11/07/23

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An afternoon visit, starting in PV. It was mostly sunny if breezy, though had clouded over by the time I reached TF.

I wanted to look for Purple Emperor and WL Hairstreak in view of last year's sightings at the corresponding time. PV is a now an overgrown jungle and it was only possible to walk to the first pylon (from the gate at DV), nevertheless this includes the areas where both butterflies were seen last year. Unfortunately neither species was seen, perhaps no great surprise in the case of Purple Emperor.

Other butterflies were numerous and included a White Admiral and my first of year Painted Lady, though the former didn't hang around.

In TF bramble growth was a problem in many spots. However, I managed to find one male Adder and five Slow-worms.

Ivy-leaved Bellflower 


Painted Lady

White Admiral 

Small Skipper 

Male Adder

Three Slow-worms 




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