Birding and other distractions

Another evening visit to Motney primarily to check on the Turtle Doves. Only one adult seen this time, making me think the other pair has gone. However, in addition to the adult a juvenile was finally seen on the wires, the first time this year and confirmation of breeding. It was the same last year that a juvenile wasn't seen there until August. A large flock of Linnet on the wires nearer to the sewage farm numbered approximately 70 birds, plus there were two Greenfinch with them. Adult Turtle Dove Juvenile Turtle Dove

Mostly sunny this afternoon so another visit to Darland Banks was hard to resist. Having failed to see Adonis Blue at Strawberry Banks the previous day I was hoping to find them here. The banks still had good numbers of Chalkhill Blue though many are now looking quite worn, the males relatively pale for example. Also nice to see a fair number of Common Blue, most in reasonably good condition, plus the first Small Heath for many weeks. It was not until reaching the west end of the site, at the bottom of the banks, that I found any Adonis. The area is fairly sheltered and probably warmer. Even so only two males were found, both in pristine condition and hence likely to have recently emerged. Relatively few Nymphalids today with singles only of Red Admiral, Peacock, and Small Tortoiseshell. On the way back I carried on towards Hoath Close where a Large Tortoiseshell had been seen some 10 days earlier. It was a long shot and unsuccessful, but you never know! Adonis Blue Adonis Blue Are...

A pleasantly warm day with good  butterfly activity. Walking down the slope of Strawberry Banks several Small Copper were seen. Then in PV there were a number of Peacocks and a single, rather abraded Red Admiral. A male Silver-washed Fritillary was briefly on ragwort flowers, while nearby there was a single Ringlet, a species I have seen less of this summer. TF had reasonable numbers of Common Blue, and Brown Argus were not difficult to find. Three Brimstone included two males, while another Silver-washed Fritillary was seen here. The odd Marbled White was still present, though probably not for much longer as the adult generation comes to an end. The far side of Strawberry Banks was checked for second generation Adonis Blue though there was no sign yet of any adults. However, Chalkhill Blue continue to be fairly numerous there. PV turned up another new hoverfly, Volucella inanis, noticeably smaller than V. zonaria. The species is a parasite of wasp larvae. Only one reptile to be fo...

A trip to primarily look for Silver-spotted Skipper, however they were not easy to find so maybe a week too early. The windy conditions didn't help, but with perseverance it was possible to find 1-2 in more sheltered spots. The west bank at QD is an area I rarely visit, though definitely need to change that as the habitat looks great. 1-2 skippers were found there although they didn't hang around. I later realised that I incorrectly identified the first one as a Large Skipper forgetting that the dorsal appearance of males appears quite similar to Silver-spotted Skipper of the same sex. However, with a good view of the underwing there is no doubt as to the id, and fortunately 1-2 Silver-spotted were seen well on the way back, at the bottom of the slope near the fence, an area where I have seen them in previous years. Encouraging to see reasonable numbers of Common Blue today, and probably even more Brown Argus, which were as combative as ever with other butterflies. The male Add...

The banks look superb with a multitude of flowering plants, especially the east end (nearest the car park). Weather was mostly sunny, gradually clouding over. Blue butterflies were much in evidence, though habits of male Chalkhills are sometimes not so pleasant, as shown below!  I spent some time observing Brown Argus especially the key id features on the underwing. T he figure of eight is one such feature, this being formed from two spots near the leading edge of the hindwing (see below), and which is absent on Common Blue. Good numbers of both Peacock and Brimstone today, plus a few pristine Painted Lady. A fine Jersey Tiger moth was a bonus, plus an approachable Fox along the bottom of the slope. Common Blue (male) Common Blue (female) Common Blue (female) showing extra spot near body (on forewing), which is absent in Brown Argus Brown Argus Brown Argus, showing figure of eight formed from two spots on leading edge of hindwing. Painted Lady Chalkhill Blue (male) Chalkhill Blue (...

T he second Wider Countryside Butterfly Survey at Bredhurst this year. Weather was mixed, sunny at first, then totally overcast for an hour before the sun reappeared. The downland in the valley is in poor condition this summer, being trampled by cattle on two occasions. Nevertheless, Meadow Brown were numerous, followed by Gatekeeper, the latter seen more so near the hedgerow. The walk through the forest coincided with overcast weather, and consequently barely a butterfly to be seen. However, the sun fortunately reappeared on leaving the forest, with two Silver-washed Fritillary and a White Admiral the highlights in the second transect. Several Buddleia bushes near the farm held no less than four Peacock, three Red Admiral and singles of Painted Lady, Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue. The nymphalids were all in pristine condition, the exception being the Small Tortoiseshell which was a very t atty specimen! Nice to see a party of Swallows near the farm, with at least eight birds on ...