Dene Park 26/06/22

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What has become an annual visit to this site was today earlier than usual (e.g. on 16/7 last year) encouraged by recent reports of Purple Emperor. The weather was mostly sunny, albeit breezy, though increasingly warm after midday.

We had one sighting of Purple Emperor, a male along the footpath by the 'poo bin' triangle. Unfortunately it settled on the ground only momentarily though gave very close flight views at low level. 

Other butterflies were more obliging especially White Admiral, about a dozen being seen, the first by our feet. In addition four-five Silver-washed Fritillary were much enjoyed.

Insects seen also included a Hornet, female Beautiful Demoiselle, and Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle, the latter a wasp mimic.

Family parties of Nuthatch were very vocal in the woods, with other species such as Blue Tit seemingly mixed in. Song was heard from both Treecreeper and Marsh Tit (briefly) though the singing birds could not be seen. A Spotted Flycatcher was more obliging in this respect giving views in the tree tops along the main path.

White Admiral

White Admiral



Silver-washed Fritillary

Silver-washed Fritillary



Purple Emperor 

Beautiful Demoiselle

Black and Yellow Longhorn Beetle




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