Bredhurst butterfly survey 03/08/21

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The 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 tatty specimen!

Nice to see a party of Swallows near the farm, with at least eight birds on wires.

Day Valley

White Admiral

White Admiral 

Silver-washed Fritillary 

Peacock

Red Admiral

Common Blue (female)

Common Blue

Painted Lady

Small Tortoiseshell with Red Admiral on the right

Juvenile Swallow


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