Birding and other distractions

A mid afternoon visit to this site. Though overcast it was reasonably warm at around 20 C. The commonest butterflies were predictably Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper.  Common and Chalkhill Blue were present in moderate numbers, mainly seen in larger patches of Marjoram. The only nymphalid was a rather worn Comma; if it had been sunny I expect more would have been seen. However, the lepidopteran highlight was not a butterfly, instead a stunning Jersey Tiger Moth. Two Slow-worm were found though no Adders, the latter often difficult to see at this time of year. Four Bullfinches were recorded including three together. Jersey Tiger Moth Chalkhill Blue  Common Blue Common Blue pair

Another warm day. I first checked the churchyard following the report of Spotted Flycatcher there. I didn't see any, though the calls of Robins that I heard could be mistaken for a flycatcher I thought. There was plenty of butterfly activity today, especially from Marbled White in the grassland, and I was pleased to see my first Chalkhill Blue of the year. I found a couple of Slow-worm, one of which was crossing the bridleway. There was a partially hidden Adder in TF, probably a male. Slow-worm Adder