew in at approx. 2:45, then promptly disappeared amongst the vegetation. However, within half an hour the bird reappeared and showed very well on one of the nesting bo...

Two reserves within a 30 minute drive of our hotel at Lakeside. Weather on the day was overcast, though warmish. Meathop Moss is a peatbog with a range of unusual plants. A boardwalk runs through the site. The reserve is important for a variety of insects though dragonflies were quiet at the time, possibly due to the lack of sunshine. The main quarry was Large Heath butterfly, approx. five adults being eventually seen. Like Small Heath the butterfly always rests with its wings closed. Common Lizards were easy to find on the boardwalk, and allowed close observation. Then to Arnside Knott, a coastal limestone hill, well known as an important site for butterflies. I was hoping to see High Brown Fritillary and climbed towards the summit of the hill. The most visible species was Ringlet, still fresh in appearance. About eight large fritillaries were seen, all very active. However, from what I could tell they all appeared to be Dark Green Fritillary, though only one settled to show the under...