Birding and other distractions

A visit hopefully to see White-letter Hairstreak in view of recent reports from the site. After parking the car in Northward Avenue I crossed the meadow and entered the wood from the top end. To my pleasant surprise I found a hairstreak within 10 minutes, on Elm though coming down to take nectar from bramble flowers, and on occasions no more than two metres away. From there I followed the path south through the reserve and stumbled across another Hairstreak on the way, on Elm saplings. This one was even closer, down to 1 metre. At the lower end of the reserve I bumped into Trevor and Den, so spent the next couple of hours with them exploring the east end of the site. We found 2-3 more hairstreaks, though none so obliging as those I'd previously seen. Other butterflies seen on the day included my first of the year for Ringlet, Large Skipper, and Essex Skipper. The site was alive with dragonflies, especially darters, though I also found Black-tailed Skimmer, and what I thought were S...

Sunshine was forecast this afternoon so I arrived at 12:30. As it happened the sun didn't properly appear until two hours later so very few butterflies were seen until then. The recent reports of Black-veined White at the site were the main reason for visiting though none were seen by anyone today. Not to worry as this is such an enjoyable site to visit and views of Glanville Fritillary are always welcome. Several were found, while other butterflies included Small Blue, Common Blue and Brimstone, the latter now rather worn at this stage. A Common Lizard and Red Kite were also seen. Glanville Fritillary Small Blue Common Blue Common Lizard The Upper Meadow where Black-veined White originally emerged from the clump of bushes in the middle of the picture 

Mostly sunny this afternoon though the NE wind continues to hold temperatures down. The growth of vegetation is such that it's now difficult to find any Adders. Nevertheless, I managed to see two at the far end of TF, both coiled up in the grass. It would be easy to tread on an Adder when they are concealed like this! Another Adder seen today was a handsome male at the opposite end of TF. However, Slow-worms were by far the most numerous reptile, with a total of 14 today. I barely saw any butterflies in TF though PV provided more shelter and I came across three Small Blue, not a common species in this area. The first one appeared very fresh. However, it was in SB that most butterflies were seen, predominantly in the sheltered conditions at the north end. Adonis Blue was surprisingly the most numerous species, including some stunning males. One individual, with a distinct row of black spots on the trailing edge of the hind wing, proved even more handsome than usual. Adonis...

A follow-up visit to the marsh, arriving in the afternoon. Weather was similar to that on the previous occasion, sunny though windy. An excellent view of a Water Vole was a nice start, with nearby an agitated Lesser Whitethroat in the hedge. Ivy Fleet was quiet this time, though a Hobby flew over and a Cuckoo was heard. Water was being pumped onto the marsh, probably from the reservoir, and is helping to maintain the flooded areas which are proving attractive to waders and ducks. A summer plumage Cattle Egret was feeding in a distant fleet, while much closer an attractive Greenshank was unexpected at this late stage. Water Vole Pumping water onto the marsh Male Chaffinch

A sunny day though with a brisk NE wind. I parked near Binney Road and walked out towards the marsh. A male Yellow Wagtail showed well in the wheat field just beyond the farm. On reaching the seawall I headed in the direction of Stoke Lagoon. The lagoon proved disappointing though in the flooded marsh beyond the various ducks included a drake Garganey, and four each of Lapwing and Redshank may well have been breeding in the area. A Hobby was also seen albeit distant. Further on Ivy Fleet had singing Reed Warblers while a pair of Marsh Harrier were on Binney Marsh. However, the undoubted bird of the day was a Great Reed Warbler that I heard singing in Ivy Fleet. It frequently sang though try as I might I couldn't see it, even though it was quite close at times. The windy conditions obviously didn't help, probably causing the bird to sing lower in the reeds. Garganey Yellow Wagtail Ivy Fleet  Mallard and ducklings 

A late start today, arriving on site at midday. T he sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm. No sooner after parking the car than I could hear a singing Firecrest. The bird was eventually seen, though high up in the trees. At least four other Firecrest were heard during the course of the visit. Walking along the forest ride I saw a Goshawk circling above the tree tops several hundred metres away.  The bird never came closer though was watched for about a minute before it disappeared. A second, closer Goshawk called from within the forest, very likely the mate of the original bird. Arriving at BB a Duke of Burgundy was found without difficulty. At least four individuals were eventually seen. A good orchid display, especially Lady Orchid, though also some Early Spotted. I didn't realise quite how scarce Lady Orchid is in UK. On the way back a singing Tree Pipit was a nice find in an area previously coppiced. The bird was singing constantly though remained out of view. A...

An afternoon visit in quite nice weather. Four Adders were found in TF, the usual juvenile, a male, and two females. Of the latter, an individual at the north end was probably new for the year. PV was disappointing for reptiles until at the lower end (nearest SB) I found an impressive male, which I then watched for about 20 minutes. The sunshine brought out some butterflies, including a Green-veined White and a couple of Orange Tip. It clouded over for a short period enabling a close approach to a male Orange Tip. Then as the sun gradually reappeared the butterfly opened it's wings, giving a welcome opportunity for some close pictures. Female Adder in TF Male in TF Probable new female in TF Male Adder in PV As above Green-veined White  Orange Tip As above