A beautiful day, that had a light north-easterly 7 mph breeze taking away the heat at higher levels, which is possibly why I never saw an Orange Underwing today, which was my target species.
The delights at Beacon Hill SU822495 were all about our hibernators which on the face of it have come out of the winter with flying colours.
I saw at least 8 Peacock butterflies along the path verges where they were to be seen just soaking up the beautiful sunshine.The 10 Brimstone seen were flying by the path eventually topping up on the plentiful supply of Primroses.Altogether a warming early season sight, but where were the Orange Underwing that I usually see here,yes I think it was that chilly breeze that possibly kept them up in the Birch trees or possibly the late season, although I have already seen one.
The delights at Beacon Hill SU822495 were all about our hibernators which on the face of it have come out of the winter with flying colours.
I saw at least 8 Peacock butterflies along the path verges where they were to be seen just soaking up the beautiful sunshine.The 10 Brimstone seen were flying by the path eventually topping up on the plentiful supply of Primroses.Altogether a warming early season sight, but where were the Orange Underwing that I usually see here,yes I think it was that chilly breeze that possibly kept them up in the Birch trees or possibly the late season, although I have already seen one.
Soaking up the sunshine, the wings eyes shone metallic purple.What a beautiful butterfly the Peacock is.
Trust me this flying lark makes you hungry!!!
The Brimstone butterflies were avidly feeding on the Primroses tucked up amongst the Bracken
Even when there isn't vast numbers of butterflies or moths there is always something that catches the eyes in these vast swathes of Heather and Gorse and for me it was this busy little feller,the BOMBUS hypnorum Tree Bumblebee
At Lichett Plain it was again the same story with good numbers of Peacock 6 and Brimstone 5 plus a single Comma.Again no Orange Underwing.
At SU837508 a short while earlier I found another Comma but be assured you would not have enjoyed a shot of that particular individual who loves dogs!!!!
At SU837508 a short while earlier I found another Comma but be assured you would not have enjoyed a shot of that particular individual who loves dogs!!!!
Always something else to photograph and at Lichett Plain it happened to be a CICINDELA campestris Green Tiger Beetle.
Not a friendly Beetle this one, but one of the top predators who is very agile and wary and flies when disturbed.
Last night being cold I only attracted 4 moths in my trap namely the Common Quaker 1 and Small Quaker 3.
Earlier in the day yesterday whilst taking a dinner break at Shortheath Pond in Oakhanger I checked on the Willows to the left of the car park and found a total of 60 Adela cuprella on 5 Willows Grid ref-Shortheath Pond SU774369
Earlier in the day yesterday whilst taking a dinner break at Shortheath Pond in Oakhanger I checked on the Willows to the left of the car park and found a total of 60 Adela cuprella on 5 Willows Grid ref-Shortheath Pond SU774369
73.244- Common Quaker - ORTHOSIA cerasi - (Fabricius,1775)
73.245 - Small Quaker - ORTHOSIA (Monima) cruda ([Denis & Schiffermüller],1775)
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