Faggs Wood, Orlestone 20/03/25

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After dipping Large Tortoiseshell in Birchett Wood (Orlestone) last week I made a second attempt today as the weather was so good, with cloudless skies and warm sunshine.

Arriving at 10:15 I bumped into Neil Hulme from Sussex who described the previous days sightings in the area. He said that nearby Faggs Wood had also been good, especially in the afternoon when four LT were seen.

Together with Keith and Colin we spent about two hours in Birchett searching the woodland rides, seeing Brimstone, Peacock and Comma but not the hoped for LT.

Then on to Faggs Wood which was quiet to start with until reaching the ride where sightings had occurred yesterday. At 1:30 a LT was found, which then showed very well for the next 30 minutes, often settling on tree trunks. At one point it was joined by a second individual. The flight of the butterfly was rather elegant, frequently gliding on flat wings.

After that I decided to walk back but at the other end of the ride someone pointed out another LT. This one posed well on the ground and was very approachable.

No birds of particular note today nevertheless a very enjoyable day.

Large Tortoiseshell 





The third LT



Male Brimstone 

A tatty Peacock

Comma


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