Knepp 13/07/22

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The weather forecast today said mostly cloudy though it proved very sunny in the afternoon and rather hot.

The timing of this visit was near the tail-end of the Purple Emperor season though four were seen in the tree tops and one came lower in an oak.

A few Purple Hairstreak were also seen, one fortunately at head height on lower branches. Whilst watching this individual what was possibly a Large Tortoiseshell flew into view though unfortunately did not land.  It disappeared behind the hedgerow and so therefore not possible to be sure about the identification. However, the sighting was in the same spot where Large Tortoiseshell had been seen the day before.

White Storks have bred on one of the farm buildings and two juveniles were present in the nest. Three adult storks were seen in flight plus two Red Kite. A purring Turtle Dove capped a great visit.

Purple Emperor

Purple Hairstreak

Purple Hairstreak

Juvenile White Storks

Beautiful Demoiselle 

Black-tailed Skimmer




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