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

Another warm day so I spent the afternoon locally, at Northward Hill. The main quarry was White-letter Hairstreak, with about six being seen.. However, it was hard work and none came low, favouring instead the tops of Elm saplings. Whilst looking for WLH a White Admiral flew through and there were several Silver-washed Fritillary. Ringlet were in good numbers as were Marbled White. A few Peacock, Red Admiral, and Comma were also present. A couple of Lesser Whitethroat were singing and Blackcaps were still in fine voice. White-letter Hairstreak Ringlet Peacock

A reflection of the drought in recent months is that a small puddle in this wood is proving attractive to birds, notably Crossbills. I checked it out this afternoon and had good views of up to 15 Crossbills coming down to drink. However, at least 40 individuals were in the general area, their chip-chip calls regularly heard in nearby trees. C rossbills have had a good breeding season judging from the number of juveniles in the flock. A pair of Siskin also came down to the puddle. Crossbill in nearby trees  Siskin

Encouraged by reports that Purple Emperor were now being seen we visited Knepp today. Weather was mostly sunny though quite breezy. The helpful staff at the office gave a map showing a 'purple trail', being the route offering the best chance of seeing his majesty. The best spots were marked with purple poles in the ground, and were opposite tall oaks (master trees) that the Purple Emperor favour. At one site I could see a few in the tops of the trees, though only in flight. However, Purple Hairstreak were no problem to see, often at eye level. At the next site we were fortunate to bump into Matthew Oates, the authority on the Purple Emperor. With his help we saw more in the tree tops, and he happened to mention that they will come down to ground level attracted by fresh cow pats! Soon after he left a male did exactly that, and was watched imbibing salts from a cow pat for about 45 minutes, surrounded by an appreciative audience.  On the way back we found two more males having a...

A lovely evening after a very warm day. A Turtle Dove was present on the wires at Motney though didn't stay for long. A pair of Stock Dove were also seen, and a few Swifts flew over. An unusual sighting was a Green Woodpecker drumming on a telegraph pole. On the walk down to the creek there were many butterflies on the brambles, which included several Small Tortoiseshell, plus Peacock, Red Admiral, and Comma. Marbled Whites were found near the seawall. An adult Spotted Redshank was resplendent in full summer plumage on the far bank of the creek. It was high tide and the bird was initially heard when it flew in.  I was pretty sure I could see a juvenile Cuckoo on Horsted marsh, though very distant. Green Woodpecker Small Tortoiseshell  Red Admiral Peacock Comma Marbled White Spotted Redshank 

A pleasant day starting at Woolbeding Common in W Sussex. The main target was Honey Buzzard, with success j ust after midday when a dark morph individual  was seen from the watchpoint.  Other raptors were two Red Kite, a probable Goshawk, and about six Common Buzzard. A male Yellowhammer serenaded us whilst waiting for the birds of prey to appear. Later in the afternoon we visited Thursley NNR, which has happily rejuvenated since the serious fire a few years ago. The reserve is alive with dragonflies and damselflies, attracting the attention of Hobbies, at least three being seen. Other birds included singing Dartford Warblers either side of the track, a pair of Curlew, one in display flight, and two singing Tree Pipit, though too far away to be seen. On the boardwalk Common Lizards were hard to miss! Yellowhammer Honey Buzzard As above  Woolbeeding Common  Stonechat Teal Red Kite Black-tailed Skimmer Four-spotted Chaser  Emperor Dragonfly  As above Common L...