Bredhurst & Strawberry Banks 11/08/21

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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 found today, a fine Slow-worm under the refugium in PV.

Ravens were heard then finally seen at the far side of Strawberry Banks, two briefly settling on a pylon before flying off.

Small Copper

Small Copper

Ringlet

Silver-washed Fritillary (male)

Brimstone (male)

Common Blue (female)

Common Blue (female)

Marbled White

Chalkhill Blue

Volucella inanis

Slow-worm

Raven


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