Bentley Wood 31-05-2020
I find that my butterflying year can be neatly subdivided by which sites I visit. I start off at Middle Street and Five Rivers, move onto Martin Down and my Duke Site and now I’m getting towards the end of the first stint of Bentley Wood visits. Also as the season progresses I find the ideal time of arrival becomes earlier and earlier as the average daily temperature rises and the butterflies awaken and fly frenetically more quickly. This visit coincided with almost reaching the peak of ‘early bird catches the worm’ and so a little after 9 of the morning clock Dave and I were slowly Social Distancing around the Eastern Clearing. We chatted away as we wandered which was just as well as it seems no-one had told the butterflies about the importance of waking up early during this part of the season. After wandering forwards and backwards across the whole of the main section and some of the further reaches of the Clearing including the little ‘sub clearing’ at the very bottom all we had to show for our efforts was a single Speckled Wood.
We ended up in the central part of the EC where the vegetation is criss-crossed by animal trackways and I check my watch. A couple of minutes past 9:30 and suddenly the switch is thrown – there are butterflies. First up is a Large Skipper and it’s swiftly joined by two more and it’s not the only one gaining more company as another couple of butterfly enthusiasts have arrived to share the clearing with us. They seem pleasant enough but I do expound a few tuts at their lack of SD etiquette. As I’m trying to keep my distance more effectively I spot a moribund Small Pearl (at least I think I spotted it – it might have been Dave that first clapped eyes on it) which is struggling to get out of bed as it crawls up the spiny rush to warm up a little in the morning light. I offer it a hand and it crawls onto my welcoming finger and from there onto a Bracken frond which has been out of the shade for long enough to allow the dew to evaporate. After a few shots I step back and take a quick stroll round this section of the Clearing and another Small Pearl flies and despite missing a chunk from its fore wing this one seems fresher and is much more active. The other enthusiasts are also not that up to date on butterfly etiquette as Dave is having a hard job of getting anything as one of them is a ‘Hogger’ but eventually Dave can get in and I can get a second round of shots.
As is so often the way the butterfly is nicely posed, sitting still and then Philzoid arrives so can be handed his shots on a silver platter as it were (WINK LOL). While he’s catching up on the shots Dave and I catch-up with him whilst we wander about in the little section turning up the second Small Pearl again and a brace of Grizzlies. We then regroup…well as much as you can whilst staying 2 metres apart and do a circuit of the main part of the Clearing. At the bottom end there are two Large Skippers and once back in the main part the Small Pearls have now woken up proper and are too active for photography so we move over to the other side of the ditch and check out the area that was cleared a few years back. As we spread out and cover the ground various butterflies turn up; 2 Small Heath, a male Common Blue and two Meadow Browns but most are very flighty and so I try and concentrate only on the Frits. In doing so I found a Pearl, Small Pearl and a Marshie. The first two are flying non-stop now, fully recharged after a brief bask. As I have previously noted however the Marshies like a bit of a lie-in and this one seemed to have followed the same pattern and so was the most sluggish of all the species encountered bar the very first Small Pearl. However what it lacked in energy it made up for in cunning and so once it realised that I was trying to photograph it it glided through the barbed wire fence and flew around the Bracken on the other side mockingly. I wasn’t having that and so I dove under the fence and after a brief stalk got a couple of shots which shut up the smarmy Marshie.
After this our wanderings brought us back to the Main Clearing where the Small Pearls were still bombing around and they had been joined by an aged Marshie, a Skipper (possibly Small?) and a Small Tort – something of a rarity here. Onwards we went and with a quick refreshment break in the car park we set out to see what else was about in the woods. Not an awful lot is seemed until we reached the small pond down past the crossroads. This was alive with Dragon (4 Spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, Emperors) and Damselflies (Azure and Large Red) and the newer, larger pond we even better although there were fewer perching points.
Eventually even in the shade it had got far too hot and so we walked back and went our separate ways. The next few weeks will see me checking out various grasslands as the Browns and Golden Skippers start to emerge – speaking of which I’m sure that was one I saw earlier…
Three Frit day again
Dragons and Damsels hold sway
Small Skipper maybe?
We ended up in the central part of the EC where the vegetation is criss-crossed by animal trackways and I check my watch. A couple of minutes past 9:30 and suddenly the switch is thrown – there are butterflies. First up is a Large Skipper and it’s swiftly joined by two more and it’s not the only one gaining more company as another couple of butterfly enthusiasts have arrived to share the clearing with us. They seem pleasant enough but I do expound a few tuts at their lack of SD etiquette. As I’m trying to keep my distance more effectively I spot a moribund Small Pearl (at least I think I spotted it – it might have been Dave that first clapped eyes on it) which is struggling to get out of bed as it crawls up the spiny rush to warm up a little in the morning light. I offer it a hand and it crawls onto my welcoming finger and from there onto a Bracken frond which has been out of the shade for long enough to allow the dew to evaporate. After a few shots I step back and take a quick stroll round this section of the Clearing and another Small Pearl flies and despite missing a chunk from its fore wing this one seems fresher and is much more active. The other enthusiasts are also not that up to date on butterfly etiquette as Dave is having a hard job of getting anything as one of them is a ‘Hogger’ but eventually Dave can get in and I can get a second round of shots.
As is so often the way the butterfly is nicely posed, sitting still and then Philzoid arrives so can be handed his shots on a silver platter as it were (WINK LOL). While he’s catching up on the shots Dave and I catch-up with him whilst we wander about in the little section turning up the second Small Pearl again and a brace of Grizzlies. We then regroup…well as much as you can whilst staying 2 metres apart and do a circuit of the main part of the Clearing. At the bottom end there are two Large Skippers and once back in the main part the Small Pearls have now woken up proper and are too active for photography so we move over to the other side of the ditch and check out the area that was cleared a few years back. As we spread out and cover the ground various butterflies turn up; 2 Small Heath, a male Common Blue and two Meadow Browns but most are very flighty and so I try and concentrate only on the Frits. In doing so I found a Pearl, Small Pearl and a Marshie. The first two are flying non-stop now, fully recharged after a brief bask. As I have previously noted however the Marshies like a bit of a lie-in and this one seemed to have followed the same pattern and so was the most sluggish of all the species encountered bar the very first Small Pearl. However what it lacked in energy it made up for in cunning and so once it realised that I was trying to photograph it it glided through the barbed wire fence and flew around the Bracken on the other side mockingly. I wasn’t having that and so I dove under the fence and after a brief stalk got a couple of shots which shut up the smarmy Marshie.
After this our wanderings brought us back to the Main Clearing where the Small Pearls were still bombing around and they had been joined by an aged Marshie, a Skipper (possibly Small?) and a Small Tort – something of a rarity here. Onwards we went and with a quick refreshment break in the car park we set out to see what else was about in the woods. Not an awful lot is seemed until we reached the small pond down past the crossroads. This was alive with Dragon (4 Spotted and Broad-bodied Chasers, Emperors) and Damselflies (Azure and Large Red) and the newer, larger pond we even better although there were fewer perching points.
Eventually even in the shade it had got far too hot and so we walked back and went our separate ways. The next few weeks will see me checking out various grasslands as the Browns and Golden Skippers start to emerge – speaking of which I’m sure that was one I saw earlier…
Three Frit day again
Dragons and Damsels hold sway
Small Skipper maybe?
The Devenish 29-05-2020
I was hoping that me new(er) camera was going to turn up at some point but I headed out anyway with the girls to The Devenish. We decided to go early to try and avoid the main heat of the afternoon. We started off in the Orchid Meadow but all was quiet and the only on butterfly that was up and about flying in those patches that the sun had penetrated was a Large Skipper. We carry on up the narrow and very steep track to the main part of the Down where again the place is almost entirely bereft of butterflies. Only a couple of Small Heath break the monotony and so we keep on moving along the top of the Down and into the woodland. When we reach the swings I leave the girls and work back diagonally down the middle section of the Down. Again all is quiet with only singles of Large Skipper and Red Admiral (very distant) to train my lens on. Even the little Paddock area is devoid of butterflies and so I make my way back up to rejoin the girls.
From my treetop vantage point I look both ways along the valley and I can see where the problem lies. The sun is only just reaching these parts of the Down and then only where there are breaks in the treeline, the light like light fingers clawing their way through and at the grasses beyond. Having spotted the problem I then come up with the solution – so I leave the girls and again make my way diagonally across the middle section of the Down this time directly with no weaving here and there to likely looking nectar sources. Now I’m making for those little sections where the sun has broken though sending the shade scattering before it. It does pay and the number of Large Skippers is doubled and then I inadvertently startle a Meadow Brown disturbing it from its slumbers. It flies not just seeking the cover of the longer grasses but also the shade. This means getting slightly different shots than normal with the little shining from behind but I’m quite pleased with this because it gives the butterflies a wonderful halo.
As the girls are still not swung out I move back down into the Orchid Meadow which is the best lit area of the site now although the trees lining it on all sides are still stubbornly refusing to let go of some shade but what sun they have let in has been sufficient to finally get the butterflies up and about. There has in fact been a total sea change and in a very short space of time there are same number of butterflies as I’d seen throughout the rest of the morning. There are two Brown Argus – one of which sits backlit like the Meadow Brown and again producing an aesthetically pleasing pose and a Grizzlie. At the far end a distant Specklie flies more confidently about then the fluttering collection of whites which at times look like they’ll literally fall out of the sky and Blue, joins the tally, judging by the shade and the height its flying at probably a Holly.
I then hotfoot it back up the steep steps cut into the chalk to the top of the first section of the Down spotting at least 5 Large Skippers scattered though the grasses lining the foot of the down at the margins of the line of Beech trees which have been casting their shadows all morning. I come up with another Grizzlie as well as a fast moving Adonis Blue flashing past like lightning here and a the Meadow Browns all follow the Adonis lead. I reach the girls and we finish the circular route that we started and paused so they could swing, leaving the canopy and stomping down the steps before plunging into yet more woodland and ending up back at the Orchid Meadow. The girls settle down in the small sections that are still offering shade as the sun now has a firm grip on the situation and the temperature is rising fast! Whilst they read and try to keep cool I build up a sweat trying to follow the now very active butterflies. The Dingy Skipper didn’t cause any problems as it looked so old and tired I’m not that sure it had much live left in it at all? I sits atop a flower in a most unusual pose, wings held low forming a tent over the flower. It kind of reminded me of a pupil hunkered over a test covering it with their arms lest any cheaters see their answers. However the Brown Argus and Blues cause much racing forward and back as they just won’t sit still and as for the Orange-tip – well not a chance in hell! Surprisingly a Golden-ringed Dragonfly behaves decently and sits nicely for a few shots.
By now it is hot, hot, hot even in the shade and so we beat a retreat for home where the through breeze and cool white walls await.
At The Devenish
A different perspective
Happy with results
From my treetop vantage point I look both ways along the valley and I can see where the problem lies. The sun is only just reaching these parts of the Down and then only where there are breaks in the treeline, the light like light fingers clawing their way through and at the grasses beyond. Having spotted the problem I then come up with the solution – so I leave the girls and again make my way diagonally across the middle section of the Down this time directly with no weaving here and there to likely looking nectar sources. Now I’m making for those little sections where the sun has broken though sending the shade scattering before it. It does pay and the number of Large Skippers is doubled and then I inadvertently startle a Meadow Brown disturbing it from its slumbers. It flies not just seeking the cover of the longer grasses but also the shade. This means getting slightly different shots than normal with the little shining from behind but I’m quite pleased with this because it gives the butterflies a wonderful halo.
As the girls are still not swung out I move back down into the Orchid Meadow which is the best lit area of the site now although the trees lining it on all sides are still stubbornly refusing to let go of some shade but what sun they have let in has been sufficient to finally get the butterflies up and about. There has in fact been a total sea change and in a very short space of time there are same number of butterflies as I’d seen throughout the rest of the morning. There are two Brown Argus – one of which sits backlit like the Meadow Brown and again producing an aesthetically pleasing pose and a Grizzlie. At the far end a distant Specklie flies more confidently about then the fluttering collection of whites which at times look like they’ll literally fall out of the sky and Blue, joins the tally, judging by the shade and the height its flying at probably a Holly.
I then hotfoot it back up the steep steps cut into the chalk to the top of the first section of the Down spotting at least 5 Large Skippers scattered though the grasses lining the foot of the down at the margins of the line of Beech trees which have been casting their shadows all morning. I come up with another Grizzlie as well as a fast moving Adonis Blue flashing past like lightning here and a the Meadow Browns all follow the Adonis lead. I reach the girls and we finish the circular route that we started and paused so they could swing, leaving the canopy and stomping down the steps before plunging into yet more woodland and ending up back at the Orchid Meadow. The girls settle down in the small sections that are still offering shade as the sun now has a firm grip on the situation and the temperature is rising fast! Whilst they read and try to keep cool I build up a sweat trying to follow the now very active butterflies. The Dingy Skipper didn’t cause any problems as it looked so old and tired I’m not that sure it had much live left in it at all? I sits atop a flower in a most unusual pose, wings held low forming a tent over the flower. It kind of reminded me of a pupil hunkered over a test covering it with their arms lest any cheaters see their answers. However the Brown Argus and Blues cause much racing forward and back as they just won’t sit still and as for the Orange-tip – well not a chance in hell! Surprisingly a Golden-ringed Dragonfly behaves decently and sits nicely for a few shots.
By now it is hot, hot, hot even in the shade and so we beat a retreat for home where the through breeze and cool white walls await.
At The Devenish
A different perspective
Happy with results
Duke Site 27-05-2020
My older daughter had planned to visit one of her school friends and they’d cooked up a Socially Distanced Birthday treat for her involving separate picnic blankets, my daughter had taken her own snacks, a cake cooked whilst wearing gloves and a face masks and lots of loud chat. Whilst she was enjoying the ‘new normal’ I had almost 2 hours to ‘kill’. It seemed pointless to drop her and return only to do the same thing an hour later but luckily the village her friend lived in was en route for Tidworth and my Duke Site. So K dropped off I put pedal to the metal, pumped up ‘Maiden and made tracks.
As I pulled up I was engulfed in a cloud of dust of my own making as the surrounding tank tracks are desiccated – I hate to say it but we could do with a few drops of rain. The turf is still springy here but instead of the softening of your footsteps it now adds a scratchy motif to the dull clumps of your boots. The fresh tanks tracks gouged into the turf provide evidence to explain the difference between it and the surrounding ‘fields’; its regularly ripped up and torn by parking and turning tanks. Still the butterflies don’t seem to be minding much at the moment and I quickly tick off Small Heath, Meadow Browns, a par of Common Blue racing about and chasing/being chased by the brighter Adonis Blues who were obviously trying to show up the carpet dull Dingies. Down in the longer tussocks at the edge of the spinney I also found a slightly worn Small Blue. When I’d last been here 3 weeks previously there wasn’t a sniff of them but I must have missed them by a week as this one wasn’t fresh with the margins all roughed up and the white underside looking like some of the paint had peeled off.
Happily I strolled onwards down the track that skirts the spinney and then backup hill slightly. The vegetation changes here from short and mossy to a thick carpet of long stemmed grasses that comes from being allowed to become established. There are many more blues here as well as Small Heath which seem to be back on track number wise after a few worrying years of relative scarcity. The blues here seem to be playing a very complex game of Hide and seek amid the grass stems. Complex in that if you find a Blue butterfly it wasn’t actually the one that you were seeking. In the end I give up trying for any shots here as I can feel time slipping through my fingers and all the shots I’m lining up have the recurring theme of ‘blade of grass with butterfly behind’, getting a clear unobstructed shot is next to impossible. At the corner of what used to be the main Duke track a Marshie pops up and on my continued progress up the track it is swiftly joined by a second along with a Brimstone making its debut on the daily tally plus the odd Dingy and Grizzlie. It’s difficult to get a precise number for these as they are far to intent on ripping chunks out of each other or any hapless and passing Small Heath to be as civilised as to sit still for me.
At the top of the track a Green Hairstreak surprises me by flying low over the dust and gets itself into a spot of bother as it enters a Grizzlie patrolled no-fly zone. Still chuckling about this behaviour I turn right and when standing in front of the Cypress trees I scan back into the field that I’ve just walked alongside. I can see three Marshies straight off and they keep bundling into each other. One sits there quietly trying to catch some rays and one of its mates dives on it so up they go which sets off the third one. A Brown Argus joins in at one point, looking ridiculously small against its cousins but easily holding its own!
I carry on upwards with the sun beating down so strong that I’m starting to cook in my Metallica T-shirt so I stick to the shady side of the path for a bit of respite. This means that I don’t get to look over the top field but I’m guessing that the small track ways hold host to Large Skippers and Brown Argus as they do most years. A Greenstreak draws me temporarily out of the shade and once I’m out I stay out as a Mother Shipton leads me on a bit of a dance in amongst the tussocks. I cut across to the Duke Hotspot on the way spotting a Common and Small Blue. But the Common races on by and after a couple of shots the Small Blue makes off and no matter how hard I strained my eyes I just couldn’t follow the diminutive blue. Once in the corner a Dingy passing causes me a moment of exultation as I think it’s a Duke and as I’m recovering from my disappointment the real McCoy pops up. While I’m lining up my shot I realise that this is a different individual for those seen on my last visit so they seem to be doing better here than hoped for!
As I cut through the line of trees at the back of the Hotspot I stopped momentarily as there was a Bird’s Nest Orchid – looking a bit more open then on previous visits. After this brief sojourn in the shade I broke free from the trees and worked my way along the bank of springy turf. All the usual suspects were here and all were behaving as expected. The Grizzlies and Dingies bickered like long separated family who’d been brought back together at a Wedding only for someone to mention “what our Jane said about our Susan…” The Common Blue darted backwards and forwards in desperate need for attention; positively screaming “Look at me!” and the two Brown Argus attacked all and sundry should anything, be it bird or butterfly, enter their airspace. An unsuspecting Treble Bar made the near fatal mistake of wandering too far into the BA Seclusion Zone and almost instantly regretted not staying true to its usual form of skulking around on the underside of large leaves.
I carried on up the steep slope to the top and the cross tracks were the Walls hang out and then turned left and made towards the rings. I paused by the gate and realised that I was close to needing to turn round and make my way back so after watching a Small Heath, 2 Large Skippers and a Common Blue for a few moments I made to go. That’s when the Wall turned up although it didn’t stop – like most of the butterflies by now the heady mix of sun and it’s warmth had got them moving as if all turbos were engaged. As I crossed the final little section of field to get back to the car a Marshie waved me goodbye, the final little flourish of the trip. But no that came as I was changing boots and stowing away my gear when a Small Blue carried by the breeze landed on the footplate!
Running short of time
Small Blue but the big highlight
Quite usurped the Duke
As I pulled up I was engulfed in a cloud of dust of my own making as the surrounding tank tracks are desiccated – I hate to say it but we could do with a few drops of rain. The turf is still springy here but instead of the softening of your footsteps it now adds a scratchy motif to the dull clumps of your boots. The fresh tanks tracks gouged into the turf provide evidence to explain the difference between it and the surrounding ‘fields’; its regularly ripped up and torn by parking and turning tanks. Still the butterflies don’t seem to be minding much at the moment and I quickly tick off Small Heath, Meadow Browns, a par of Common Blue racing about and chasing/being chased by the brighter Adonis Blues who were obviously trying to show up the carpet dull Dingies. Down in the longer tussocks at the edge of the spinney I also found a slightly worn Small Blue. When I’d last been here 3 weeks previously there wasn’t a sniff of them but I must have missed them by a week as this one wasn’t fresh with the margins all roughed up and the white underside looking like some of the paint had peeled off.
Happily I strolled onwards down the track that skirts the spinney and then backup hill slightly. The vegetation changes here from short and mossy to a thick carpet of long stemmed grasses that comes from being allowed to become established. There are many more blues here as well as Small Heath which seem to be back on track number wise after a few worrying years of relative scarcity. The blues here seem to be playing a very complex game of Hide and seek amid the grass stems. Complex in that if you find a Blue butterfly it wasn’t actually the one that you were seeking. In the end I give up trying for any shots here as I can feel time slipping through my fingers and all the shots I’m lining up have the recurring theme of ‘blade of grass with butterfly behind’, getting a clear unobstructed shot is next to impossible. At the corner of what used to be the main Duke track a Marshie pops up and on my continued progress up the track it is swiftly joined by a second along with a Brimstone making its debut on the daily tally plus the odd Dingy and Grizzlie. It’s difficult to get a precise number for these as they are far to intent on ripping chunks out of each other or any hapless and passing Small Heath to be as civilised as to sit still for me.
At the top of the track a Green Hairstreak surprises me by flying low over the dust and gets itself into a spot of bother as it enters a Grizzlie patrolled no-fly zone. Still chuckling about this behaviour I turn right and when standing in front of the Cypress trees I scan back into the field that I’ve just walked alongside. I can see three Marshies straight off and they keep bundling into each other. One sits there quietly trying to catch some rays and one of its mates dives on it so up they go which sets off the third one. A Brown Argus joins in at one point, looking ridiculously small against its cousins but easily holding its own!
I carry on upwards with the sun beating down so strong that I’m starting to cook in my Metallica T-shirt so I stick to the shady side of the path for a bit of respite. This means that I don’t get to look over the top field but I’m guessing that the small track ways hold host to Large Skippers and Brown Argus as they do most years. A Greenstreak draws me temporarily out of the shade and once I’m out I stay out as a Mother Shipton leads me on a bit of a dance in amongst the tussocks. I cut across to the Duke Hotspot on the way spotting a Common and Small Blue. But the Common races on by and after a couple of shots the Small Blue makes off and no matter how hard I strained my eyes I just couldn’t follow the diminutive blue. Once in the corner a Dingy passing causes me a moment of exultation as I think it’s a Duke and as I’m recovering from my disappointment the real McCoy pops up. While I’m lining up my shot I realise that this is a different individual for those seen on my last visit so they seem to be doing better here than hoped for!
As I cut through the line of trees at the back of the Hotspot I stopped momentarily as there was a Bird’s Nest Orchid – looking a bit more open then on previous visits. After this brief sojourn in the shade I broke free from the trees and worked my way along the bank of springy turf. All the usual suspects were here and all were behaving as expected. The Grizzlies and Dingies bickered like long separated family who’d been brought back together at a Wedding only for someone to mention “what our Jane said about our Susan…” The Common Blue darted backwards and forwards in desperate need for attention; positively screaming “Look at me!” and the two Brown Argus attacked all and sundry should anything, be it bird or butterfly, enter their airspace. An unsuspecting Treble Bar made the near fatal mistake of wandering too far into the BA Seclusion Zone and almost instantly regretted not staying true to its usual form of skulking around on the underside of large leaves.
I carried on up the steep slope to the top and the cross tracks were the Walls hang out and then turned left and made towards the rings. I paused by the gate and realised that I was close to needing to turn round and make my way back so after watching a Small Heath, 2 Large Skippers and a Common Blue for a few moments I made to go. That’s when the Wall turned up although it didn’t stop – like most of the butterflies by now the heady mix of sun and it’s warmth had got them moving as if all turbos were engaged. As I crossed the final little section of field to get back to the car a Marshie waved me goodbye, the final little flourish of the trip. But no that came as I was changing boots and stowing away my gear when a Small Blue carried by the breeze landed on the footplate!
Running short of time
Small Blue but the big highlight
Quite usurped the Duke
Secret Squirrel Site – Wiltshire 25-05-2020
With Lockdown still rumbling on and restrictions on travelling for exercise meaning that my ‘Big Trips’ were on hold for this year I was wondering, how I could get to see certain species this year? One of those for me that is often on my Yearly Tally is Glanville Fritillary and after last years’ confirmation that they are still going strong at Wrecclesham I would have really loved to have made the day trip again this year but it didn’t seem possible and so I was sure that there would be a Glannie shaped hole on my 2020 Tally…Then my Instagram mate, he who had provided such accurate location information that enabled me to get onto some mighty fine Dukes, furnished me with yet another set of directions and a map, this time for Glanville Fritillaries in Wiltshire! They were just over 30 minutes away and so I could reconcile the trip with my conscious on both environmental and Co-vid 19 grounds. Also this would mean that I could be there and back in the time taken for lunch, break and free lesson plus I could do a bit of extra work over the weekend to bridge the gaps as it were.
So come Monday I grabbed my wife’s camera body, clicked my lens on it, bundled the girls into the back of the car and we were away, blue skies above and good tunes on the iPod. It was good going until the last little bit of the journey when the road became more and more like a track, winding uphill and when I pulled into the car park I was glad that I hadn’t met another car on the way up because if I had I might still be there now! We climbed over the stile and took about four steps along the path and then the down swopped down more like a cliff face than a hill and like cautious mountain goats we carefully picked our way to the bottom of the slope and started having a look around. It was still early and the butterflies barely seemed to have woken up but even so they managed to accelerate away rapidly, they certainly weren’t sluggish going from torpid to full throttle in the time taken to lift my camera to my eye. Still we saw a few Small Heaths and a gorgeous fresh Small Tort which was sitting in a bowl like depression at the foot of the hill. Something larger and darker than the obvious Small Heaths fluttered by and it became my first Meadow Brown of 2020 – so the trip had already paid dividends even if slight .
We carried on working our way along the bottom of the hill scanning both ahead and up the hill as we went. There were a couple of Greenstreaks flying and lots and lots of Small Heath but we didn’t see much else from here until we was about half way round the curve of the base of the hill. At this point the slope became much more gradual and there was a small flattish field of lush grass. Nestled in this sea of green was a Common Blue shimmering in the early morning sun like a little sapphire. Something larger and frit like flew in the longer grass but it wasn’t a Glannie, it was too dark by comparison; much less marmalade than the hoped for species and when I got a little closer in my suspicions were confirmed, it was a Marshie. Even though it wasn’t in the best of nick and looked tired its behaviour didn’t in anyway reflect this and I had a hell of a job following with my eyes let alone on foot!
The girls had found a little hollow and had set up camp, snacks at hand and books open so I left them to read and had a bit more of an explore. I carried on walking away from our start point and then started to work back but zig zagging up and down the slope as I went so as to cover as much ground as possible. On the way I encounter the odd Brimstone a few Common Blues and a ton of Small Heath. At one point a Small White drifts down the hill past me like a discarded handkerchief caught on the breeze and eventually I end up right at the top of the hill, precipitous slope on my left and a series of hollows and banks, the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort on my right. I have a bit of a mooch about with the usual suspects again appearing but still no Glannies! Checking the instructions again my mate reckoned that he found them at about 9:30 so I carry on along the top until I reach the start point and then start the second lap of the circuit again. It’s now 9:30, according to the map the first bit of the site was where my mate had seen them and as I start off and scan up the slope there is a medium sized, marmalade butterfly gliding gracefully from flower top to flower top. It’s now 9:30sih so once again my mate can’t be faulted for his accuracy! I spend a bit of time scrabbling about trying not to lose my footing as it continues to feed and sometimes I’m above and sometimes below the butterfly with each different angle giving a slightly different colour it seems. It’s gorgeous and I find myself really glad with however introduced this species here and I’m kinda hopeful that it will remain.
16 686 web cover
Chuffed and now with my eye in I carry on zig-zagging up and down until reach the girls. On the way a Grizzlie pops up and I start seeing a few Peacocks which in the bright sunlight appear absolutely huge. In fact most things on this morning appear bigger – due to the clear skies and bright sunshine? I reach the girls and regale them with tales of the Glannie, a bit of ripping yarn if I do say so myself whilst waiting for my coffee to cool and a second Meadow Brown and Red Admiral pop by while we’re taking a break.
We then start to meander our way back – spread out across the hillside so as to cover more ground and hopefully turn up another or even the Glannie again. On the way the Small Heaths put in a really good showing which was great to see after a few years of worrying about this species, a Brown Argus made it onto the days Tally and so did an Adonis Blue as it flashed by like a streak of horizontal lightning. When were almost back to where we’d started at the foot of the hill the girls sat down in the shade for a bit and relaxed whilst I went for a final look-see. The end bit beyond the hollow was much more gently sloping with a thicker coverage of grass and in the tangles of the green sward were another Meadow Brown and surprise, surprise, many more Small Heaths. I worked back to the steep slopes and spotted another couple scouring the hill. It turned out to be another person I knew – usually round and about in Salisbury where he would be on the Wiltshire Wildlife stall; it was good to see him out enjoying himself in the wilds. Again we split up and then there was another flash of marmalade and a/the Glannie was back. After a few attempts and a few more shots the girls decided that it was time to go; it was getting really hot even in the shade by now and they’d ran out of water plus I was getting dangerously close to “almost taking the mick/skiving” so I said my goodbyes and wished them luck and we made our final ascent and loaded up; wagons roll!
It was only on the drive home that I suddenly remembered; today was the start of half term so I needn’t have left! Oh well…On the plus side once again my mate had been spot on and it was a pleasure to see the butterfly so close to home so fingers crossed that they ‘take’ to the site and remain a permanent fixture.
Glanville Fritillary!
How come they are in Wiltshire?
Great news if they stay…
So come Monday I grabbed my wife’s camera body, clicked my lens on it, bundled the girls into the back of the car and we were away, blue skies above and good tunes on the iPod. It was good going until the last little bit of the journey when the road became more and more like a track, winding uphill and when I pulled into the car park I was glad that I hadn’t met another car on the way up because if I had I might still be there now! We climbed over the stile and took about four steps along the path and then the down swopped down more like a cliff face than a hill and like cautious mountain goats we carefully picked our way to the bottom of the slope and started having a look around. It was still early and the butterflies barely seemed to have woken up but even so they managed to accelerate away rapidly, they certainly weren’t sluggish going from torpid to full throttle in the time taken to lift my camera to my eye. Still we saw a few Small Heaths and a gorgeous fresh Small Tort which was sitting in a bowl like depression at the foot of the hill. Something larger and darker than the obvious Small Heaths fluttered by and it became my first Meadow Brown of 2020 – so the trip had already paid dividends even if slight .
We carried on working our way along the bottom of the hill scanning both ahead and up the hill as we went. There were a couple of Greenstreaks flying and lots and lots of Small Heath but we didn’t see much else from here until we was about half way round the curve of the base of the hill. At this point the slope became much more gradual and there was a small flattish field of lush grass. Nestled in this sea of green was a Common Blue shimmering in the early morning sun like a little sapphire. Something larger and frit like flew in the longer grass but it wasn’t a Glannie, it was too dark by comparison; much less marmalade than the hoped for species and when I got a little closer in my suspicions were confirmed, it was a Marshie. Even though it wasn’t in the best of nick and looked tired its behaviour didn’t in anyway reflect this and I had a hell of a job following with my eyes let alone on foot!
The girls had found a little hollow and had set up camp, snacks at hand and books open so I left them to read and had a bit more of an explore. I carried on walking away from our start point and then started to work back but zig zagging up and down the slope as I went so as to cover as much ground as possible. On the way I encounter the odd Brimstone a few Common Blues and a ton of Small Heath. At one point a Small White drifts down the hill past me like a discarded handkerchief caught on the breeze and eventually I end up right at the top of the hill, precipitous slope on my left and a series of hollows and banks, the remains of an Iron Age Hillfort on my right. I have a bit of a mooch about with the usual suspects again appearing but still no Glannies! Checking the instructions again my mate reckoned that he found them at about 9:30 so I carry on along the top until I reach the start point and then start the second lap of the circuit again. It’s now 9:30, according to the map the first bit of the site was where my mate had seen them and as I start off and scan up the slope there is a medium sized, marmalade butterfly gliding gracefully from flower top to flower top. It’s now 9:30sih so once again my mate can’t be faulted for his accuracy! I spend a bit of time scrabbling about trying not to lose my footing as it continues to feed and sometimes I’m above and sometimes below the butterfly with each different angle giving a slightly different colour it seems. It’s gorgeous and I find myself really glad with however introduced this species here and I’m kinda hopeful that it will remain.
16 686 web cover
Chuffed and now with my eye in I carry on zig-zagging up and down until reach the girls. On the way a Grizzlie pops up and I start seeing a few Peacocks which in the bright sunlight appear absolutely huge. In fact most things on this morning appear bigger – due to the clear skies and bright sunshine? I reach the girls and regale them with tales of the Glannie, a bit of ripping yarn if I do say so myself whilst waiting for my coffee to cool and a second Meadow Brown and Red Admiral pop by while we’re taking a break.
We then start to meander our way back – spread out across the hillside so as to cover more ground and hopefully turn up another or even the Glannie again. On the way the Small Heaths put in a really good showing which was great to see after a few years of worrying about this species, a Brown Argus made it onto the days Tally and so did an Adonis Blue as it flashed by like a streak of horizontal lightning. When were almost back to where we’d started at the foot of the hill the girls sat down in the shade for a bit and relaxed whilst I went for a final look-see. The end bit beyond the hollow was much more gently sloping with a thicker coverage of grass and in the tangles of the green sward were another Meadow Brown and surprise, surprise, many more Small Heaths. I worked back to the steep slopes and spotted another couple scouring the hill. It turned out to be another person I knew – usually round and about in Salisbury where he would be on the Wiltshire Wildlife stall; it was good to see him out enjoying himself in the wilds. Again we split up and then there was another flash of marmalade and a/the Glannie was back. After a few attempts and a few more shots the girls decided that it was time to go; it was getting really hot even in the shade by now and they’d ran out of water plus I was getting dangerously close to “almost taking the mick/skiving” so I said my goodbyes and wished them luck and we made our final ascent and loaded up; wagons roll!
It was only on the drive home that I suddenly remembered; today was the start of half term so I needn’t have left! Oh well…On the plus side once again my mate had been spot on and it was a pleasure to see the butterfly so close to home so fingers crossed that they ‘take’ to the site and remain a permanent fixture.
Glanville Fritillary!
How come they are in Wiltshire?
Great news if they stay…
Grovely Wood 24-05-2020
After yesterday’s atrocious weather forecast which went from sunny and warm to heavy showers and cloudy with only a few sunny spells I woke to find that it looked like they’d gotten it right. However as the morning wore on it became increasingly obvious that the weather so inaccurately predicted yesterday was in fact occurring today. So we packed a small picnic and headed out to Grovely, the increasing sun brightening not just the sky but also my mood which has been on the down side since my stalwart D60 bust a week hence. Still I was trialling my wife’s D90 body and with its bigger sensor I was hopeful that I might have found a replacement.
As we set off up the steep hill into the middle of the wood the odd Specklie flew on the sunny side of the track and at one point a Red Admiral did a few passes and then flew low to the ground investigating various plants which suggested that it was a She and was looking for a suitable place to lay. Unfortunately for me none of the nearby plants were suitable and she moved up further into the wood away from the path. We followed the same route as on our last (and first) visit and after the Witch Trees took the trackway off to the left that took us perpendicular to the main track. Along the way here Specklies played in the dappled light that by now streaming down from above but they rarely settled and if they did it wasn’t for very long as another Specklie would pop up and they pair would spiral upwards and out of sight.
At the junction we turned left and a little way along here we stopped for our picnic. While we ate a spied a Large White in the distance back along the path from where we’d just come and there were also at least 6 different Specklies all jostling each other and scraping untidily in the sunlit spots. I managed a few shots before we packed up and headed on ensuring that we left only a few depressions in the grass.
After this we took the track to the right which wended its way down the hill and occasionally one side of the treeline opened up letting more light in. When it did Whites flew catching the sun and leaving me almost blinded by the light. I was able to pick out a female Brimstone and a couple of Small Whites and I’m guessing that the others were also this species but they were a little too far away for a positive identification. As we neared the field of little cleared strips which yielded my first Large Skipper a week ago another of the same species appeared and fed in the verge. Whilst the others went on I had 5 minutes in these little strips. I saw a grey buzz of a Grizzlie and there were two male Common Blues. But I got slightly annoyed with one of them as it spooked the second just as I was lining up a shot. Luckily a Brown Argus took pity on me and fed merrily on Spurge so I was able to at least get some shots of a smaller butterfly to try out the lens properly. It was a beauty even if it was a little frayed around the fringes.
I caught up with the others and we made the final trek down the hill with a few Specklies on the way and the resplendent bird calls surrounding us and wrapping us up in a sonic blanket. I enjoyed the final part of the walk as I felt like a weight had been lifted; I was happy with the images I was seeing on the view screen, so I just strolled along. At one point I found what I think is an Ent?
Camera trial
Lovely looking Brown Argus
Can I see an Ent?
As we set off up the steep hill into the middle of the wood the odd Specklie flew on the sunny side of the track and at one point a Red Admiral did a few passes and then flew low to the ground investigating various plants which suggested that it was a She and was looking for a suitable place to lay. Unfortunately for me none of the nearby plants were suitable and she moved up further into the wood away from the path. We followed the same route as on our last (and first) visit and after the Witch Trees took the trackway off to the left that took us perpendicular to the main track. Along the way here Specklies played in the dappled light that by now streaming down from above but they rarely settled and if they did it wasn’t for very long as another Specklie would pop up and they pair would spiral upwards and out of sight.
At the junction we turned left and a little way along here we stopped for our picnic. While we ate a spied a Large White in the distance back along the path from where we’d just come and there were also at least 6 different Specklies all jostling each other and scraping untidily in the sunlit spots. I managed a few shots before we packed up and headed on ensuring that we left only a few depressions in the grass.
After this we took the track to the right which wended its way down the hill and occasionally one side of the treeline opened up letting more light in. When it did Whites flew catching the sun and leaving me almost blinded by the light. I was able to pick out a female Brimstone and a couple of Small Whites and I’m guessing that the others were also this species but they were a little too far away for a positive identification. As we neared the field of little cleared strips which yielded my first Large Skipper a week ago another of the same species appeared and fed in the verge. Whilst the others went on I had 5 minutes in these little strips. I saw a grey buzz of a Grizzlie and there were two male Common Blues. But I got slightly annoyed with one of them as it spooked the second just as I was lining up a shot. Luckily a Brown Argus took pity on me and fed merrily on Spurge so I was able to at least get some shots of a smaller butterfly to try out the lens properly. It was a beauty even if it was a little frayed around the fringes.
I caught up with the others and we made the final trek down the hill with a few Specklies on the way and the resplendent bird calls surrounding us and wrapping us up in a sonic blanket. I enjoyed the final part of the walk as I felt like a weight had been lifted; I was happy with the images I was seeing on the view screen, so I just strolled along. At one point I found what I think is an Ent?
Camera trial
Lovely looking Brown Argus
Can I see an Ent?
Bentley Wood 23-05-2020
It was forecast to be ‘changeable’ with the distinct possibility of some showers but Philzoid and I still went ahead with our planned Socially Distanced Meet-up. We reasoned that after previous visits when everything was bombing around as if their arse-ends were ablaze the cooler temperatures and passing cloud would calm everything down a little. This was the hope anyway and at Bentley it’s always worth a punt. My chief concern was more that my new camera wasn’t living up to expectations and this could be its final outing…
We strolled down the main ride and made it into the main section of the Eastern Clearing where it was all very quiet. It seemed like we’d need to find the butterflies and then watch and wait for the sun to break through the cloud to get the decent shots. After trawling most of the middle section we finally turned up a Grizzlie near the central ditch and a female Common Blue – not exactly the Bentley specialities that we’d come for but still welcome all the same. I didn’t stop for these butterflies though as I’d spotted a ghostly looking Pearl in the little square cleared area on the other side of the ditch (and that bloody fence). Looking at it now I can’t work out whether it’s as pale as it is because it’s worn or because it’s an aberrant? On the side of ‘worn’ the fringes were gone and there was a chunk missing from one of the hind wings. On the side of it being an aberrant I’ve not encountered a worn individual that was this pale before and also the dark markings near the inner side don’t appear faded? Oh well…Once we’d gotten a few shots it was back round to try and relocate the female Blue.
We took another wander round and our meanderings took us from the main section of the Clearing, though to the other side, the new cleared area and back around into what I think of as ‘the Marshie Field’. There were no Marshies here and we had to duck under the cover of some of the trees in the copse by the Notice Board to escape a sharp and heavy shower. It was one of those showers that came out of nowhere, pelted it down and then was gone just as swiftly. Once it was over the sun came back out and apart from the yet to evaporate droplets you’d have been hard pressed to have though it had just been raining. In the middle of the field trying to dry out after the shower a Pearl sat out in the open looking like it had been caught out by the swiftness of the showers entrance.
We carried on chatting and wandering, our minds engaged on the talk but our eyes on scanning the flower tops and Bracken and we managed to turn up a brace of Dingies and a thrice of Pearls…if that is actually a thing. However I still couldn’t seem to get the camera to function as well as the old D60, the shots just didn’t appear as sharp as before? We ended up in the bottom part which the Dukes had favoured in previous years but our shuffled quartering didn’t yield any this time. Things did perk up though as the sun broke clearing the clouds before it and finally bringing out the butterflies. A Large Skipper was first on the scene, occupying the Dukes historical territory. Then we were treated to a Small followed by a (Standard) Pearl. The Small Pearl stopped a couple of times, warming up in the recently returned sun and so we were both able to get a few shots.
Pleased that we’d finally found what we were looking for we made it back to the main section while the sun still shone to see if the infra-red had brought out a few more butterflies. It seems that the dowsing in radiation had worked as a Pearl and a second Small Pearls flew around in the very middle of the Clearing, using the tiny tracks as their roadways and so avoiding clipping their wings on the thorns and spikes of grass. However their dose was a little too high as they only stopped long enough for identification and by the time you’d pointed your lens at them they would be away again. It was all a bit frustrating but a tired old Marshie awakening after a long lie-in cheered us up and made up for the unsporting behaviour of its cousins.
After this the sun retired again and so we trudged back to the car and decided to split up – me to head home and accrue some Brownie points and Philzoid to try the other side of the wood. I think I did slightly better out of this…as I drove towards Winterslow and home the heavens opened in a vicious shower that made the earlier one look like a bit of drizzle; drops the size of two pence pieces! When I got home and looked through despite having many shots only a few stood out…normally I’d be having trouble deciding which of the multitude to keep whereas now I was having trouble finding anything decent…back to the drawing board for the camera me thinks…
Pearl sits out the rain
Sharp showers dampen spirits
Still got three Frits though!
We strolled down the main ride and made it into the main section of the Eastern Clearing where it was all very quiet. It seemed like we’d need to find the butterflies and then watch and wait for the sun to break through the cloud to get the decent shots. After trawling most of the middle section we finally turned up a Grizzlie near the central ditch and a female Common Blue – not exactly the Bentley specialities that we’d come for but still welcome all the same. I didn’t stop for these butterflies though as I’d spotted a ghostly looking Pearl in the little square cleared area on the other side of the ditch (and that bloody fence). Looking at it now I can’t work out whether it’s as pale as it is because it’s worn or because it’s an aberrant? On the side of ‘worn’ the fringes were gone and there was a chunk missing from one of the hind wings. On the side of it being an aberrant I’ve not encountered a worn individual that was this pale before and also the dark markings near the inner side don’t appear faded? Oh well…Once we’d gotten a few shots it was back round to try and relocate the female Blue.
We took another wander round and our meanderings took us from the main section of the Clearing, though to the other side, the new cleared area and back around into what I think of as ‘the Marshie Field’. There were no Marshies here and we had to duck under the cover of some of the trees in the copse by the Notice Board to escape a sharp and heavy shower. It was one of those showers that came out of nowhere, pelted it down and then was gone just as swiftly. Once it was over the sun came back out and apart from the yet to evaporate droplets you’d have been hard pressed to have though it had just been raining. In the middle of the field trying to dry out after the shower a Pearl sat out in the open looking like it had been caught out by the swiftness of the showers entrance.
We carried on chatting and wandering, our minds engaged on the talk but our eyes on scanning the flower tops and Bracken and we managed to turn up a brace of Dingies and a thrice of Pearls…if that is actually a thing. However I still couldn’t seem to get the camera to function as well as the old D60, the shots just didn’t appear as sharp as before? We ended up in the bottom part which the Dukes had favoured in previous years but our shuffled quartering didn’t yield any this time. Things did perk up though as the sun broke clearing the clouds before it and finally bringing out the butterflies. A Large Skipper was first on the scene, occupying the Dukes historical territory. Then we were treated to a Small followed by a (Standard) Pearl. The Small Pearl stopped a couple of times, warming up in the recently returned sun and so we were both able to get a few shots.
Pleased that we’d finally found what we were looking for we made it back to the main section while the sun still shone to see if the infra-red had brought out a few more butterflies. It seems that the dowsing in radiation had worked as a Pearl and a second Small Pearls flew around in the very middle of the Clearing, using the tiny tracks as their roadways and so avoiding clipping their wings on the thorns and spikes of grass. However their dose was a little too high as they only stopped long enough for identification and by the time you’d pointed your lens at them they would be away again. It was all a bit frustrating but a tired old Marshie awakening after a long lie-in cheered us up and made up for the unsporting behaviour of its cousins.
After this the sun retired again and so we trudged back to the car and decided to split up – me to head home and accrue some Brownie points and Philzoid to try the other side of the wood. I think I did slightly better out of this…as I drove towards Winterslow and home the heavens opened in a vicious shower that made the earlier one look like a bit of drizzle; drops the size of two pence pieces! When I got home and looked through despite having many shots only a few stood out…normally I’d be having trouble deciding which of the multitude to keep whereas now I was having trouble finding anything decent…back to the drawing board for the camera me thinks…
Pearl sits out the rain
Sharp showers dampen spirits
Still got three Frits though!
Lulworth Cove 21-05-2020
With the restrictions still easing we decided to take our exercise at Lulworth Cove as the walk over Bindon Hill would certainly blow away the cobwebs and it would be a great opportunity to show Little L various coastal erosion features that she’d been learning about. We’d checked ahead and the main car park was still closed but I know of a few other places in and around the village where there are spaces to park and so we loaded up and headed off back to sunny Dorset. The drive there was glorious as the sun shone and there were still so few cars on the road and very quickly we were traipsing the tarmac heading towards Bindon Hill walking the reverse route to our previous visit here the day before Lockdown began.
Up on the hill it was already very warm despite only just being past 10am and as I scouted round I only flushed one Small Heath. I’d read that Lulworths were out at Corfe Castle car park which is usually the first site but I was hoping that they may have merged here spurred into action by the warm weather so one Small Heath after being on site for 10 minutes or so was quite worrying. Slightly further round the hill I spotted a fast moving Dingy and a surprisingly fast moving Small Heath, an improvement but only slightly. By this point we’d reached the junction where the path dove down into the wood – part of the old route which due to a cliff slide is no more. Another Dingy zipped by and I went to follow it using the various rabbit runs and tracks as a stairway as I clambered up the side of the hill after it. Alas I didn’t have much success with it and as I turned to retrace my steps to catch up with the others a smaller browny mustard Skipper grabbed my attention. It too was really active jinking about and doing the Craw step manoeuvre that Skippers do whereby they can break the laws of Physics and bend time and space. Luckily the first time it had paused it did so just long enough for a few shots and to allow confirmation that it was a Lulworth. After that it became a guessing game as it where it would land and take nectar but I was quite chuffed that I managed to successfully guess and so be in the right place for a few more shots.
I realised that by now the rest of the family were well ahead of me and so I hotfooted to catch them but even though I was travelling at great speed I was aware that now there were plenty of butterflies about. When I caught up and caught my breath we continued along the clifftop and the Lulworths seemed to be everywhere but now they were joined by the rest of the supporting cast. A few Adonis Blues (mainly males although there was one luscious female) added a bit of bling to the mixture of browns and browny oranges produced by the Lulworths, Small Heath, Dingies and Large Skippers which were dominating the scene (from largest in number to smallest). The occasional Greenstreak didn’t add as much colour as expected as all were old and tired looking, in the later stages of their lives but the only Brown Argus that I saw did. The Lulworths aside the main highlight of this stretch was a Wall which stopped in the middle of the path. It too was as aged as the Greenstreaks with nicks in and massive chunks missing from its wings but it was still a delight to see, especially as it comically blocked our further progress along the path:
“Stay back, don’t come any closer” it seemed to be intimating…we’d take a few more steps and it would take off only to land slightly further along the path.
“I really, really mean it don’t come any closer!”…again we’d take a few more steps and it would take off, fly a short way and land ahead of us on the path.
“Right that’s it! You’re in big trouble now! One more step and I’ll...I’ll…Well you’ll be sorry!”
Eventually it worked out that if it flew in an arc it could double back and land behind us and so would avoid any more disturbance!
At the end of the path we went through the gate and paused at the edge looking down and across into the Cove. We could see the bands of rock, the folds and tortured twists in the strata and what most impressed Little L on the other side caves, a stump and a raised beach – we were only missing the arch and stack from the complete set of coastal erosion features that she’d looked at the day before. Then we set off down the impossibly steep steps destination – the beach accompanied on the way by yet more Lulworths that were scrabbling around the cliff edges each time I looked away from my feet. On one of the flatter areas, like a little terrace, a few Adonis took advantage of the nectar sources. Well they tried to but a Brown Argus was having none of it and bullied Adonis and Lulworth alike.
Eventually the precipitous journey came to an end we were safely sitting on the strand. Yet even here whilst enjoying my sandwich the Lulworths kept informing me of their presence as one flew by between bites! So whilst the rest of the family had a paddle and looked about for more Isopods I skipped mountain goat like back up the hill seeking out the little flatter grassy patches and little crescent moons within the tussocks. I spend a fantastic 20 minutes up near the top, getting shots, clinging to the side of the cliff as other walkers pass by one the stairs and just enjoying watching the funny little blurs of yellow ochre at they went about their business – feeding, flying and fighting. Unfortunately I didn’t witness any activity of the fourth ‘f’ kind but that wasn’t through any lack of effort on the part of the male Lulworths that I saw. Eventually the call of ‘not wanting to get into strife’ became louder than that of the joyous little butterflies and so I descended the hill and walked once more across the ever decreasing stones to the strand line.
As all were now refreshed, watered and fed we carried on the walk round suddenly remembering how hard going it can be because of the constantly shifting and uneven ground. We paused about half way round as the girls had found a perfect paddling spot, a large flat boulder of chalk, polished smooth by the passing of the grit that edged it made a perfect platform into the sea. Whilst the girls paddled I had a quick look around the cliff slip, the fertile clay covered in pinks and purples, greens and yellows was also alive with butterflies; a brace of Common Blues – both males, a passing white, a couple of Dingies and at least 6 Lulworths all in a patch no bigger than two dining tables.
As the sun beat down ever stronger and the temperature rocketed we came to the end of our trudge round the cove and stepping once more onto target it was as if a weight had been lifted, I near on floated up the high now that I was on a fixed and even surface. I was let off the leash a second time and so quickly covered the ground to my Hotspot area – the little ‘path’ on the far side of the Cove. However it didn’t live up to it’s reputation with only two Lulworths here, one at the top and one at the bottom, and nothing else butterfly wise. Still it was worth a check and pleased with the additional brace of Lulworths I re-joined the girls and we made for home.
So ended a cracking morning’s exercise and we drove home slightly sunburnt but happy none the less.
Turquoise sea below
Lulworths cling to the cliff side
Crescent moons glitter
Up on the hill it was already very warm despite only just being past 10am and as I scouted round I only flushed one Small Heath. I’d read that Lulworths were out at Corfe Castle car park which is usually the first site but I was hoping that they may have merged here spurred into action by the warm weather so one Small Heath after being on site for 10 minutes or so was quite worrying. Slightly further round the hill I spotted a fast moving Dingy and a surprisingly fast moving Small Heath, an improvement but only slightly. By this point we’d reached the junction where the path dove down into the wood – part of the old route which due to a cliff slide is no more. Another Dingy zipped by and I went to follow it using the various rabbit runs and tracks as a stairway as I clambered up the side of the hill after it. Alas I didn’t have much success with it and as I turned to retrace my steps to catch up with the others a smaller browny mustard Skipper grabbed my attention. It too was really active jinking about and doing the Craw step manoeuvre that Skippers do whereby they can break the laws of Physics and bend time and space. Luckily the first time it had paused it did so just long enough for a few shots and to allow confirmation that it was a Lulworth. After that it became a guessing game as it where it would land and take nectar but I was quite chuffed that I managed to successfully guess and so be in the right place for a few more shots.
I realised that by now the rest of the family were well ahead of me and so I hotfooted to catch them but even though I was travelling at great speed I was aware that now there were plenty of butterflies about. When I caught up and caught my breath we continued along the clifftop and the Lulworths seemed to be everywhere but now they were joined by the rest of the supporting cast. A few Adonis Blues (mainly males although there was one luscious female) added a bit of bling to the mixture of browns and browny oranges produced by the Lulworths, Small Heath, Dingies and Large Skippers which were dominating the scene (from largest in number to smallest). The occasional Greenstreak didn’t add as much colour as expected as all were old and tired looking, in the later stages of their lives but the only Brown Argus that I saw did. The Lulworths aside the main highlight of this stretch was a Wall which stopped in the middle of the path. It too was as aged as the Greenstreaks with nicks in and massive chunks missing from its wings but it was still a delight to see, especially as it comically blocked our further progress along the path:
“Stay back, don’t come any closer” it seemed to be intimating…we’d take a few more steps and it would take off only to land slightly further along the path.
“I really, really mean it don’t come any closer!”…again we’d take a few more steps and it would take off, fly a short way and land ahead of us on the path.
“Right that’s it! You’re in big trouble now! One more step and I’ll...I’ll…Well you’ll be sorry!”
Eventually it worked out that if it flew in an arc it could double back and land behind us and so would avoid any more disturbance!
At the end of the path we went through the gate and paused at the edge looking down and across into the Cove. We could see the bands of rock, the folds and tortured twists in the strata and what most impressed Little L on the other side caves, a stump and a raised beach – we were only missing the arch and stack from the complete set of coastal erosion features that she’d looked at the day before. Then we set off down the impossibly steep steps destination – the beach accompanied on the way by yet more Lulworths that were scrabbling around the cliff edges each time I looked away from my feet. On one of the flatter areas, like a little terrace, a few Adonis took advantage of the nectar sources. Well they tried to but a Brown Argus was having none of it and bullied Adonis and Lulworth alike.
Eventually the precipitous journey came to an end we were safely sitting on the strand. Yet even here whilst enjoying my sandwich the Lulworths kept informing me of their presence as one flew by between bites! So whilst the rest of the family had a paddle and looked about for more Isopods I skipped mountain goat like back up the hill seeking out the little flatter grassy patches and little crescent moons within the tussocks. I spend a fantastic 20 minutes up near the top, getting shots, clinging to the side of the cliff as other walkers pass by one the stairs and just enjoying watching the funny little blurs of yellow ochre at they went about their business – feeding, flying and fighting. Unfortunately I didn’t witness any activity of the fourth ‘f’ kind but that wasn’t through any lack of effort on the part of the male Lulworths that I saw. Eventually the call of ‘not wanting to get into strife’ became louder than that of the joyous little butterflies and so I descended the hill and walked once more across the ever decreasing stones to the strand line.
As all were now refreshed, watered and fed we carried on the walk round suddenly remembering how hard going it can be because of the constantly shifting and uneven ground. We paused about half way round as the girls had found a perfect paddling spot, a large flat boulder of chalk, polished smooth by the passing of the grit that edged it made a perfect platform into the sea. Whilst the girls paddled I had a quick look around the cliff slip, the fertile clay covered in pinks and purples, greens and yellows was also alive with butterflies; a brace of Common Blues – both males, a passing white, a couple of Dingies and at least 6 Lulworths all in a patch no bigger than two dining tables.
As the sun beat down ever stronger and the temperature rocketed we came to the end of our trudge round the cove and stepping once more onto target it was as if a weight had been lifted, I near on floated up the high now that I was on a fixed and even surface. I was let off the leash a second time and so quickly covered the ground to my Hotspot area – the little ‘path’ on the far side of the Cove. However it didn’t live up to it’s reputation with only two Lulworths here, one at the top and one at the bottom, and nothing else butterfly wise. Still it was worth a check and pleased with the additional brace of Lulworths I re-joined the girls and we made for home.
So ended a cracking morning’s exercise and we drove home slightly sunburnt but happy none the less.
Turquoise sea below
Lulworths cling to the cliff side
Crescent moons glitter
Vernditch 20-05-2020
So that was quick – two days and I’m back out with my camera…well a camera. All it took was asking my wife if I could borrow her camera body in the interim and when I got back from the ill-fated trip all the research had been done, comparison tables, contact numbers and a name and phone number of someone that had a perfect looking camera! Next day delivery and I was away! So with neck strap attached and battery newly charged we drove over to Vernditch for our daily walk. I had high hopes and for the visit – all the usual species but hopefully I’d be able to pick up a Common Blue or even an errant Marshie that had lost its way and flown over the Blandford Road.
It started well enough spotting a few Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites on out walk up the hill from the car park. One of the OTs paused to take nectar from some (what I think is…) Herb Robert and so I leant in and fired off a few shots before we carried on. So I’d taken my first butterfly shots with my camera. I looked eagerly at the images on the screen and whilst they seemed very bright, possibly brighter than those from the old D60, I didn’t like the lack of sharpness nor the focus. We carried on walking while I fiddled with the Autofocus settings which I was only able to do as the wood was so quiet – only a few Specklies in the usual places.
Having broken out of the shade and into the sun at Kitt’s Grave we settled down for a spot of lunch and while we were munching we were joined by a Dingy and a Grizzlie. Whilst none too shy the flew around us but there seemed to be an no-fly zone a metre out from the picnic blanket as they’d fly towards us and a the same point veer away to right or left.
With lunch done I left the girls to let their dinner go down and walked to the end and back. I saw plenty but most of it was very flighty and just wouldn’t sit still long enough to train my new lens on it. I ticked off Small Heath, Dingy Skippers, the hoped for Common Blue, Brown Argus but unfortunately not a sniff of a Marshie and not one shot on the memory card. The return leg wasn’t much better even though I caught up with (possibly) the same individuals. Eventually some of the butterflies took pity on me and paused for a few photos. One of a couple of Grizzlies stopped for a snack and so I clicked away and in the final little ‘valley’ a pair of Brimstones were a courting.
The walk back was surprisingly quick – possibly because it was quite quiet with again only Specklies in their usual spots? However the real reason was probably because I was preoccupied with thoughts about the new camera. It still didn’t seem to be producing as good results as the old D60 despite having 4million more Pixels? I reasoned that it was the slightly smaller sensor that could explain the lack of definition but I resolved to give it a few more trips before deciding what to do next.
Vernditch was quiet
New camera is it as good?
Preoccupied me
It started well enough spotting a few Orange-tips and Green-veined Whites on out walk up the hill from the car park. One of the OTs paused to take nectar from some (what I think is…) Herb Robert and so I leant in and fired off a few shots before we carried on. So I’d taken my first butterfly shots with my camera. I looked eagerly at the images on the screen and whilst they seemed very bright, possibly brighter than those from the old D60, I didn’t like the lack of sharpness nor the focus. We carried on walking while I fiddled with the Autofocus settings which I was only able to do as the wood was so quiet – only a few Specklies in the usual places.
Having broken out of the shade and into the sun at Kitt’s Grave we settled down for a spot of lunch and while we were munching we were joined by a Dingy and a Grizzlie. Whilst none too shy the flew around us but there seemed to be an no-fly zone a metre out from the picnic blanket as they’d fly towards us and a the same point veer away to right or left.
With lunch done I left the girls to let their dinner go down and walked to the end and back. I saw plenty but most of it was very flighty and just wouldn’t sit still long enough to train my new lens on it. I ticked off Small Heath, Dingy Skippers, the hoped for Common Blue, Brown Argus but unfortunately not a sniff of a Marshie and not one shot on the memory card. The return leg wasn’t much better even though I caught up with (possibly) the same individuals. Eventually some of the butterflies took pity on me and paused for a few photos. One of a couple of Grizzlies stopped for a snack and so I clicked away and in the final little ‘valley’ a pair of Brimstones were a courting.
The walk back was surprisingly quick – possibly because it was quite quiet with again only Specklies in their usual spots? However the real reason was probably because I was preoccupied with thoughts about the new camera. It still didn’t seem to be producing as good results as the old D60 despite having 4million more Pixels? I reasoned that it was the slightly smaller sensor that could explain the lack of definition but I resolved to give it a few more trips before deciding what to do next.
Vernditch was quiet
New camera is it as good?
Preoccupied me
Cotley Hill 18-05-2020
Today was set to be a cracker – the Marshies had reached the end of their wave of emergence along the valley from Warminster which meant that the Hill should be in tip-top productivity. Also after successful trips to Bentley, Martin Down and my Duke site the pressure was slightly off in terms of Marshies and so I set out to enjoy the butterflies as well as a Socially Distanced catch-up. I’d done a lot of my work the day before so what with break, lunch and free lessons I should be able to hang around for most of the morning but to take full advantage I left early as well.
Once I’d parked up and gathered all my gear I near on galloped up the narrow track emerging out of the small trees that line the path at the long hollow. This is always a good little place and I spy a miniscule Small Blue still roosting in the longer tussocks near the fence line. A Dingy zips about, obviously energetic after a nights rest and I look across the side of the Down and spy a familiar silhouette on the far side. A quick call confirms it as Dave and we stroll towards each other meeting about half way round. After a quick catch up and a Holly Blue we decide to work back round and down to the small wood by the gate and from there cut through to the other side of the Down. On the way we stop for a Greenstreak in the hollow and this and that as we make our way round to the other side.
Once there it’s as if the butterfly alarm clock has gone off and everything has crawled out of bed. In the little hollows at the foot of the down there are skippers and Small blues and Greenstreaks and Brown Argus. I lean in to get a few shots of a cracking looking Small Blue, line up the shot and get it brilliantly in focus but after a couple of clicks nothing. I try removing the battery and replacing it with a fresh one. Still nothing. Then I try changing the memory card and still nothing. I check all of the switches on the lens, turn it off and on again a few times as it suggests but no – my Nikon D60 is a goner – the shutter release mechanism is kaput. Mind you I have caned it over 11 years but it’s still a shock to the system that my constant companion is now just a useless little box of plastic.
I wander round in a slight daze alternating between barely noticing the butterflies and trying in vain to capture some images on my iPod. Luckily at this point Philzoid calls and announces that he’s arrived and he offers me his second camera for the morning! As he places it down and steps back and I step forward, picking it up and clutching it eagerly in my hands I feel like Gollum recovering his Precious! So we talk a bit and wander round the Down finding various different things to get shots of. The Adonis and Common Blues seem to favour the lower to middle slopes, the Skippers and Small Blues the small hollows at the bottom and the Greenstreaks the hedge at the very bottom. The Marshies are much more Catholic in their preferences and are scattered across the Down every which way.
Eventually we regrouped as much as we could whilst still Social Distancing and made out way back through the little woodland track and up the hill to the Hollow again. The Marshies had awoken on this side now too and so we worked out way really slowly round picking them up here and there as well as other bits and pieces like Common Blues, Brown Argus, Small Heath and round by the Amphitheatre a couple of Small Blues – who once again showed a preference for the tussocky grass at the foot of the Down.
As we were now down here we stuck to the level ground which wrapped itself round the foot of the Down and made our way along to the little quarry. The Marshies were about in reasonable numbers and every now and again something else would drop in – a Small Tort, an Orange-tip, Greenstreak, Small Blue, Adonis Blue, Common Blue Dingy Skippers. It was a joy to behold and I would have been sill raving about it come the summer if I wasn’t still feeling slightly fractured by the loss of my good old D60. Round at the Bowl we paused and took in what was available whilst the warmth that had crept up on us had made everything much more twitchy. And so we made our way, in fits and starts, back towards the car park.
After a bit of triangular conversation we said our goodbyes and headed off on our separate ways; Philzoid to Bentley, Dave to Martin Down and myself off home still in a daze desperately trying to work out how I would get a replacement body in Lockdown?
Marshies and Small Blues
But no my dreams are shattered
Niko is no more…
Once I’d parked up and gathered all my gear I near on galloped up the narrow track emerging out of the small trees that line the path at the long hollow. This is always a good little place and I spy a miniscule Small Blue still roosting in the longer tussocks near the fence line. A Dingy zips about, obviously energetic after a nights rest and I look across the side of the Down and spy a familiar silhouette on the far side. A quick call confirms it as Dave and we stroll towards each other meeting about half way round. After a quick catch up and a Holly Blue we decide to work back round and down to the small wood by the gate and from there cut through to the other side of the Down. On the way we stop for a Greenstreak in the hollow and this and that as we make our way round to the other side.
Once there it’s as if the butterfly alarm clock has gone off and everything has crawled out of bed. In the little hollows at the foot of the down there are skippers and Small blues and Greenstreaks and Brown Argus. I lean in to get a few shots of a cracking looking Small Blue, line up the shot and get it brilliantly in focus but after a couple of clicks nothing. I try removing the battery and replacing it with a fresh one. Still nothing. Then I try changing the memory card and still nothing. I check all of the switches on the lens, turn it off and on again a few times as it suggests but no – my Nikon D60 is a goner – the shutter release mechanism is kaput. Mind you I have caned it over 11 years but it’s still a shock to the system that my constant companion is now just a useless little box of plastic.
I wander round in a slight daze alternating between barely noticing the butterflies and trying in vain to capture some images on my iPod. Luckily at this point Philzoid calls and announces that he’s arrived and he offers me his second camera for the morning! As he places it down and steps back and I step forward, picking it up and clutching it eagerly in my hands I feel like Gollum recovering his Precious! So we talk a bit and wander round the Down finding various different things to get shots of. The Adonis and Common Blues seem to favour the lower to middle slopes, the Skippers and Small Blues the small hollows at the bottom and the Greenstreaks the hedge at the very bottom. The Marshies are much more Catholic in their preferences and are scattered across the Down every which way.
Eventually we regrouped as much as we could whilst still Social Distancing and made out way back through the little woodland track and up the hill to the Hollow again. The Marshies had awoken on this side now too and so we worked out way really slowly round picking them up here and there as well as other bits and pieces like Common Blues, Brown Argus, Small Heath and round by the Amphitheatre a couple of Small Blues – who once again showed a preference for the tussocky grass at the foot of the Down.
As we were now down here we stuck to the level ground which wrapped itself round the foot of the Down and made our way along to the little quarry. The Marshies were about in reasonable numbers and every now and again something else would drop in – a Small Tort, an Orange-tip, Greenstreak, Small Blue, Adonis Blue, Common Blue Dingy Skippers. It was a joy to behold and I would have been sill raving about it come the summer if I wasn’t still feeling slightly fractured by the loss of my good old D60. Round at the Bowl we paused and took in what was available whilst the warmth that had crept up on us had made everything much more twitchy. And so we made our way, in fits and starts, back towards the car park.
After a bit of triangular conversation we said our goodbyes and headed off on our separate ways; Philzoid to Bentley, Dave to Martin Down and myself off home still in a daze desperately trying to work out how I would get a replacement body in Lockdown?
Marshies and Small Blues
But no my dreams are shattered
Niko is no more…
Grovely Wood 17-05-2020
After being stuck in pretty much most of yesterday I was eager to get out today. However there were no trips to Bentley or The Hill planned to take advantage of the new rules on travelling to the countryside. Instead it was a family walk through Grovely Wood, a massive mixed woodland which straddles the Down running from Wilton to beyond Wishford. After the steep ascent with a few Specklies we were soon walking along an avenue of giant beech trees as we sought out ‘The Witch Trees’. Due to the shade created by the burgeoning leaves I didn’t see any butterflies but stumbled across a slow moving Slow Worm which was slightly torpid in the cool under the canopy. Having had a quick look at the Witch Trees with their offerings strewn and hung form the lower branches there was a slightly eerie feel in the gloom. However this was quickly dispelled when I walked around the huge trunk and saw a large plastic box which people were asked to put their offerings in. True this was much more environmentally conscientious but did spoil the mysterious aura somewhat.
After this we headed off the Roman Road/main track down one of the side paths. As we walked the treescape changed from Beechs to Pines but the pathway was opened up, a slither of light which was quickly shut off as you walked towards the thick tree cover. A few more Specklies flew along the track way flying up as our feet bore down on the muddy ground, a white flew in the distance too far away to ID confidently and the occasional Speckled Yellow Moths were nicely lit by the sun that was pouring down in the open section over the path.
We stopped for a picnic lunch here and while they munched I tried for a few shots of the surrounding Specklies that were squabbling worse than my girls have been. There were also two massive caterpillars that probably have a some protective poisons in them – at least I hope they did as they stood out like a sore thumb amid the long grasses.
We got back onto the trail and followed the path downhill for a way and then it gently curved round to hug the side of the down. The track was wider here and as it was cut into the side of the Down the canopy on the downhill side was lower so light flooded in. There were a few Specklies on the way and a few whites – mainly Small but with a couple Green-veined Whites and a lone Brimstone now that the sun was lighting the way. The downhill trees thinned out even more in places and there were a few wonderful vistas out over the valley. At one such opening the trees had been removed and there were a series of strips like little terraced fields. I had a quick look in and was really glad that I had for there was the now familiar grey blur of a Grizzlie. I could tell it was a She as she was fluttering close to the ground and investigating the leaves of various plants, curling her abdomen round and oviposturing. As I looked up I spied a larger bright burnt umber butterfly. I did a double take and then realization dawned – it was my first Large Skipper of 2020, an immaculate looking butterfly. Elsewhere in the little section of field I came across a second Grizzlie and two Common Blues.
After this we put our heads down the scent of home in our nostrils and we made good time. Walking across Downland and then back into Coppice before emerging at the bottom of a hill in the car park. As K got in the car she checked her step counter and we’d covered almost 5 miles, over 11000steps but it felt like so much less. What a brilliant wood!
My first Large Skippers
Payment for a massive walk
Soon be back Grovely
After this we headed off the Roman Road/main track down one of the side paths. As we walked the treescape changed from Beechs to Pines but the pathway was opened up, a slither of light which was quickly shut off as you walked towards the thick tree cover. A few more Specklies flew along the track way flying up as our feet bore down on the muddy ground, a white flew in the distance too far away to ID confidently and the occasional Speckled Yellow Moths were nicely lit by the sun that was pouring down in the open section over the path.
We stopped for a picnic lunch here and while they munched I tried for a few shots of the surrounding Specklies that were squabbling worse than my girls have been. There were also two massive caterpillars that probably have a some protective poisons in them – at least I hope they did as they stood out like a sore thumb amid the long grasses.
We got back onto the trail and followed the path downhill for a way and then it gently curved round to hug the side of the down. The track was wider here and as it was cut into the side of the Down the canopy on the downhill side was lower so light flooded in. There were a few Specklies on the way and a few whites – mainly Small but with a couple Green-veined Whites and a lone Brimstone now that the sun was lighting the way. The downhill trees thinned out even more in places and there were a few wonderful vistas out over the valley. At one such opening the trees had been removed and there were a series of strips like little terraced fields. I had a quick look in and was really glad that I had for there was the now familiar grey blur of a Grizzlie. I could tell it was a She as she was fluttering close to the ground and investigating the leaves of various plants, curling her abdomen round and oviposturing. As I looked up I spied a larger bright burnt umber butterfly. I did a double take and then realization dawned – it was my first Large Skipper of 2020, an immaculate looking butterfly. Elsewhere in the little section of field I came across a second Grizzlie and two Common Blues.
After this we put our heads down the scent of home in our nostrils and we made good time. Walking across Downland and then back into Coppice before emerging at the bottom of a hill in the car park. As K got in the car she checked her step counter and we’d covered almost 5 miles, over 11000steps but it felt like so much less. What a brilliant wood!
My first Large Skippers
Payment for a massive walk
Soon be back Grovely
Bentley Wood 15-05-2020
After my last visit here when the Pearls should have been well behaved but because of the sun were whizzing around all over the place on this visit I arrived, with the girls in tow, very early. As we strolled down into the Eastern Clearing to set up the camp for the girls it was warmish in the sun but not double figures and in the shade you would require a jacket if you were hanging around there. It was looking good then, or so I thought. After traipsing round the main part of the clearing and neighbouring fields I still hadn’t seen a butterfly. True my bird list was doing very nicely – Willow and Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiff Chaff, Tree Pipit, Tawny Owl from deeper in the wood, GS Woodpecker and a mewling passing Buzzard that couldn’t quite get the height it wanted as the thermals were still establishing. I could see signs that things were about to kick off, the bees were flying, the Tiger Beetles were out as were the Speckled Yellow Moths in their droves and I was starting to feel a little too warm in my jumper. I carried on wandering and I eventually reached the large recently coppiced field further away from the road than the Clearing proper and I stumbled across my first butterfly a Small Heath – it had taken a good 45 minutes though!
I picked my way through the birch saplings and ended up crossing the field diagonally reaching the far corner where the fence makes it difficult to cross the ditch and reach one of the main paths. Here there is some activity in amidst the dead Bracken stooks which cover the floor to waist height in some places with little trackways criss-crossing them. I’ve seen Pearls settling down to roost on dead Bracken before but today I was witnessing them waking up from here. Mind you to the four Pearls flying through them these must appear like canyons with their steep cliff sides. I can see why the Pearls like them though as when they go down the jumble of rust coloured fronds and stems and the various shadows offer the Pearls the perfect opportunity for camouflage. Also taking advantage of these useful hiding places is a little Grizzlie which taking the Canyon hyperbole to the extreme, pauses like an aged Prospector to spit out his baccy. There are a further 2 Pearls using the cover of the Bracken to add to the nicely growing tally.
I head back and check in with the girls and then working along the little triangle by the Notice boards break though into the small field behind where a Pearl and a Brimstone fly about ceaselessly. As I make my way back to the EC I come down the main path which runs alongside the Notice Board and through the little Triangle and I check out the reedy field. Along with 2 Pearls, which seem to be everywhere but never stopping, I also find a Bentley Dingy which is a nice addition to the tally. After getting a few shots I watch as it zigs and zags off and I count up the Pearls in my head coming to a total of 9 which isn’t too bad really especially as I suspect there are plenty more about that I haven’t encountered yet.
I realise that I haven’t checked out the bottom end of the Clearing and as I walk there I keep my eyes peeled but the central part of the Clearing is till bereft of butterflies. As I walk through the doorway of trees into the bottom part something catches my eye away to my left, the tell-tale brown blur of a Dingy and my second of the day. The only problem is that is flies to the other side of the ditch through the fence. I debate whether to follow it or not and I eventually do, sliding under the bottom wire of the fence rather than climbing over.
Once I’ve relocated myself back to the main part I watch a couple of Pearls seemingly playing in the sun in the corner by the bench. I follow the narrow track way round to the other corner where the Dukes hang out but I hang out with three Pearls instead one of which seems to be taking dew from the blades of grass which have only just been exposed to the morning sun as it had climbed sufficiently to reach over the tree tops. I carry on round in the shade and traverse the main clearing finding 2 Pearls as I enter the sunlit section. One of these Pearls is remarkably fresh with margins still intact and that beautiful ‘glow’ that they have for the first few days after emerging from the chrysalis.
After checking in with the girls I again make my way down to the bottom end and I’m glad that I do as there is a blur of orange which resolves itself into three butterflies as I move closer in. A bit closer still and I can see that two are a deeper, darker orange and seem imperceptibly smaller and faster moving. Even closer still I catch a few of the underside and it looks more beige that yellow – it’s Small Pearl. I grab a few record shots just in case it decides to ‘do one’ which of course it does but I manage to keep up with it as it flies along to and then along the ditch heading back to the main part of the Clearing. I was worried that as soon as it broke from the dappled shade and sun of the end part into the strong sun of the main clearing it would disappear off in a puff of scales but miraculously it goes down. Creeping on hands and knees now I get in close enough for some ‘better’ shots although it doesn’t stay for long and is promptly up and away again bombing and veering violently along the ditch which is why I eventually lose it from sight. Still however fleeting it was a definite Small Pearl and I have at least some shots of the species I’d hoped but not expected to see.
I head back to the bottom end hoping to catch up with the second Small Pearl and there is still no Duke with the three Pearls occupying the usual Duke territory. As I had no joy here I move back into the main part of the Clearing and it became apparent that the temperature had finally reached the optimum for the Mashies as there, in the tiniest amount of moor grass and reed is a Marsh Frit being harassed by a fading Pearl. After getting a few shots of this little beauty I find a definite second. As I’m getting shots I realise that I’m in actually in a circle of about 2m diameter where I’ve already photographed 2 other species of Frit this morning – not bad going. I just wish I’d brought a long a deckchair as if I’d known I could have had a sit in the sun and done a little less exercise.
The morning was wearing on and I was close to having to head for home having used my break, lunch and ‘double year 11 gained time’ but before we packed up and shipped out for good I took Little L for a bit of ‘Out-of-Home Schooling’. We strolled across the main clearing and towards the back trackways hoping to spy a Small Pearl instead only seeing a few Pearls which I was able to point out the ID features of. We listened out and identified Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Tree Pipit and saw a few Scorpion Flies to add a little horror to the school day. Back in the Clearing proper we scanned around and I found a third Marshie and a Duke popped up just long enough to ID before it took to the wing and was gone – too quick and too small to follow in this big old space.
After this we head for home…though I feel that I’ll be back, at least I hope very much to make a return visit!
Small Pearls hanging on
Marshies like a long lie-in
Duke briefly pops in
I picked my way through the birch saplings and ended up crossing the field diagonally reaching the far corner where the fence makes it difficult to cross the ditch and reach one of the main paths. Here there is some activity in amidst the dead Bracken stooks which cover the floor to waist height in some places with little trackways criss-crossing them. I’ve seen Pearls settling down to roost on dead Bracken before but today I was witnessing them waking up from here. Mind you to the four Pearls flying through them these must appear like canyons with their steep cliff sides. I can see why the Pearls like them though as when they go down the jumble of rust coloured fronds and stems and the various shadows offer the Pearls the perfect opportunity for camouflage. Also taking advantage of these useful hiding places is a little Grizzlie which taking the Canyon hyperbole to the extreme, pauses like an aged Prospector to spit out his baccy. There are a further 2 Pearls using the cover of the Bracken to add to the nicely growing tally.
I head back and check in with the girls and then working along the little triangle by the Notice boards break though into the small field behind where a Pearl and a Brimstone fly about ceaselessly. As I make my way back to the EC I come down the main path which runs alongside the Notice Board and through the little Triangle and I check out the reedy field. Along with 2 Pearls, which seem to be everywhere but never stopping, I also find a Bentley Dingy which is a nice addition to the tally. After getting a few shots I watch as it zigs and zags off and I count up the Pearls in my head coming to a total of 9 which isn’t too bad really especially as I suspect there are plenty more about that I haven’t encountered yet.
I realise that I haven’t checked out the bottom end of the Clearing and as I walk there I keep my eyes peeled but the central part of the Clearing is till bereft of butterflies. As I walk through the doorway of trees into the bottom part something catches my eye away to my left, the tell-tale brown blur of a Dingy and my second of the day. The only problem is that is flies to the other side of the ditch through the fence. I debate whether to follow it or not and I eventually do, sliding under the bottom wire of the fence rather than climbing over.
Once I’ve relocated myself back to the main part I watch a couple of Pearls seemingly playing in the sun in the corner by the bench. I follow the narrow track way round to the other corner where the Dukes hang out but I hang out with three Pearls instead one of which seems to be taking dew from the blades of grass which have only just been exposed to the morning sun as it had climbed sufficiently to reach over the tree tops. I carry on round in the shade and traverse the main clearing finding 2 Pearls as I enter the sunlit section. One of these Pearls is remarkably fresh with margins still intact and that beautiful ‘glow’ that they have for the first few days after emerging from the chrysalis.
After checking in with the girls I again make my way down to the bottom end and I’m glad that I do as there is a blur of orange which resolves itself into three butterflies as I move closer in. A bit closer still and I can see that two are a deeper, darker orange and seem imperceptibly smaller and faster moving. Even closer still I catch a few of the underside and it looks more beige that yellow – it’s Small Pearl. I grab a few record shots just in case it decides to ‘do one’ which of course it does but I manage to keep up with it as it flies along to and then along the ditch heading back to the main part of the Clearing. I was worried that as soon as it broke from the dappled shade and sun of the end part into the strong sun of the main clearing it would disappear off in a puff of scales but miraculously it goes down. Creeping on hands and knees now I get in close enough for some ‘better’ shots although it doesn’t stay for long and is promptly up and away again bombing and veering violently along the ditch which is why I eventually lose it from sight. Still however fleeting it was a definite Small Pearl and I have at least some shots of the species I’d hoped but not expected to see.
I head back to the bottom end hoping to catch up with the second Small Pearl and there is still no Duke with the three Pearls occupying the usual Duke territory. As I had no joy here I move back into the main part of the Clearing and it became apparent that the temperature had finally reached the optimum for the Mashies as there, in the tiniest amount of moor grass and reed is a Marsh Frit being harassed by a fading Pearl. After getting a few shots of this little beauty I find a definite second. As I’m getting shots I realise that I’m in actually in a circle of about 2m diameter where I’ve already photographed 2 other species of Frit this morning – not bad going. I just wish I’d brought a long a deckchair as if I’d known I could have had a sit in the sun and done a little less exercise.
The morning was wearing on and I was close to having to head for home having used my break, lunch and ‘double year 11 gained time’ but before we packed up and shipped out for good I took Little L for a bit of ‘Out-of-Home Schooling’. We strolled across the main clearing and towards the back trackways hoping to spy a Small Pearl instead only seeing a few Pearls which I was able to point out the ID features of. We listened out and identified Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler and Tree Pipit and saw a few Scorpion Flies to add a little horror to the school day. Back in the Clearing proper we scanned around and I found a third Marshie and a Duke popped up just long enough to ID before it took to the wing and was gone – too quick and too small to follow in this big old space.
After this we head for home…though I feel that I’ll be back, at least I hope very much to make a return visit!
Small Pearls hanging on
Marshies like a long lie-in
Duke briefly pops in
Larkhill 14-05-2020
Time was when I’d visit this little stop-off regularly, sometimes even twice a day. But then the timings of the school day were changed and the earlier start meant that most butterflies were still hidden away and on the return leg it was early enough that I could meet my wife and youngest after her school finished. To make it even harder massive white concrete rhomboids were placed at the entrances to the car park to block out the Travellers that frequented it for a couple of days round the Solstice. So for these reasons here I was mid-way through May making my first visit!
I pulled in at the tiny lay-by and then cheated death crossing over to the path. As I turned the corner to start up the track 4-5 Small Heaths exploded vertically from the longer grass tufts in the ruts of the track. None sat still for my lens so I carried on. A few more steps and 3 more Small Heath exploded upwards but then it went quiet for a bit. The susurration of the grasses being strummed by the breeze was occasionally broken by Whitethroats and Corn Buntings calling and singing as I strolled onwards and literally upwards (albeit imperceptibly). A Common Blue flashed by which drew my eyes to the grasses on my right. I spied a little grey blur which I assumed to be a Grizzlie. It landed and what had been grey was now a lovely chequered little butterfly. It was really hard to focus on him though as the breeze was pulling at his perch throwing him wildly back and forth. So I held my breath and kept focusing and in one of the few drops in the wind I ‘clicked’…then the wind started back up.
I realised that this wasn’t to be the victorious homecoming to the site that I’d been hoping for and so I turned about and trudged on my way back. A Mother Shipton teased me on the way, settling just long enough for me to focus and then she’d be off. I almost gave up and just carried on walking and the Moff flew urgently ahead of me and landed in prime position, totally unobstructed by the foliage. As relented and lent in for a shot, focused and that’s when it took off again, chuckling with glee almost as it went.
At the end I stopped for a few shots of one of the better behaved Small Heath. It was doing the Grayling posturing, leaning into the sun to reduce/hide its shadow not realising that I was on the ‘wrong’ side of it and the shadow it was trying so hard to hide was giving it away as effectively as a massive arrow pointing towards it.
Taking my life into my own hands again I crossed back over and quickly got in the car before any passing vehicle could take the door off. It was strange to be back but I’ll have to make more of an effort from now on.
Safely over road
Small Heath leans into the sun
Casts a shadow not
I pulled in at the tiny lay-by and then cheated death crossing over to the path. As I turned the corner to start up the track 4-5 Small Heaths exploded vertically from the longer grass tufts in the ruts of the track. None sat still for my lens so I carried on. A few more steps and 3 more Small Heath exploded upwards but then it went quiet for a bit. The susurration of the grasses being strummed by the breeze was occasionally broken by Whitethroats and Corn Buntings calling and singing as I strolled onwards and literally upwards (albeit imperceptibly). A Common Blue flashed by which drew my eyes to the grasses on my right. I spied a little grey blur which I assumed to be a Grizzlie. It landed and what had been grey was now a lovely chequered little butterfly. It was really hard to focus on him though as the breeze was pulling at his perch throwing him wildly back and forth. So I held my breath and kept focusing and in one of the few drops in the wind I ‘clicked’…then the wind started back up.
I realised that this wasn’t to be the victorious homecoming to the site that I’d been hoping for and so I turned about and trudged on my way back. A Mother Shipton teased me on the way, settling just long enough for me to focus and then she’d be off. I almost gave up and just carried on walking and the Moff flew urgently ahead of me and landed in prime position, totally unobstructed by the foliage. As relented and lent in for a shot, focused and that’s when it took off again, chuckling with glee almost as it went.
At the end I stopped for a few shots of one of the better behaved Small Heath. It was doing the Grayling posturing, leaning into the sun to reduce/hide its shadow not realising that I was on the ‘wrong’ side of it and the shadow it was trying so hard to hide was giving it away as effectively as a massive arrow pointing towards it.
Taking my life into my own hands again I crossed back over and quickly got in the car before any passing vehicle could take the door off. It was strange to be back but I’ll have to make more of an effort from now on.
Safely over road
Small Heath leans into the sun
Casts a shadow not
The Devenish 13-05-2020
So today was the day that we’d been waiting for, 6 odd weeks (but only if you lived in England) after Lockdown first began today those in power deemed us worthy of a general easing. We were allowed out for exercise (we were already) we could drive to the countryside for said exercise (we were already) and we could stop during our exercise and have a picnic (you were already so long as it was short snack). So as a treat we decided to take a picnic lunch rather than the usual snack and head over to The Devenish for lunch. However it seemed like the notice about the easing hadn’t reached the Wildlife Trust as the car park was still locked. Luckily there are a couple of lay-by’s slightly further on from the entrance and we managed to pull into one of these and stroll back along the road.
Once on site we wandered up and through the small wood and climbed over the gate and into the Orchid Meadow. As we did the sun momentarily reappeared and where before there had been no butterflies all of a sudden there were plenty. They must have been sitting out the cooler temperatures bidding their time as now they were zipping about all over the place. They went from 0-60 in a fraction of a second almost as if the cloud/cooler temperatures had acted like a ‘Pause’ button and now the sun was back out the ‘Pause’ was well and truly switched off! Over the course of about 20 seconds I’d seen a male Common Blue, Brown Argus, a second male Common Blue, a tired Grizzlie and a Small Copper. All were highly mobile and only one of the Common Blues settled for long enough for a shot or three.
I thought that the Down was going to be more of the same and so I braced myself for fast moving butterflies as a climbed the steep and narrow part of the path before it opened up onto the Downside proper. At the bottom there was a Common Blue but having seen it the cloud covered the sun and for the rest of the trek the Downside was bereft of butterflies. We took the steps up then followed the diagonal path, back up the gully on the far side and then along the top setting up camp near the gate through to the other third of the Down. After our picnic I took 10 minutes or so to have a quick check as the sun had again graced us with its presence. After the shortest of walks I back on the diagonal path with a Brown Argus before my lens. Slightly further on I manged to follow a Mother Shipton moth and cursing it as it eventually landed amongst the grass blades I realised that they formed a sort of tunnel through which I could get an unobstructed view of the moth albeit framed in green. My meanderings after the moth had brought me to the bottom of the Down and so I checked out the Orchid Meadow one more time but all I could find was one of the two Common Blues.
I rejoined my wife and we set off after the girls who, having heard tales of rope swings in the Beech hanger, had found the energy to race on ahead. Whilst they swung I had a look at a nest they they’d spotted in one of the trees and after this I broke through the Beech and checked out the middle third of the Down. About half way down I spied a familiar little grey blur that when it eventually stopped resolved into a slightly tired looking Grizzlie. Chuffed I headed back into the noticeably cooler shade and then from there we made our way homewards down the steep steeps carved into the hill. Hopefully things will continue in this vain as it was nice to get out without the need to have an explanation ready.
Brown Argus and blues
Show stealer Mother Shipton
No excuse needed
Once on site we wandered up and through the small wood and climbed over the gate and into the Orchid Meadow. As we did the sun momentarily reappeared and where before there had been no butterflies all of a sudden there were plenty. They must have been sitting out the cooler temperatures bidding their time as now they were zipping about all over the place. They went from 0-60 in a fraction of a second almost as if the cloud/cooler temperatures had acted like a ‘Pause’ button and now the sun was back out the ‘Pause’ was well and truly switched off! Over the course of about 20 seconds I’d seen a male Common Blue, Brown Argus, a second male Common Blue, a tired Grizzlie and a Small Copper. All were highly mobile and only one of the Common Blues settled for long enough for a shot or three.
I thought that the Down was going to be more of the same and so I braced myself for fast moving butterflies as a climbed the steep and narrow part of the path before it opened up onto the Downside proper. At the bottom there was a Common Blue but having seen it the cloud covered the sun and for the rest of the trek the Downside was bereft of butterflies. We took the steps up then followed the diagonal path, back up the gully on the far side and then along the top setting up camp near the gate through to the other third of the Down. After our picnic I took 10 minutes or so to have a quick check as the sun had again graced us with its presence. After the shortest of walks I back on the diagonal path with a Brown Argus before my lens. Slightly further on I manged to follow a Mother Shipton moth and cursing it as it eventually landed amongst the grass blades I realised that they formed a sort of tunnel through which I could get an unobstructed view of the moth albeit framed in green. My meanderings after the moth had brought me to the bottom of the Down and so I checked out the Orchid Meadow one more time but all I could find was one of the two Common Blues.
I rejoined my wife and we set off after the girls who, having heard tales of rope swings in the Beech hanger, had found the energy to race on ahead. Whilst they swung I had a look at a nest they they’d spotted in one of the trees and after this I broke through the Beech and checked out the middle third of the Down. About half way down I spied a familiar little grey blur that when it eventually stopped resolved into a slightly tired looking Grizzlie. Chuffed I headed back into the noticeably cooler shade and then from there we made our way homewards down the steep steeps carved into the hill. Hopefully things will continue in this vain as it was nice to get out without the need to have an explanation ready.
Brown Argus and blues
Show stealer Mother Shipton
No excuse needed
Middle Street 12-05-2020
Today was one of those odd days when appearances could be deceptive and the weather app doesn’t do the suns warming powers justice. Yes it was cool, some might even say fresh as I walked towards Middle Street, but during the periods of uninterrupted sun the temperature rose noticeably and the jumper which had been a necessity was now a bother. Despite this I didn’t see any butterflies on the journey over with just a Little Egret tempting me for a few shots. It was a similar story as I strolled through the gateway and started mooching about. I’d only been here 3 weeks ago but the difference in that time was amazing. What had been boot high grasses and flowering plants were now knee and over hip height respectively, the Cow Parsley in particular has really shot up and the banked path is now much more interesting to the butterflies than the Dips. The football pitch instead of being a sea of green and white now has patches of gold as the Buttercups flower and it feels like the pitch is now adorned with its own advertising hoardings which are in fact swathes of long grasses, sedges and Cow Parsley. I’d literally gotten as far as the damp little patch where I’d previously seen the female Orange-tip when I spied what I’d come to see. There was the violet blue of my first Common Blue of 2020. As I watched a small cloud went in front of the sun and the butterfly closed up shop becoming a little white flag.
As it didn’t seem to want to go anywhere I offered it my finger and climbed on and clung on as I ever so carefully extended my arm out so I could focus in on it with my macro lens. As I was getting some shots of it closed up the small cloud moved off and the temperature started to creep back up. Feeling the UV Radiation the butterfly started to open up beautifully whilst still on my finger and I could see how beautifully fresh it was with intact margins, an almost Adonis Blue colour and a white leading edge to therefore wing. Stunning and worthy of a moniker of much higher esteem than ‘Common’. Sufficiently warmed he took flight from my finger and I managed a few more ‘natural’ shots and carried on.
I decided to forego the Hotspot until later reasoning that now that we were well past Hibernator time it would have served its purpose and so I strolled along the lower side of the Banked path on the edge of the Football pitches. A few Whites went by and a female Pheasant scurried up the side of the bank, over the top and sought shelter in the small copse between Dip 1 and Dip2. I kept on going eyes peeled for any movement but it wasn’t until I reached other end of the site that I happened across any other butterflies. It was another male Common Blue. This one had been out a bit longer than my first, the margins looked ever so slightly frayed and a light grey in colour rather than brilliant white. Also the blue colour was more a washed out greyish blue. I didn’t mind though as it sat nicely, wings open on a blade of cooch grass, its weight bending it so it became a little green bridge.
I carried on right to the end but apart from some bees and a Burnet Companion moth there wasn’t anything else to report so I turned about and started through the end field towards where I’d found the blue. Just before I got to where it had been the grasses were more open and in the sunny spots I saw something basking. It was a Grizzlie – so it seems that there might be a (very small) colony here after all as this is the second time I’ve found them here. It was a cracking little butterfly with the ground colour looking more rusty red when the sun caught it right rather than the expected dark grey. More chuffed than earlier I made to see what else was around here but at that moment the sun disappeared again and the grasses went quiet. I waited it out and managed to relocate both the Common Blue and the Grizzlie a second time.
I then headed back reasoning that whilst here I should check out the Dips and the Hotspot. Both Dips 3 and 2 were overgrown – indeed at Dip 2 the grasses were almost thigh deep so I made towards Dip 1 via the banked path. As I did I couldn’t resist trying for a few shots of a Small White which was fluttering about and taking nectar but I didn’t get onto it as I got distracted by a tiny orange blur. I manged to follow it and watch it land and then I saw that it was a Small Copper. I got a few shots but it wouldn’t open up or sit somewhere for an unobstructed side view so I went back to the Small White expecting it to have disappeared as they always do. But no it was still there and for some reason it wasn’t as flighty as I’ve come to expect.
On I went through the jungle that is now Dip 1 and made my way along the river side path. I didn’t make much progress here as I kept stopping to listen to the Reed Warblers that were having a Battle of the Ballads. I counted at least 8 singing males at one point and they were making quite a racket. I was also joined by a few whites – one of which I was fairly convinced was a Green-veined thought the other remained UFWs. As I was now almost back to where it had all started with that lush Common Blue I was ruminating over the various species that I’d seen and I thought that what with the Small Copper and Common Blue a Brown Argus would be a nice way to round off my exercise trip… Out of the corner of my off to my right a little silvery butterfly flew up above the grass tops. Due to its size I thought it might have been a moth or a Grizzlie but its flight was more direct and flappy and less ‘blurry’. It landed and it looked like I’d got my Brown Argus – powerful stuff this manifestation malarkey! It was a joy to behold and I spent some time with it enjoying the contrasting chocolate brown and orange so much that I didn’t want to leave.
Somehow I tore myself away and headed home in a state bliss (warm, sun drenched almost floating) that even a few inconsiderate fellow pedestrians couldn’t rupture.
White flag turns to blue
Lightning lilac shining out
Not 'Common' to me
As it didn’t seem to want to go anywhere I offered it my finger and climbed on and clung on as I ever so carefully extended my arm out so I could focus in on it with my macro lens. As I was getting some shots of it closed up the small cloud moved off and the temperature started to creep back up. Feeling the UV Radiation the butterfly started to open up beautifully whilst still on my finger and I could see how beautifully fresh it was with intact margins, an almost Adonis Blue colour and a white leading edge to therefore wing. Stunning and worthy of a moniker of much higher esteem than ‘Common’. Sufficiently warmed he took flight from my finger and I managed a few more ‘natural’ shots and carried on.
I decided to forego the Hotspot until later reasoning that now that we were well past Hibernator time it would have served its purpose and so I strolled along the lower side of the Banked path on the edge of the Football pitches. A few Whites went by and a female Pheasant scurried up the side of the bank, over the top and sought shelter in the small copse between Dip 1 and Dip2. I kept on going eyes peeled for any movement but it wasn’t until I reached other end of the site that I happened across any other butterflies. It was another male Common Blue. This one had been out a bit longer than my first, the margins looked ever so slightly frayed and a light grey in colour rather than brilliant white. Also the blue colour was more a washed out greyish blue. I didn’t mind though as it sat nicely, wings open on a blade of cooch grass, its weight bending it so it became a little green bridge.
I carried on right to the end but apart from some bees and a Burnet Companion moth there wasn’t anything else to report so I turned about and started through the end field towards where I’d found the blue. Just before I got to where it had been the grasses were more open and in the sunny spots I saw something basking. It was a Grizzlie – so it seems that there might be a (very small) colony here after all as this is the second time I’ve found them here. It was a cracking little butterfly with the ground colour looking more rusty red when the sun caught it right rather than the expected dark grey. More chuffed than earlier I made to see what else was around here but at that moment the sun disappeared again and the grasses went quiet. I waited it out and managed to relocate both the Common Blue and the Grizzlie a second time.
I then headed back reasoning that whilst here I should check out the Dips and the Hotspot. Both Dips 3 and 2 were overgrown – indeed at Dip 2 the grasses were almost thigh deep so I made towards Dip 1 via the banked path. As I did I couldn’t resist trying for a few shots of a Small White which was fluttering about and taking nectar but I didn’t get onto it as I got distracted by a tiny orange blur. I manged to follow it and watch it land and then I saw that it was a Small Copper. I got a few shots but it wouldn’t open up or sit somewhere for an unobstructed side view so I went back to the Small White expecting it to have disappeared as they always do. But no it was still there and for some reason it wasn’t as flighty as I’ve come to expect.
On I went through the jungle that is now Dip 1 and made my way along the river side path. I didn’t make much progress here as I kept stopping to listen to the Reed Warblers that were having a Battle of the Ballads. I counted at least 8 singing males at one point and they were making quite a racket. I was also joined by a few whites – one of which I was fairly convinced was a Green-veined thought the other remained UFWs. As I was now almost back to where it had all started with that lush Common Blue I was ruminating over the various species that I’d seen and I thought that what with the Small Copper and Common Blue a Brown Argus would be a nice way to round off my exercise trip… Out of the corner of my off to my right a little silvery butterfly flew up above the grass tops. Due to its size I thought it might have been a moth or a Grizzlie but its flight was more direct and flappy and less ‘blurry’. It landed and it looked like I’d got my Brown Argus – powerful stuff this manifestation malarkey! It was a joy to behold and I spent some time with it enjoying the contrasting chocolate brown and orange so much that I didn’t want to leave.
Somehow I tore myself away and headed home in a state bliss (warm, sun drenched almost floating) that even a few inconsiderate fellow pedestrians couldn’t rupture.
White flag turns to blue
Lightning lilac shining out
Not 'Common' to me
Vernditch 09-05-2020
‘The weather is a changing’ could have been the (mis) theme of the day but as we looked out of the window at blue skies it seemed hard to fathom that the temperatures were forecast to drop by as much as 10 degrees, the north could have wintery showers and we were due winds gusting at 40-50 mph. So to make the most of the good weather while it lasted we drove the short distance to Vernditch to take our exercise. Whether we’ll soon be able to travel further once the possible Easing has been confirmed was the main topic of conversation between my wife and I as we strode up the steep hill track at the start of the usual route. On the way to our usual Pause Point or Snack Spot it was a case of head down and take in the sights of the wood with the Bluebells looking seriously dented and the Ransoms looking decidedly ‘plucked’ but still there were enough of each to break the monotony of green as the light filtered through the ever thickening canopy. There were a few Specklies on the way at the usual points but for now I was content just to walk and gaze.
While we had out snack a Holly Blue did a fly-by a Red Admiral passed us by heading on into the wood, a Peacock went in the opposite direction and several Brimstone fluttered about (the females) or patrolled punctiliously (the males). None of this was in the least unexpected but a Dingy appearing and hanging around us while we munched on apple and carrots was. It seemed out of place up here where the grass is closely cropped, short and bearing few flowers or other sources of nectar. But it seemed happy to just hang out and bask on any small twigs or other (ever so slightly) taller foliage.
Snack over we set off again and this time I walked along the top with the girls. I scanned ahead to watch out for ay butterflies disturbed by our footfall and spied another Dingy in the distance and I took the smaller, grey blur to be a Grizzlie. Another or the same Peacock from earlier passed over heading in the direction we’d just come from and on the bend a male OT bustled by hugging the hedge and the shade it offered. We’d usually have turned back here but today we kept on the track as it bent round and as it carried on there were occasional cleared areas carved out of the dense scrub/wood. In the first of these I spied a little Grizzlie and in one of the later there were two Brimstones. This sort of habitat looks ideal for Silver-washed and I was left wondering if that species is found here later in the season?
The track then curved round again so that it was running parallel to the Blandford Road and on the Martin Down side the woodland disappeared replaced by rough grassland. Due to this change in habitat I wasn’t surprised to find a couple of Small Heath which made a nice addition both to the daily Tally and the Site List. One settled with the shard of forewing exposed giving a tantalising suggestion of what lay beneath.
The track curved again becoming ovoid and we now walked through a coppice woodland which hadn’t saw or loppers for far too long as some of the smaller branches were thicker than my arm. In the darkness of the dense shade there weren’t any butterflies about. But the minute we stepped into a spotlight of sunshine from a fallen tree there were the butterflies; a Specklie, then a male OT and finally a Red Admiral which effectively chased us out of the woods. We came out almost back where we’d snacked and now started the walk back from Martin Down into Vernditch proper. There were a couple of Specklies on the way again in the usual places and at the corner of the turn off to the main straight track that runs down the hill a Red Admiral was down on the deck. I felt like pointing out to it that it was a couple of months too early for that sort of behaviour but as I made towards it for a few photos the Specklie that patrols this section had a go, diving in and buzzing the bigger Admiral. Luckily for me you don’t get to be an Admiral by being a big wuss and so after a couple of angry circles the Admiral was back down on the deck asserting its authority!
All too soon we’re back at the car and loading up and shipping out with an OT waving us adieu as we depart.
Fresh Red Admiral
Emperor imitation
Settled on the deck
While we had out snack a Holly Blue did a fly-by a Red Admiral passed us by heading on into the wood, a Peacock went in the opposite direction and several Brimstone fluttered about (the females) or patrolled punctiliously (the males). None of this was in the least unexpected but a Dingy appearing and hanging around us while we munched on apple and carrots was. It seemed out of place up here where the grass is closely cropped, short and bearing few flowers or other sources of nectar. But it seemed happy to just hang out and bask on any small twigs or other (ever so slightly) taller foliage.
Snack over we set off again and this time I walked along the top with the girls. I scanned ahead to watch out for ay butterflies disturbed by our footfall and spied another Dingy in the distance and I took the smaller, grey blur to be a Grizzlie. Another or the same Peacock from earlier passed over heading in the direction we’d just come from and on the bend a male OT bustled by hugging the hedge and the shade it offered. We’d usually have turned back here but today we kept on the track as it bent round and as it carried on there were occasional cleared areas carved out of the dense scrub/wood. In the first of these I spied a little Grizzlie and in one of the later there were two Brimstones. This sort of habitat looks ideal for Silver-washed and I was left wondering if that species is found here later in the season?
The track then curved round again so that it was running parallel to the Blandford Road and on the Martin Down side the woodland disappeared replaced by rough grassland. Due to this change in habitat I wasn’t surprised to find a couple of Small Heath which made a nice addition both to the daily Tally and the Site List. One settled with the shard of forewing exposed giving a tantalising suggestion of what lay beneath.
The track curved again becoming ovoid and we now walked through a coppice woodland which hadn’t saw or loppers for far too long as some of the smaller branches were thicker than my arm. In the darkness of the dense shade there weren’t any butterflies about. But the minute we stepped into a spotlight of sunshine from a fallen tree there were the butterflies; a Specklie, then a male OT and finally a Red Admiral which effectively chased us out of the woods. We came out almost back where we’d snacked and now started the walk back from Martin Down into Vernditch proper. There were a couple of Specklies on the way again in the usual places and at the corner of the turn off to the main straight track that runs down the hill a Red Admiral was down on the deck. I felt like pointing out to it that it was a couple of months too early for that sort of behaviour but as I made towards it for a few photos the Specklie that patrols this section had a go, diving in and buzzing the bigger Admiral. Luckily for me you don’t get to be an Admiral by being a big wuss and so after a couple of angry circles the Admiral was back down on the deck asserting its authority!
All too soon we’re back at the car and loading up and shipping out with an OT waving us adieu as we depart.
Fresh Red Admiral
Emperor imitation
Settled on the deck
Duke Site (Hopefully?) 08-05-2020 Part 1
To give my wife a bit of a break an also to get the girls away from the computer screens that they’ve been staring at day after day since March (et moi aussi) I bundled them and a picnic into the car and we set off for my Duke Site. In previous years, when I first visited and I gave it its moniker there were Dukes all over the trackways. Alas in subsequent years the numbers dwindled and so my Duke site reverted to its original name. Then in 2019 they were back so I was hoping that the site could hold onto its name in 2020…
We left the car with the dust settling over the body work and made out way straight across the spongy turf area which is now decorated with huge scars from tank tracks. There were plenty of Dingies and Small Heath about but the little section on the margin of the small copse was bereft of Small Blue unfortunately so we kept on making our way across the side if the hill and then up the other along the main trackway with more of the same flying but not much else, occasional Small Heath, Grizzlie and Dingy and the odd white drifting by. It felt strange to be wandering along and only seeing the odd butterfly here and there and not the teeming abundance I’ve come to associate with this place. A quick walk around the Cypress and in the field in front of it and there again was more of the same – it was almost like things hadn’t really woken up yet?
We carried on traipsing the trackways and there was a slight change in temperature and all of a sudden there was also a change in the fauna. A Mother Shipton played really hard to get and a Peacock bombed by. At the top of the track turned left and we cautiously crept along the narrowing path, or feet seeming to disappear, ‘sinking’ in the grass as we walked in the ruts. In the far corner we pause as the tussocks amid the moss and short spongy turf have held Dukes many times in the past. I’m startled momentarily by a brown blur but all too quickly I realise that the ‘jizz’, its flight is all wrong and my supposition that its just a Dingy is swiftly confirmed when it lands momentarily. It’s soon up and away again as a second Dingy inadvertently wanders into its airspace/territory. It seems butterflies only really have two things on their mind, fighting and f…meeting their Biological Imperative. At this juncture a Brimstone passes overhead and so I’m diverted from the Dingies. As I drop my head once the Brimstone has passed a small, darker butterfly is there sitting on a strand of the tussocky grass. It’s a Duke and I watch it and get a few shots revelling in its feisty demeanour despite its diminutive size while all the while chuffed that I can still call this my Duke Site for another year at least.
The girls had already walked round to the T-junction of paths opposite the little ‘Valley’ so instead of walking back the same way I came I cut through the line of trees and walk back to meet them across the sparse turf on the dusty gentle slope. Again there are more Dingies and Grizzlies (they seem to be having a fantastic season!) as well as the odd Small Heath and then out of nowhere there is a silvery blur that announces the presence of a Bad Attitude (my name for Brown Argus). This one keeps on going passing through and looking for another hapless victim to intimidate and rough up. Luckily a second is enjoying a brief breather between bouts so I click away.
Next I climb over the stile and have a quick scout around in the Little Valley – guess what butterflies are there? Yep Small Heath and the ickle Skippers but another Bad Attitude is also here this time it’s scaring off a Red Admiral, a butterfly that has to be at four times its size! This observation leads me to come up with an hypothesis as why I can’t recall seeing bird strike marks on a Bad Attitude; it’s because they fly towards their erstwhile predator and try and nut them to death! Chuckling to myself at this fanciful idea I make my way back over stile and collecting the girls we make our way back up the hill on main track brilliant. About half way up we’re stopped dead in our tracks as an electric blue butterfly flies towards us singing our retinas it’s so vivid. It lands just over the fence and so I slip under the barbed wire and stalk it, hoping it’ll go down which eventually it does but only after buzzing about in random circles for a few moments.
Last year I discovered that the little crossroads at the top of the track is a good spot for Walls and so I was hoping for maybe one or two to be hanging around here this year. What I hadn’t bargained on was there being four whizzing round and patrolling the verges of the tracks. The girls watch as the butterflies shoot by meet in mid-air and then spiral upwards locked in a duel to the death. Eventually some of them need to refuel and so by positioning myself near patches of yellow flowers I’m able to get a few shots that at least are recognisable as Walls.
Grizzlie on the clock
Good to still see the Duke here
Cor Adonis Blue!
We left the car with the dust settling over the body work and made out way straight across the spongy turf area which is now decorated with huge scars from tank tracks. There were plenty of Dingies and Small Heath about but the little section on the margin of the small copse was bereft of Small Blue unfortunately so we kept on making our way across the side if the hill and then up the other along the main trackway with more of the same flying but not much else, occasional Small Heath, Grizzlie and Dingy and the odd white drifting by. It felt strange to be wandering along and only seeing the odd butterfly here and there and not the teeming abundance I’ve come to associate with this place. A quick walk around the Cypress and in the field in front of it and there again was more of the same – it was almost like things hadn’t really woken up yet?
We carried on traipsing the trackways and there was a slight change in temperature and all of a sudden there was also a change in the fauna. A Mother Shipton played really hard to get and a Peacock bombed by. At the top of the track turned left and we cautiously crept along the narrowing path, or feet seeming to disappear, ‘sinking’ in the grass as we walked in the ruts. In the far corner we pause as the tussocks amid the moss and short spongy turf have held Dukes many times in the past. I’m startled momentarily by a brown blur but all too quickly I realise that the ‘jizz’, its flight is all wrong and my supposition that its just a Dingy is swiftly confirmed when it lands momentarily. It’s soon up and away again as a second Dingy inadvertently wanders into its airspace/territory. It seems butterflies only really have two things on their mind, fighting and f…meeting their Biological Imperative. At this juncture a Brimstone passes overhead and so I’m diverted from the Dingies. As I drop my head once the Brimstone has passed a small, darker butterfly is there sitting on a strand of the tussocky grass. It’s a Duke and I watch it and get a few shots revelling in its feisty demeanour despite its diminutive size while all the while chuffed that I can still call this my Duke Site for another year at least.
The girls had already walked round to the T-junction of paths opposite the little ‘Valley’ so instead of walking back the same way I came I cut through the line of trees and walk back to meet them across the sparse turf on the dusty gentle slope. Again there are more Dingies and Grizzlies (they seem to be having a fantastic season!) as well as the odd Small Heath and then out of nowhere there is a silvery blur that announces the presence of a Bad Attitude (my name for Brown Argus). This one keeps on going passing through and looking for another hapless victim to intimidate and rough up. Luckily a second is enjoying a brief breather between bouts so I click away.
Next I climb over the stile and have a quick scout around in the Little Valley – guess what butterflies are there? Yep Small Heath and the ickle Skippers but another Bad Attitude is also here this time it’s scaring off a Red Admiral, a butterfly that has to be at four times its size! This observation leads me to come up with an hypothesis as why I can’t recall seeing bird strike marks on a Bad Attitude; it’s because they fly towards their erstwhile predator and try and nut them to death! Chuckling to myself at this fanciful idea I make my way back over stile and collecting the girls we make our way back up the hill on main track brilliant. About half way up we’re stopped dead in our tracks as an electric blue butterfly flies towards us singing our retinas it’s so vivid. It lands just over the fence and so I slip under the barbed wire and stalk it, hoping it’ll go down which eventually it does but only after buzzing about in random circles for a few moments.
Last year I discovered that the little crossroads at the top of the track is a good spot for Walls and so I was hoping for maybe one or two to be hanging around here this year. What I hadn’t bargained on was there being four whizzing round and patrolling the verges of the tracks. The girls watch as the butterflies shoot by meet in mid-air and then spiral upwards locked in a duel to the death. Eventually some of them need to refuel and so by positioning myself near patches of yellow flowers I’m able to get a few shots that at least are recognisable as Walls.
Grizzlie on the clock
Good to still see the Duke here
Cor Adonis Blue!
Duke Site (Hopefully?) 08-05-2020 Part 2
The girls were starting to get a bit peckish by now and so we pressed on through the gate and into the rings of the hill fort at the top of the site. It seems we were followed by one of the Walls as it set about another that had been sitting peacefully on the top of the inner ring. A female OT flashes by enticing us to walk further along the floor of the ditch created by the two rings. There is also a splendid Marshie here nestled in among the long grasses which in places reach my waist. A bit further round we pause and set up camp for a snack. Whilst the girls munch and read I walk a bit further on round to where the rings open out onto the side of the Down. Most of the side of the ring is clothed in short turf but where the grass is missing and the bare earth is exposed the butterflies seem to be sitting absorbing the warmth of the sun. Indeed among the by now ‘usual fare’ I find two Small Copper sitting out and standing out against the bare earth like discarded garnets. There is also a Wall – flying by and not stopping and a Marshie sits atop a yellow flower which sets of the colours marvellously.
After checking in on the girls I keep walking back the way we’d come a short way and come across a Wall sitting on the corner of a break in the outer ring. I’m frustrated at myself for flushing it and so check out some of the more verdant patches of grass in the sheltered spots around the rings. It seems that the Grizzlies favour these little areas but they’re all a bit too quick for my camera lens. As I’m making my way back to the girls the Wall is back on the corner. This time I spot it in advance and wait and watch to see what it will do. After a moment or two it sets off and so I make my way through the break and back into the ring but I don’t head straight back to the girls. I play out a hunch which delightfully comes off. Within a couple of minutes the Wall is back in roughly the same spot. It sits still for a short while and then off it goes again. I stay still and wait and sure enough a minute or so later it’s back again, same butterfly, same spot. This time whilst it is off on patrol I sneak in, get comfortable and focused in ready on where it had sat previously. Sure enough it comes back, lands and I get some nice close-up shots. After a few more shots from another visit I wait for it to go on patrol and then back away into the middle of the ditch and re-join the girls.
The walk back is joyous but by now it had gotten extremely hot so instead of baking out on the dusty, reflective and exposed tracks we take a path through the Beech wood seeking both shade and Orchids. I know that there are two particular species growing here and K spots one of them almost as soon as we set foot in the cool and dark bosk although how I don’t know as it’s a Bird’s Nest Orchid and perfectly camouflaged among the small twigs and branches littering the woodland floor. The others are really obvious with their small enclosed white flowers glowing little fairy light sin the gloom – White Helleborine. After cooling down we venture once more out into the sun and we check out the Duke hotspot again as Little L was eager to catch up a Duke. As we step off the path into the little patch a Duke flies into view almost in greeting. However I can see straight away that it’s a different individual than before as one of the wings has lost its yellow colour and the chequers are ghostly pale.
On the final leg of the trip the site is once more awash with butterflies and I stumble homewards marvelling at the sight. In the heat we stop only once on the walk back when finally I spy a Greenstreak. This one is low down on the deck and as it’s the only one I’d seen all morning I try for a few shots. There were also a pair of very flighty Marshies that just wouldn’t stop and then we were back at the car and making our way homewards after a thoroughly brilliant morning.
Marshies and Coppers
Beaten by the worn old Duke
Wing rolling Greenstreak
After checking in on the girls I keep walking back the way we’d come a short way and come across a Wall sitting on the corner of a break in the outer ring. I’m frustrated at myself for flushing it and so check out some of the more verdant patches of grass in the sheltered spots around the rings. It seems that the Grizzlies favour these little areas but they’re all a bit too quick for my camera lens. As I’m making my way back to the girls the Wall is back on the corner. This time I spot it in advance and wait and watch to see what it will do. After a moment or two it sets off and so I make my way through the break and back into the ring but I don’t head straight back to the girls. I play out a hunch which delightfully comes off. Within a couple of minutes the Wall is back in roughly the same spot. It sits still for a short while and then off it goes again. I stay still and wait and sure enough a minute or so later it’s back again, same butterfly, same spot. This time whilst it is off on patrol I sneak in, get comfortable and focused in ready on where it had sat previously. Sure enough it comes back, lands and I get some nice close-up shots. After a few more shots from another visit I wait for it to go on patrol and then back away into the middle of the ditch and re-join the girls.
The walk back is joyous but by now it had gotten extremely hot so instead of baking out on the dusty, reflective and exposed tracks we take a path through the Beech wood seeking both shade and Orchids. I know that there are two particular species growing here and K spots one of them almost as soon as we set foot in the cool and dark bosk although how I don’t know as it’s a Bird’s Nest Orchid and perfectly camouflaged among the small twigs and branches littering the woodland floor. The others are really obvious with their small enclosed white flowers glowing little fairy light sin the gloom – White Helleborine. After cooling down we venture once more out into the sun and we check out the Duke hotspot again as Little L was eager to catch up a Duke. As we step off the path into the little patch a Duke flies into view almost in greeting. However I can see straight away that it’s a different individual than before as one of the wings has lost its yellow colour and the chequers are ghostly pale.
On the final leg of the trip the site is once more awash with butterflies and I stumble homewards marvelling at the sight. In the heat we stop only once on the walk back when finally I spy a Greenstreak. This one is low down on the deck and as it’s the only one I’d seen all morning I try for a few shots. There were also a pair of very flighty Marshies that just wouldn’t stop and then we were back at the car and making our way homewards after a thoroughly brilliant morning.
Marshies and Coppers
Beaten by the worn old Duke
Wing rolling Greenstreak
Vernditch 07-05-2020
As we all managed to get most of our work done first thing and as the weather is still so nice we decided to pack a snack and head over to Vernditch for our daily exercise. The good thing about this site is that it’s little known and so really quiet, on this visit there was only one other car in the car park as we arrived. The leaves have unfurled now and whilst the sun was shining strongly overhead lighting the path a few steps into the woodland meant that you were enveloped by a green shade. The Bluebells are still upright but no longer do they form a sea of blue, more like a scattering of small ponds and puddles and whilst the Wild Garlic is still pungent in aroma their petals are starting to thin forming a mosaic of pale green and white. We only encountered a couple of butterflies on the walk through the woodland and those were Specklies, numbering 3, in the now usual spots.
As we broke from the cover onto the open scrubland of Kitts Grave a male OT tore past us from behind almost as a welcome. This time we kept walking to the ‘end’ sticking to the high path. Once there we stopped for the snack and while my coffee cooled I watched a couple of Brimstones patrolling, a Peacock basked momentarily on the path and a male OT dropped in for a quick drink. Even in their dotage they’re still able to move like rockets and approaching them is still tricky. A Specklie came down close as I drank my coffee but was seen off by a malignant little grey blur which swiftly became a diminutive Grizzlie.
The girls then started the slow walk back to where we usually had our snack where they would settle down and give my 10 minutes or so to try and find some butterflies. Whilst they took the top path I strolled down the bank and worked along the bottom of the valley (if you can call it that?). Straight away I found a few butterflies. As well as the larger whites patrolling about and sexually harassing one another and a Silver Y which behaved itself for a few seconds there was a smaller brown blur. It was a Dingy Skipper and once it had buzzed around and about it seemed to relax and landed on my boot.
The little valley I was in was dissected occasionally by another path at right angles which continued up into the woodland on my left. This means that the valley is almost broken up into four sections. As I came into the next one the larger butterflies were all present – a couple of Brimstone males and a female, a Small White and a male OT but all were hanging back in the longer, thicker vegetation on the valley bank. The floor of the valley though held the smaller butterflies and her three were three little blurs around in a little cleared area where there had been a clearance fire. One blur was slightly bigger than the others and was brown – a Dingy and the other two were silver and grey. I reckoned the grey had to be a Grizzlie but what about the silver one? Could it be what I’d been hoping to see? Unfortunately all three were at each other throats the whole time. On would fly in upset the other two, they’d all spiral around each other upwards and then break apart flying off a speed in different directions. Luckily I managed to be in the right place at the right time as the silvery blur landed next to the Dingy and I was able to get a couple of shots of my first Brown Argus of 2020.
I carried on with my walk seeing a Dingy in each of the two remaining sections before working up the hill and having a fleeting view of a Red Admiral. Meeting up with the girls we dispatched a Tick which had been unable to latch on to little L and made our way back again seeing the Specklies in the usual places, a total of 4 this way. I’m really enjoying this daily exercise!
Love chocolate orange
Belligerent butterfly
Little Brown Argus
As we broke from the cover onto the open scrubland of Kitts Grave a male OT tore past us from behind almost as a welcome. This time we kept walking to the ‘end’ sticking to the high path. Once there we stopped for the snack and while my coffee cooled I watched a couple of Brimstones patrolling, a Peacock basked momentarily on the path and a male OT dropped in for a quick drink. Even in their dotage they’re still able to move like rockets and approaching them is still tricky. A Specklie came down close as I drank my coffee but was seen off by a malignant little grey blur which swiftly became a diminutive Grizzlie.
The girls then started the slow walk back to where we usually had our snack where they would settle down and give my 10 minutes or so to try and find some butterflies. Whilst they took the top path I strolled down the bank and worked along the bottom of the valley (if you can call it that?). Straight away I found a few butterflies. As well as the larger whites patrolling about and sexually harassing one another and a Silver Y which behaved itself for a few seconds there was a smaller brown blur. It was a Dingy Skipper and once it had buzzed around and about it seemed to relax and landed on my boot.
The little valley I was in was dissected occasionally by another path at right angles which continued up into the woodland on my left. This means that the valley is almost broken up into four sections. As I came into the next one the larger butterflies were all present – a couple of Brimstone males and a female, a Small White and a male OT but all were hanging back in the longer, thicker vegetation on the valley bank. The floor of the valley though held the smaller butterflies and her three were three little blurs around in a little cleared area where there had been a clearance fire. One blur was slightly bigger than the others and was brown – a Dingy and the other two were silver and grey. I reckoned the grey had to be a Grizzlie but what about the silver one? Could it be what I’d been hoping to see? Unfortunately all three were at each other throats the whole time. On would fly in upset the other two, they’d all spiral around each other upwards and then break apart flying off a speed in different directions. Luckily I managed to be in the right place at the right time as the silvery blur landed next to the Dingy and I was able to get a couple of shots of my first Brown Argus of 2020.
I carried on with my walk seeing a Dingy in each of the two remaining sections before working up the hill and having a fleeting view of a Red Admiral. Meeting up with the girls we dispatched a Tick which had been unable to latch on to little L and made our way back again seeing the Specklies in the usual places, a total of 4 this way. I’m really enjoying this daily exercise!
Love chocolate orange
Belligerent butterfly
Little Brown Argus
Martin Down 06-05-2020 Part 1
After recent visits for exercise had produced four of my ‘Firsts for 2020’ I was wondering what today would hold in store. From my previous visits there had either been a nice range with only the odd one or two of each species seen or there had been good numbers but only from a limited palette as it were. As I drove down over from Salisbury I didn’t see a single butterfly and so I reckoned that the Butterfly Gods were holding everything back until I got to my destination and so I drove with the growing feeling that this was going to be a bit of an epic visit despite the limited time I would be able to spend on site.
As I drove down Sillen’s Lane it was as if the ‘Butterfly Switch’ had been clicked on and there were male OTs patrolling all the way along the hedge. I would have counted them but I could only catch glimpses of them as I was too busy concentrating on missing the potholes and dips in the road/track. At one point I glimpsed another white butterfly and it was as though time has stood still for it stood out from the background pin sharp and crystal clear - a Green-veined White. Then Physics caught up with me and I had to turn my eyes once more road wards. I parked and set off along the track that follows the hedge and I was soon adding butterflies to the tally with first a Grizzlie and then a Greenstreak. I’m guessing the GH was a female as it was low down in the grass as opposed to sitting up high and holding court? Further along was another Grizzlie and this one had been joined by 2 Dingies and a female Brimstone all down on the deck. Was this because it was still early and they were gathering warmth? It could also have been that they were trying to suck up the dew and any minerals that were dissolved in it as the ground was parched and baked hard and the only other source of moisture/dissolved minerals that I could see was a deep tractor rut that still held some mud. As I approached I saw 2 more Grizzlies crawling around and mud puddling. Chuffed at witnessing this behaviour I tarried for a while to watch but I didn’t want to try for any shots until I was going to move on as I didn’t want to disturb them. At this point the path curves away from the hedge leaving a triangular ‘verge’ and in this little patch I counted a brace each of Greenstreak and Grizzlies and a singleton Dingy.
By now I’d reached the start of the tunnel but before I could dive down into it a tiny Small Blue was trying to punch above its weight class as it scrapped with a Dingy and a Grizzlie – it was like a miniature Fight Club. In between bouts the Small Blue would pause and I could make out the blue scales lightly dusting the wings making this a male and also explaining the high testosterone levels on display! Once the Skipppers had made off I settled down to get a few shots of the SB as it recuperated and refuelled. Looking back at the photos later it appears that there were actually two Small Blues here as I got shots of one that didn’t possess a single blue scale – a female.
Onwards I went into the tunnel which was actually very quiet, the only places I saw butterflies were at the various openings; the few places where the scrubby hedge on one side had been pulled up. In the light from the first of these I found two Dingies and another Small Blue and at the second there were a couple more Grizzlies including one which flew up high, jinking around in such a fashion that had I not seen it down on the deck and had I to have guessed its ID I’d have gone for Greenstreak! I could tell when I was reaching the end of the Tunnel as I started seeing Specklies one of which was down and taking salts from one of the rare damp patches on the ground. As I broke out into the sun shine at the far end I watched for 3 Dingies for several moments. They were involved in a bit of a fracas and I’m guessing that either all three were males squabbling over territory or possibly a brace of males squabbling over a none too impressed female. At one point during the seemingly random acts of violence a hapless Grizzlie got dragged into the fuss as well.
Onwards and upwards I went – literally as I followed the track up the hill and skirting round the rings of the hillfort. I got onto the main track and then cut across towards the little meadow looking chiefly for Greenstreaks. On the narrow and overgrown tracks I picked up 2 Dingies and another Grizzlie and in the now usual place I found a/the Greenstreak looking quite tired and ragged. I cut back through to the main trackway near the hotspot and spent some time here with a female Holly Blue that was down near the ground. She was tempted to open up but small twigs or leaves kept interfering with her wishes. Luckily she had enough of this and so flew up the path a bit towards some of the tussocky grass and the less cluttered bramble leaves at the side of the path. Also here were a couple of Greenstreaks and a male Brimstone. The real star of the show here though was an almost black Small Heath which didn’t possess a single blue fleck – its inky sheen contrasted gorgeously with the almost silver white margins – a real stunner.
Round at the Hollow were a further 2 Greenstreaks, a comparatively docile Small Heath and singletons of Grizzlie, Dingy and Peacock. I now started the slow trudge along the Dyke towards what I think of as the top end of Martin Down, the bit by the main car park. I walk along meticulously noting down the butterflies that fly within view and hoping that some will actually land. On the way my note book pages start getting filled running along the lines of:
Dingy, 2 Grizzlies, female Brimstone, 2 male Brimstones, Greenstreak, male Orange-tip, 2 Brimstones…and Ariston…
It felt like I was spending more time with my nose buried in my notebook than actually watching out for butterflies. It also felt like I was seeing a lot of the same but when I reached the bit of the Dyke which started to level off near to the cross path that enters the reserve from Dorset a Small Copper saw me writing in some different initials. Though I also had to note down a few Small Blues prior to this WINK. Just as I was enjoying these a large butterfly appeared cutting and slicing its way through the air and then gliding past before veering off in a new direction with a flick of its wing tips and a rapid set of flaps. It was a Marshie and it was swiftly followed by a second that followed flew a similar flight plan before disappearing over the bank and disappearing into Dorset. But whilst I was again able to write something different in my notebook I wasn’t able to add something different to my memory card…yet…
As I drove down Sillen’s Lane it was as if the ‘Butterfly Switch’ had been clicked on and there were male OTs patrolling all the way along the hedge. I would have counted them but I could only catch glimpses of them as I was too busy concentrating on missing the potholes and dips in the road/track. At one point I glimpsed another white butterfly and it was as though time has stood still for it stood out from the background pin sharp and crystal clear - a Green-veined White. Then Physics caught up with me and I had to turn my eyes once more road wards. I parked and set off along the track that follows the hedge and I was soon adding butterflies to the tally with first a Grizzlie and then a Greenstreak. I’m guessing the GH was a female as it was low down in the grass as opposed to sitting up high and holding court? Further along was another Grizzlie and this one had been joined by 2 Dingies and a female Brimstone all down on the deck. Was this because it was still early and they were gathering warmth? It could also have been that they were trying to suck up the dew and any minerals that were dissolved in it as the ground was parched and baked hard and the only other source of moisture/dissolved minerals that I could see was a deep tractor rut that still held some mud. As I approached I saw 2 more Grizzlies crawling around and mud puddling. Chuffed at witnessing this behaviour I tarried for a while to watch but I didn’t want to try for any shots until I was going to move on as I didn’t want to disturb them. At this point the path curves away from the hedge leaving a triangular ‘verge’ and in this little patch I counted a brace each of Greenstreak and Grizzlies and a singleton Dingy.
By now I’d reached the start of the tunnel but before I could dive down into it a tiny Small Blue was trying to punch above its weight class as it scrapped with a Dingy and a Grizzlie – it was like a miniature Fight Club. In between bouts the Small Blue would pause and I could make out the blue scales lightly dusting the wings making this a male and also explaining the high testosterone levels on display! Once the Skipppers had made off I settled down to get a few shots of the SB as it recuperated and refuelled. Looking back at the photos later it appears that there were actually two Small Blues here as I got shots of one that didn’t possess a single blue scale – a female.
Onwards I went into the tunnel which was actually very quiet, the only places I saw butterflies were at the various openings; the few places where the scrubby hedge on one side had been pulled up. In the light from the first of these I found two Dingies and another Small Blue and at the second there were a couple more Grizzlies including one which flew up high, jinking around in such a fashion that had I not seen it down on the deck and had I to have guessed its ID I’d have gone for Greenstreak! I could tell when I was reaching the end of the Tunnel as I started seeing Specklies one of which was down and taking salts from one of the rare damp patches on the ground. As I broke out into the sun shine at the far end I watched for 3 Dingies for several moments. They were involved in a bit of a fracas and I’m guessing that either all three were males squabbling over territory or possibly a brace of males squabbling over a none too impressed female. At one point during the seemingly random acts of violence a hapless Grizzlie got dragged into the fuss as well.
Onwards and upwards I went – literally as I followed the track up the hill and skirting round the rings of the hillfort. I got onto the main track and then cut across towards the little meadow looking chiefly for Greenstreaks. On the narrow and overgrown tracks I picked up 2 Dingies and another Grizzlie and in the now usual place I found a/the Greenstreak looking quite tired and ragged. I cut back through to the main trackway near the hotspot and spent some time here with a female Holly Blue that was down near the ground. She was tempted to open up but small twigs or leaves kept interfering with her wishes. Luckily she had enough of this and so flew up the path a bit towards some of the tussocky grass and the less cluttered bramble leaves at the side of the path. Also here were a couple of Greenstreaks and a male Brimstone. The real star of the show here though was an almost black Small Heath which didn’t possess a single blue fleck – its inky sheen contrasted gorgeously with the almost silver white margins – a real stunner.
Round at the Hollow were a further 2 Greenstreaks, a comparatively docile Small Heath and singletons of Grizzlie, Dingy and Peacock. I now started the slow trudge along the Dyke towards what I think of as the top end of Martin Down, the bit by the main car park. I walk along meticulously noting down the butterflies that fly within view and hoping that some will actually land. On the way my note book pages start getting filled running along the lines of:
Dingy, 2 Grizzlies, female Brimstone, 2 male Brimstones, Greenstreak, male Orange-tip, 2 Brimstones…and Ariston…
It felt like I was spending more time with my nose buried in my notebook than actually watching out for butterflies. It also felt like I was seeing a lot of the same but when I reached the bit of the Dyke which started to level off near to the cross path that enters the reserve from Dorset a Small Copper saw me writing in some different initials. Though I also had to note down a few Small Blues prior to this WINK. Just as I was enjoying these a large butterfly appeared cutting and slicing its way through the air and then gliding past before veering off in a new direction with a flick of its wing tips and a rapid set of flaps. It was a Marshie and it was swiftly followed by a second that followed flew a similar flight plan before disappearing over the bank and disappearing into Dorset. But whilst I was again able to write something different in my notebook I wasn’t able to add something different to my memory card…yet…
Martin Down 06-05-2020 Part 2
The Dyke had now ended, petering out to the same level as the rest of the fields a Large White flew rapidly by and there were a couple more Small Blues and a Peacock but what I had been really looking forward to seeing had disappeared in a flash of red and ginger. I strolled across the grass looking out for Adders and took a turn down the small path at the ½ way point. As I strolled down the path a Brimstone flew by and was quickly followed by a second, two Dingies scrapped low down and on a little cleared bank a Small Copper tried to have a breather but two Greenstreaks kept coming down from the surrounding Hawthorns and hassling it. At the end a third Greenstreak was flitting about and on my return a second Small Copper posed on a Dandelion and I don’t know what was brighter – the yellow flower or the orange of the butterfly?
After this brief respite I plunged back down into the Dyke…well that was the intention but the Dyke was closed off with electric fencing. Typical as now I started seeing Marsh Frits – sitting on the far side of the Dyke and well beyond the sensible reach of my lens. I carried on looking down longingly into the Dyke and spying another Small Blue and Marsh Frit. Luckily as I was drawing near to the Butts the fence ended and I was able to get down into the Dyke again and start seeking out Marsh Frits and I was successful, finally after seeing at least 5 individuals without any shots. Also here were a brace of Peacocks that started following me as I progressed further along the Dyke.
Just beyond the Butts the Dyke starts to shallow out again and run for 20 metres or so barely noticeable amidst the other vegetation but then after a track crosses it returns rapidly to its original depth. It was at this point that I started to really get onto the Marshies. First there was the tell-tale flight of on lone individual, the vanguard of the group as it were. Then several just appeared and at one point had had three in one view. These were joined by another two so a small square of approximately 4 metres held up to 8 Marshies - a nice density! Possibly feeling left out by all the attention their distant cousins were getting a Peacock, Small Copper and a Small Heath also put in an appearance but I’ sorry to say they got short shrift as I was enjoying the Marshies so much particularly the variation I could see. Every year I forget and so spend my first few encounters with Marshies revelling and wondering at their difference in appearance. So it was on this occasion; one had a beautiful milk chocolate brown ground colour and yellow and cream chequers whilst another had a similar ground colour but this was only visible as thin streaks in between orange and yellow blocks. My favourite however was a very fecund female who was jet black with orange and red blocks.
After getting started again so abruptly the Dyke then stops abruptly again but only because there’s a large growth of scrub blocking off a section of the Dyke. So I walk round to the final part before the Dyke is cut off by Blandford Road. This final part is divided up by a series of little cross paths into about 4 sections the furthest two don’t hold much and most of the action seems to be focused in the two just after the ‘blockage’. So it’s this part that I climb down into. I spend 10 minutes or so in here with a Dingy, patrolling OT and Brimstone and four brilliant looking Marshies. I climb back out to pour a coffee and leave it to cool by my bag and follow another gorgeously fresh looking Marshie. It lands just as my phone rings. It’s work:
“Can you get onto the network?”
“Err…I’m taking my exercise?”
“Okay stay on the line we can put you through speaker phone while we Zoom”
While this was happening the Marshie had landed in a perfect position…I passed my phone to my other hand, leant in with camera one handed and fired off a few shots and then carried on with the call. Once it was complete and my coffee was drunk I got back to the butterflies picking up even more Marshies and a Greenstreak that was wing rolling and hinting at the chocolate brown uppers.
After this delightful time I realised that I needed to get back as despite having the Conference Call (well I suppose that’s what it could be called) I was dangerously close to being out too long when accumulating my lunch, break, free lessons and the fact that I was intending to work an extra hour in the evening. So I started back and for a while I refrained from counting, just put my head down and motored for home. I was going quite well until I got past the Butts and got onto the diagonal track that carves a the reserve into half when still head down and still motoring I almost trod on a Small Copper. I checked my watch and did a few mental calculations and realised that I still had a bit more time than I’d previously thought. Now motoring reverted back to ‘proceeding’ a gait used by both the Police and Teachers where you can cover ground with minimal effort. I’d just passed the old patch that in years gone by had been ploughed up especially for Stone Curlews when I had a little purple patch. A Dingy started it all off as it appeared from nowhere in the middle of the track. A female Brimstone did a flyover and then a smaller brown butterfly hove into view. At first I was a bit confused about what it could be but luckily it went down on the deck and I found that it was a Greenstreak, totally out of place amid the sea of grass that forms this part of the site. As I look up a male Brimstone flies along the edge of the track – possibly looking for the female and a few steps on a Grizzlie also pops up.
After this I reached the little hollow near the entrance to the tunnel. I saw three Dingies and a Grizzlie all hanging out nearby to each other in the various different ruts. I checked back in my notebook and was so left wondering whether they were the same individuals that I’d encountered squabbling to their hearts content earlier in the morning? Added to this group of reprobates were a few Small Heaths and a pair of Marshies and as I made into the tunnel I was again left wondering – but this time where the Marshies had been earlier in the morning? I seem to recall that of the three Frits that I’ve encountered at Bentley this year Marshies are generally the last species spotted so I reckon that they are the most ‘Student’ like of Frits – odd fashion and favouring long lie-ins. I dove on down into the tunnel stopping here and there for the odd butterfly and to make the odd note in my book. By the end I’d amassed braces of Holly Blue, Specklie, Dingy and Brimstone and then I was leaving the cooler, pleasant shade of the tunnel and starting the final furlong. I didn’t get very far from the entrance/exit to the tunnel when a Small White flew into view. It’s not often that this species does me a favour and usually I’m left cursing it as they’ve just spooked my target species, but today as I was watching the Small White if flew past a Red Admiral and I was able to get at least a record shot before it realised that I was onto it.
On the final stretch there were more Dingies and Grizzlies – most of which I’d probably already counted on the outward route and there was also singletons of Brimstone, Small White and Greenstreak. The star of the reprise was a male Small Blue that was sitting on the very edge of the hedge where it curves round at the old gate. Smiling I thought it best to leave it at that and head home directly. A truly epic morning with both quantity and quality – Martin Down at its spring best!
After this brief respite I plunged back down into the Dyke…well that was the intention but the Dyke was closed off with electric fencing. Typical as now I started seeing Marsh Frits – sitting on the far side of the Dyke and well beyond the sensible reach of my lens. I carried on looking down longingly into the Dyke and spying another Small Blue and Marsh Frit. Luckily as I was drawing near to the Butts the fence ended and I was able to get down into the Dyke again and start seeking out Marsh Frits and I was successful, finally after seeing at least 5 individuals without any shots. Also here were a brace of Peacocks that started following me as I progressed further along the Dyke.
Just beyond the Butts the Dyke starts to shallow out again and run for 20 metres or so barely noticeable amidst the other vegetation but then after a track crosses it returns rapidly to its original depth. It was at this point that I started to really get onto the Marshies. First there was the tell-tale flight of on lone individual, the vanguard of the group as it were. Then several just appeared and at one point had had three in one view. These were joined by another two so a small square of approximately 4 metres held up to 8 Marshies - a nice density! Possibly feeling left out by all the attention their distant cousins were getting a Peacock, Small Copper and a Small Heath also put in an appearance but I’ sorry to say they got short shrift as I was enjoying the Marshies so much particularly the variation I could see. Every year I forget and so spend my first few encounters with Marshies revelling and wondering at their difference in appearance. So it was on this occasion; one had a beautiful milk chocolate brown ground colour and yellow and cream chequers whilst another had a similar ground colour but this was only visible as thin streaks in between orange and yellow blocks. My favourite however was a very fecund female who was jet black with orange and red blocks.
After getting started again so abruptly the Dyke then stops abruptly again but only because there’s a large growth of scrub blocking off a section of the Dyke. So I walk round to the final part before the Dyke is cut off by Blandford Road. This final part is divided up by a series of little cross paths into about 4 sections the furthest two don’t hold much and most of the action seems to be focused in the two just after the ‘blockage’. So it’s this part that I climb down into. I spend 10 minutes or so in here with a Dingy, patrolling OT and Brimstone and four brilliant looking Marshies. I climb back out to pour a coffee and leave it to cool by my bag and follow another gorgeously fresh looking Marshie. It lands just as my phone rings. It’s work:
“Can you get onto the network?”
“Err…I’m taking my exercise?”
“Okay stay on the line we can put you through speaker phone while we Zoom”
While this was happening the Marshie had landed in a perfect position…I passed my phone to my other hand, leant in with camera one handed and fired off a few shots and then carried on with the call. Once it was complete and my coffee was drunk I got back to the butterflies picking up even more Marshies and a Greenstreak that was wing rolling and hinting at the chocolate brown uppers.
After this delightful time I realised that I needed to get back as despite having the Conference Call (well I suppose that’s what it could be called) I was dangerously close to being out too long when accumulating my lunch, break, free lessons and the fact that I was intending to work an extra hour in the evening. So I started back and for a while I refrained from counting, just put my head down and motored for home. I was going quite well until I got past the Butts and got onto the diagonal track that carves a the reserve into half when still head down and still motoring I almost trod on a Small Copper. I checked my watch and did a few mental calculations and realised that I still had a bit more time than I’d previously thought. Now motoring reverted back to ‘proceeding’ a gait used by both the Police and Teachers where you can cover ground with minimal effort. I’d just passed the old patch that in years gone by had been ploughed up especially for Stone Curlews when I had a little purple patch. A Dingy started it all off as it appeared from nowhere in the middle of the track. A female Brimstone did a flyover and then a smaller brown butterfly hove into view. At first I was a bit confused about what it could be but luckily it went down on the deck and I found that it was a Greenstreak, totally out of place amid the sea of grass that forms this part of the site. As I look up a male Brimstone flies along the edge of the track – possibly looking for the female and a few steps on a Grizzlie also pops up.
After this I reached the little hollow near the entrance to the tunnel. I saw three Dingies and a Grizzlie all hanging out nearby to each other in the various different ruts. I checked back in my notebook and was so left wondering whether they were the same individuals that I’d encountered squabbling to their hearts content earlier in the morning? Added to this group of reprobates were a few Small Heaths and a pair of Marshies and as I made into the tunnel I was again left wondering – but this time where the Marshies had been earlier in the morning? I seem to recall that of the three Frits that I’ve encountered at Bentley this year Marshies are generally the last species spotted so I reckon that they are the most ‘Student’ like of Frits – odd fashion and favouring long lie-ins. I dove on down into the tunnel stopping here and there for the odd butterfly and to make the odd note in my book. By the end I’d amassed braces of Holly Blue, Specklie, Dingy and Brimstone and then I was leaving the cooler, pleasant shade of the tunnel and starting the final furlong. I didn’t get very far from the entrance/exit to the tunnel when a Small White flew into view. It’s not often that this species does me a favour and usually I’m left cursing it as they’ve just spooked my target species, but today as I was watching the Small White if flew past a Red Admiral and I was able to get at least a record shot before it realised that I was onto it.
On the final stretch there were more Dingies and Grizzlies – most of which I’d probably already counted on the outward route and there was also singletons of Brimstone, Small White and Greenstreak. The star of the reprise was a male Small Blue that was sitting on the very edge of the hedge where it curves round at the old gate. Smiling I thought it best to leave it at that and head home directly. A truly epic morning with both quantity and quality – Martin Down at its spring best!
The Devenish Star Wars Day!
One of the joys about Lockdown has been spending precious time with my girls. However sometimes you can have too much of a good thing! So this afternoon it was nice to head out for some exercise over at The Devenish with just my wife so we could both enjoy some peace and quiet. The journey is over within about 5 minutes but even though we’re allowed exercise once a day and the reserve, which is relatively unknown, would be the perfect place the gate at the car park is locked. Luckily there are a few other pull-ins and lay-bys just up the lane from the site entrance and so car dumped we stroll back down the lane enjoying the dappled sunlight on the way.
We take the woodland path up and round to the Orchid Meadow passing a Green-veined White on the way and once over the gate I pause just long enough to spot a Dingy buzzing around in the flower tops. However we’re here for walking and so we start on our way up the vertiginous slope of the Down. If there weren’t steps cut into the chalk I reckon it would be steep enough to warrant ropes and crampons! As we made some headway on the ascent a Brimstone fussed about in the Bramble hedge and a Grizzlie showed off its aeronautical skill when we were about half way up the stairs. We follow the diagonal path along to the far side of the Down and I see a further two Grizzlies and then we walk back along the top surveying the stunning countryside scenery below us. Up here on the Downtop a duo of male Brimstones are scarping and at one juncture a Small White tries to join the fray though the larger Brimstones seem to turn aside their anger for each other and direct it at the Small White. Once the irksome, bantam weight pretender is sent backing the heavyweights resume their hostilities.
After the effort spent getting up here my wife and I take advantage of the Beech hanger wood and the shade it offers so we stroll once more through shade and dappled sunlight cooling down as we go. By the fence which separates the middle and end paddocks there are a pair of rope swings so while my wife idly swings I descend back to the lower slopes of this middle section. Once down I drift ever so slowly here and there randomly working my way up the hill and back to where my wife is still on the swing. My wanderings produce a male Orange-tip and three more Grzizlies, two of which are still in really good nick.
My wife was happy just enjoying the bird song and the peace as she swung so I descended once again and made my way into the end paddock through and over the assortment of gates. It was much livelier here than elsewhere on the reserve which surprised me as usually this is better in the middle of the season when the Browns are in ascendance. A few Specklies flew along the wooded margins of the Paddock whilst a male Orange-tip and male Brimstone quartered the flatter ground at the base of the Paddock. A Peacock erupted from the tussocky grass. As I made my way back to the gates a Dingy and then Grizzlie sat for a few photos. Once again the Dingy was looking faded and tired, rough around the edges whilst the Grizzlie looked in fine fettle. This got me wondering; do the Grizzlies emerge over a longer time period than the Dingies? If so it would explain the much better condition of the butterflies from this species that I as seeing.
I climbed back up the Down and we reluctantly carried on along the top into the next section and took the steps back down to the car park. A blissful way to spend the afternoon.
We take the woodland path up and round to the Orchid Meadow passing a Green-veined White on the way and once over the gate I pause just long enough to spot a Dingy buzzing around in the flower tops. However we’re here for walking and so we start on our way up the vertiginous slope of the Down. If there weren’t steps cut into the chalk I reckon it would be steep enough to warrant ropes and crampons! As we made some headway on the ascent a Brimstone fussed about in the Bramble hedge and a Grizzlie showed off its aeronautical skill when we were about half way up the stairs. We follow the diagonal path along to the far side of the Down and I see a further two Grizzlies and then we walk back along the top surveying the stunning countryside scenery below us. Up here on the Downtop a duo of male Brimstones are scarping and at one juncture a Small White tries to join the fray though the larger Brimstones seem to turn aside their anger for each other and direct it at the Small White. Once the irksome, bantam weight pretender is sent backing the heavyweights resume their hostilities.
After the effort spent getting up here my wife and I take advantage of the Beech hanger wood and the shade it offers so we stroll once more through shade and dappled sunlight cooling down as we go. By the fence which separates the middle and end paddocks there are a pair of rope swings so while my wife idly swings I descend back to the lower slopes of this middle section. Once down I drift ever so slowly here and there randomly working my way up the hill and back to where my wife is still on the swing. My wanderings produce a male Orange-tip and three more Grzizlies, two of which are still in really good nick.
My wife was happy just enjoying the bird song and the peace as she swung so I descended once again and made my way into the end paddock through and over the assortment of gates. It was much livelier here than elsewhere on the reserve which surprised me as usually this is better in the middle of the season when the Browns are in ascendance. A few Specklies flew along the wooded margins of the Paddock whilst a male Orange-tip and male Brimstone quartered the flatter ground at the base of the Paddock. A Peacock erupted from the tussocky grass. As I made my way back to the gates a Dingy and then Grizzlie sat for a few photos. Once again the Dingy was looking faded and tired, rough around the edges whilst the Grizzlie looked in fine fettle. This got me wondering; do the Grizzlies emerge over a longer time period than the Dingies? If so it would explain the much better condition of the butterflies from this species that I as seeing.
I climbed back up the Down and we reluctantly carried on along the top into the next section and took the steps back down to the car park. A blissful way to spend the afternoon.
Bentley Wood 02-05-2020
So after the last time I didn’t feel the need to arrive quite as early as previously plus I had the girls again and so an early arrival wasn’t ever going to be on the cards as I’d have to get three people ready to leave and in the car etc. Still by about 9:15 we were strolling down to the Clearing from the car park which is definitely an achievement. As we entered into the Clearing the sun was beating down and in those parts out of the shade the dew had already evaporated and the foliage was dry. There were also butterflies already on the wing and so I set about trying for a few shots once I’d seen to the girls and gotten their little camp set up. As I wandered along the little trackways the criss-cross the Clearing I saw at least three different individual Pearls some of which were behaving more graciously than those from a week prior; posing nicely here and there and allowing an approach of closer than 2 metres (no Social Distancing here).
I ended up wandering down to the bottom section, curtained off by a stand of trees but my hopes of finding a Duke here were dashed as pretty much all of it was still in shade and so I carried on round and back into the Eastern Clearing. I took the little trackway that hugged the stand of trees and as I looked across into the reedy patch a slightly smaller, dark butterfly went up. From the flight it looked like a Fritillary and so I watched it land and took a few steps towards the spot it had gone down at. It was a Marshie but it had landed in amongst the reeds so getting a nice unobstructed shot was going to prove problematic. It’s at times like this I start designing the ideal ‘butterfliers scissors’© in my head – they’d have to have long, thin and very sharp blades with very long handles so you wouldn’t spook the butterfly. Luckily they wouldn’t have been necessary even if they had existed as the butterfly started crawling up the first stem and then started walking about becoming more and more exposed as it did so. At one point I offered it my finger which it crawled onto eagerly to soak up some more warmth. I gingerly placed it on a handy looking perch and after a few more shots left it to its own devices.
After checking in with the girls it was time to get back to the Pearls…So I started following them round the main sections of the Clearing with at least three of them flying about in the main section of the Clearing. They really seemed to like the little triangle Bracken near the Notice Board where they would bask on the deceased orange fronds or feed on the Bluebells.
After this I crossed the tiny bridge and made towards the newly cleared area (well newly cleared a couple of years back). To be honest it didn’t look like it would be the best habitat but I managed to find 4 more Pearls here. They seemed to prefer the furthest side of the field were the small birch saplings are greater in number. They were a little confusing at times as I’d be watching one and another would enter the flight path, there would be a scuffle and they would head off in directions to each other. I was able to track on as it went down right at the back by the fence line. As it dropped to the deck it slowly but surely closed up shop, wings held tightly together.
I worked my way back to the main Clearing down the back path where there were a couple more flying in the ‘scallops’ on my left hand side. Once back in the Clearing I was able to relocate the Marshie which was still down near the bottom section in the reedy patch. I picked up shots of Pearls here and there in my wanderings and whilst investigating the middle section (again clothed in the reedy grass) the sun went in for a bit. T used this to my advantage as I had just spotted a Pearl flying in this little bit. As the temperature dropped so too did it, plopping down on an uncurled Bracken head. I got a few shots and then after a quick look above waited for the cloud to pass. When it did I was in prime position for some side on shots of the glorious under wing.
As I worked back into the Newly Cleared part I again looked up and used the increased cloud cover to my advantage but this time I watched as a much more yellow Pearl sized blob settled down to sit out the cloud. However as I got close I could see that it wasn’t just the cloud induced drop in temperature that had sedated it but possibly the fact that it was in cop.
this I had the quick walk around with Little L and then we headed for home. It had been a bit of an unusual visit with 15 butterflies seen, one of which was a Marshie and the other 14 were Pearls! How often does that happen?
Fovant 01-05-2020
A mate of mine on Instagram recently pointed me towards a great little site for Dukes that I’ve seen mentioned in times past but never knew how to ‘work’ (where to park, where to start, pitfalls of the site and where are the hotspots etc). He sent me detailed instructions and maps on where to find the Dukes once I got there and a brief look on google maps and AA Routeplanner indicated that it was easy to get to and most importantly I could do the journey in less than 25 minutes as it was about 10.5 miles away. So under current rules as long as I spent at least an hour on site (I’d hopefully be in the presence of Dukes so this would be very easy) I could drive there to take my exercise.
I did a bit of work as soon as I got up and then set out aiming to arrive at around 10, stay for about an hour or two and then catch up on missed working time by carrying on into the evening. However what I hadn’t planned on was the road works that meant Wilton was inaccessible so I had to drive to Great Wishford and double back adding 6 miles and more minutes than I cared for to the journey time – especially as I was racing the thickening cloud. But finally I could see the ‘Badges’ carved into the chalk on my left which meant that I was almost there. I pulled into the lay-by, grabbed my gear, crossed the road, climbed over the gate and set off down the tractor rutted by-way. I realised I’d been visualising it back to front and the slope up instead of being on my right was actually on my left – strange how sometimes you can imagine things so differently to what they are? As the hill curved round I started up the slope into the bowl of an ancient quarry working. This was where I should start to see Dukes…But there was nowt here; had the week of mixed weather and torrential downpours knocked them all on the head? I walked up the side of the Bowl and made my way along the diagonal path which wend its way up to the top of the down. I’d only gone a few steps when I spotted a small butterfly which in the dull light looked quite dark. Brilliant a Duke and a lovely dark male lacking most of the orange panels on the hind wing.
I carried on further up the hill on a diagonal track which seemed to peter out about half way up. It looked like someone had thought this would be a great track, got half way up realised it was a bit too steep, a bit too hard going and so they’d left it, walked back to the bottom and started on another which climbed more gently up. Also it seemed to be divided up every now and again by clumps of briar or Hawthorn and on the hill side of the track were hollows which provided shelter from the strengthening breeze. There was a second Duke, more orange-y in appearance when it flew – a bit like decaying leaf or old wicker colour as it erupted from almost under my boot. It didn’t hang around or land as it was caught by the breeze and was swept vertiginously up the side of the down. I didn’t mind too much as I soon got onto a third just as the track petered into a wall of briar and steep slope. The Duke flew to my right down the steep side of the down onto the lower and more gentle ascending path which was also on the top of a bank with the slope on one side and a hollow on the other. It was into this hollow that the Duke plopped down and so I clambered down after it. Luckily the sun had been covered by a small cloud so the butterfly became more docile and I was able to get a load of shots before the passing cloud moved on, the sun warmed the butterfly and it set off on its frenetic business.
I climbed back up to the original track and worked back down the hill to see if I could relocate the other two Dukes. Which indeed I did although the 2nd Duke again proved problematic as I was just moving in for a shot when another butterfly happened to pass and the Duke went mental at it. The skirmish was very short and I followed one of the butterflies- the loser wondering if it was another Duke but when I caught up with it I realised straight away that it was something different, slightly larger and much brighter orange it was my first Small Heath of 2020.
As I was almost at the bottom I thought that I might as well walk round to the Bowl, see if the increasing temperature had brought out any other butterflies and then do another circuit. The Bowl was still bereft of Dukes but instead a faded and tired Small White actually sat still long enough for me to get some shots.
So off I went again. I reached the spot where I’d encountered the 2nd (and also the 4th if it was different?) Duke and it was still here. It had a tear in the hindwing which meant I’d be able to differentiate it from any other and after a few shots I offered it my finger and it crawled on so I was able to try for a few ‘in the hand’ shots. I placed it back down in some cover and as it had started to rain I crawled under a Hawthorn and had an early lunch whilst the shower passed – good old Extra Hot Lime Chilli Pickle with added Nooch.
The next blue patch of sky arrived and so I rolled out from under the Hawthorn and set about looking for some more Dukes. I swiftly found two one of which I may have already encountered as it was in a similar place to before in the hollow between the hill and the banked path but the second I’m fairly sure was a new one (so definitely 4 maybe 5) but it didn’t stop for too long as a Dingy decided to have a bit of a go at it. They spiralled up for a little bit but the Dingy realised that it had met its match, (I mean come on, the Dingy is named after a bit of carpet and the Duke is name of nobility!) and promptly came down onto the deck followed by the gloating Duke. It was a sublime 2 species shot but I couldn’t get it as I was still down in the hollow and too far away for them to be in range. I clambered out but my clumsy stalk set the Dingy off with the Duke once again showing it was made of sterner stuff standing its ground. As I finally got in close enough the Duke took off and the breeze suddenly gusted blowing the tiny butterfly straight into me with it landing on my arm. So I knelt down and lowered my arm in the hope that the Duke would hop off which he did, just as a large cloud swallowed the sun. The temperature dropped and so the Duke sat still patiently waiting for the sun to return.
After getting plenty of shots I pulled my iPod out of my pocket and caught a bit of video. When the sun made a reappearance I thought the butterfly would be off and so this proved to be however it wasn’t necessarily the temperature or the suns warmth that made the butterfly take to the skies as when I looked back at the video I could see an ant hassling the Duke just prior to it flying. So happy with my haul of shots I made up the slope and back towards where I’d encountered the second Duke (ole Split Tail) who was again there being hassled by another Duke (so 5 maybe 6). Split Tail again came out on top and settled down for me to get a final set of shots before I made my way down to the bottom of the hill and started back along the tractor ruts. A Red Admiral was waiting for me to add itself to the days tally and then a male OT patrolled along the track by the entrance/exit gate.
I crossed over the road and walking past my car carried on over the gate onto the Fovant Badges site proper. There was a large bowl cut into the side of the hill from another of those old quarries and in this a Dingy was holding a territory. I climbed out and walked up the hill but it was quite breezy by now and the wind was blowing straight up the track so the banks offered no shelter but just funnelled the wind right up the slope. Down near the gate things were a lot more active with several whites flying around a small stand of trees. I was able to pick out a Large Whites looking so much bigger than the two Small Whites, a male Brimstone and Orange-tip also did fly-bys.
The Large White came back and was briefly joined by a female but she didn’t hang around. What was strange is that the male followed her but then came back a couple of moments later and flew back to roughly the same place she’d been and seemed very interested in a leaf that had folded over showing the silvered underside. I managed to grab a few shots when he landed and then off he went but kept returning to roughly the same spot? All the while a Dingy was pestering me round my ankles.
I left very thankful to my mate for putting me onto this great site with his excellent set of directions.
I did a bit of work as soon as I got up and then set out aiming to arrive at around 10, stay for about an hour or two and then catch up on missed working time by carrying on into the evening. However what I hadn’t planned on was the road works that meant Wilton was inaccessible so I had to drive to Great Wishford and double back adding 6 miles and more minutes than I cared for to the journey time – especially as I was racing the thickening cloud. But finally I could see the ‘Badges’ carved into the chalk on my left which meant that I was almost there. I pulled into the lay-by, grabbed my gear, crossed the road, climbed over the gate and set off down the tractor rutted by-way. I realised I’d been visualising it back to front and the slope up instead of being on my right was actually on my left – strange how sometimes you can imagine things so differently to what they are? As the hill curved round I started up the slope into the bowl of an ancient quarry working. This was where I should start to see Dukes…But there was nowt here; had the week of mixed weather and torrential downpours knocked them all on the head? I walked up the side of the Bowl and made my way along the diagonal path which wend its way up to the top of the down. I’d only gone a few steps when I spotted a small butterfly which in the dull light looked quite dark. Brilliant a Duke and a lovely dark male lacking most of the orange panels on the hind wing.
I carried on further up the hill on a diagonal track which seemed to peter out about half way up. It looked like someone had thought this would be a great track, got half way up realised it was a bit too steep, a bit too hard going and so they’d left it, walked back to the bottom and started on another which climbed more gently up. Also it seemed to be divided up every now and again by clumps of briar or Hawthorn and on the hill side of the track were hollows which provided shelter from the strengthening breeze. There was a second Duke, more orange-y in appearance when it flew – a bit like decaying leaf or old wicker colour as it erupted from almost under my boot. It didn’t hang around or land as it was caught by the breeze and was swept vertiginously up the side of the down. I didn’t mind too much as I soon got onto a third just as the track petered into a wall of briar and steep slope. The Duke flew to my right down the steep side of the down onto the lower and more gentle ascending path which was also on the top of a bank with the slope on one side and a hollow on the other. It was into this hollow that the Duke plopped down and so I clambered down after it. Luckily the sun had been covered by a small cloud so the butterfly became more docile and I was able to get a load of shots before the passing cloud moved on, the sun warmed the butterfly and it set off on its frenetic business.
I climbed back up to the original track and worked back down the hill to see if I could relocate the other two Dukes. Which indeed I did although the 2nd Duke again proved problematic as I was just moving in for a shot when another butterfly happened to pass and the Duke went mental at it. The skirmish was very short and I followed one of the butterflies- the loser wondering if it was another Duke but when I caught up with it I realised straight away that it was something different, slightly larger and much brighter orange it was my first Small Heath of 2020.
As I was almost at the bottom I thought that I might as well walk round to the Bowl, see if the increasing temperature had brought out any other butterflies and then do another circuit. The Bowl was still bereft of Dukes but instead a faded and tired Small White actually sat still long enough for me to get some shots.
So off I went again. I reached the spot where I’d encountered the 2nd (and also the 4th if it was different?) Duke and it was still here. It had a tear in the hindwing which meant I’d be able to differentiate it from any other and after a few shots I offered it my finger and it crawled on so I was able to try for a few ‘in the hand’ shots. I placed it back down in some cover and as it had started to rain I crawled under a Hawthorn and had an early lunch whilst the shower passed – good old Extra Hot Lime Chilli Pickle with added Nooch.
The next blue patch of sky arrived and so I rolled out from under the Hawthorn and set about looking for some more Dukes. I swiftly found two one of which I may have already encountered as it was in a similar place to before in the hollow between the hill and the banked path but the second I’m fairly sure was a new one (so definitely 4 maybe 5) but it didn’t stop for too long as a Dingy decided to have a bit of a go at it. They spiralled up for a little bit but the Dingy realised that it had met its match, (I mean come on, the Dingy is named after a bit of carpet and the Duke is name of nobility!) and promptly came down onto the deck followed by the gloating Duke. It was a sublime 2 species shot but I couldn’t get it as I was still down in the hollow and too far away for them to be in range. I clambered out but my clumsy stalk set the Dingy off with the Duke once again showing it was made of sterner stuff standing its ground. As I finally got in close enough the Duke took off and the breeze suddenly gusted blowing the tiny butterfly straight into me with it landing on my arm. So I knelt down and lowered my arm in the hope that the Duke would hop off which he did, just as a large cloud swallowed the sun. The temperature dropped and so the Duke sat still patiently waiting for the sun to return.
After getting plenty of shots I pulled my iPod out of my pocket and caught a bit of video. When the sun made a reappearance I thought the butterfly would be off and so this proved to be however it wasn’t necessarily the temperature or the suns warmth that made the butterfly take to the skies as when I looked back at the video I could see an ant hassling the Duke just prior to it flying. So happy with my haul of shots I made up the slope and back towards where I’d encountered the second Duke (ole Split Tail) who was again there being hassled by another Duke (so 5 maybe 6). Split Tail again came out on top and settled down for me to get a final set of shots before I made my way down to the bottom of the hill and started back along the tractor ruts. A Red Admiral was waiting for me to add itself to the days tally and then a male OT patrolled along the track by the entrance/exit gate.
I crossed over the road and walking past my car carried on over the gate onto the Fovant Badges site proper. There was a large bowl cut into the side of the hill from another of those old quarries and in this a Dingy was holding a territory. I climbed out and walked up the hill but it was quite breezy by now and the wind was blowing straight up the track so the banks offered no shelter but just funnelled the wind right up the slope. Down near the gate things were a lot more active with several whites flying around a small stand of trees. I was able to pick out a Large Whites looking so much bigger than the two Small Whites, a male Brimstone and Orange-tip also did fly-bys.
The Large White came back and was briefly joined by a female but she didn’t hang around. What was strange is that the male followed her but then came back a couple of moments later and flew back to roughly the same place she’d been and seemed very interested in a leaf that had folded over showing the silvered underside. I managed to grab a few shots when he landed and then off he went but kept returning to roughly the same spot? All the while a Dingy was pestering me round my ankles.
I left very thankful to my mate for putting me onto this great site with his excellent set of directions.
Martin Down 26-04-2020
With the weather set to change back to normal British weather next week – as in wet and cool – we decided to make the most of the sun and have our exercise at Martin Down and so off we toddled in the morning pulling into the car park just before 11. With the glorious sun shining down we set off along the path that hugs the boundary hedge making for the tunnel and from there to cut across to the Dyke and the Hotspot. The first butterfly we encountered was a male Brimstone feeding eagerly from a Dandelion on the edge of the track and he was quickly joined by a male Orange-tip which was in full-on patrol mode. A second OT was following hot on his heels possibly hoping to knock the first out of his territory? Just past the old gate I spotted a browny blur ahead of me. It buzzed around with a moth like flight in ever decreasing circles before it finally settled with an almost perceivable ‘plop’ down onto the path. I was intrigued by the markings on its wings as they looked like little raindrops turned on their sides. After a few shots we skirted round it and carried on with my first Lesser Whitethroat ‘wee-chugger-chuggering’ as we continued.
The girls branched off to follow the track that runs parallel to the hedge Tunnel on strict instructions to holler if they saw a Dingy, Grizzlie, Copper or even the first Marshie of the year. I took the tunnel path but it was surprisingly quiet. There was the occasional white – Brimstones of both genders and OT’s, a pair of Specklies near the end of the ‘tunnel’ in a very similar place to where I’d encountered them previously and then finally at the end another brown blur gave away my second Dingy of the day.
I met up with the girls and we took the path up the slope along the side of the old hill fort but while they turned left onto the main path that runs all the way up the hill I kept on going until I was in the Dyke before I turned left as it were. As seemed to be the way today there were good numbers of Brimstones flying in the surrounds of the Dyke – in fact they probably the most seen butterfly of the day so knowing that you’ll forgive me if I don’t comment on every single one now but there was also a Peacock and this time the little buzzing blur was a grey colour –it resolved itself into a Grizzlie. I climbed out of the Dyke at the hotspot and examined the Hawthorns at the end where I wasn’t disappointed to find a brace of Greenstreaks. Well they found me actually – as I inadvertently walked into the middle of their skirmish. The victor took pride of place back on his perch so to the victor the spoils and I immortalized him on my memory card.
At this juncture the girls were well ahead of me and were already a good way up the hill so I walked back down into the Dyke and started working my way up the hill. My journey up this time was much slower as I’d stop occasionally to follow a Dingy or a Grizzlie and at one point a representative of both species sat close by each other but unfortunately the Grizzlie was shaded by a low hanging branch. On and up I went with another Dingy, then a Grizzlie, then another Grizzlie before Peacock gate crashed the Skipper fest! I’d reached the bit of the Dyke where the paths branch off from each other; one path blocks off the Dyke here so I had to climb out, cross the path and then climb back down. This second half of the Dyke rises steeply up to the top of the Down and it was here that I saw my first Dingy of 2020. I looked around and sure enough there as a Dingy – the same one as before?
After this I caught up with the girls and we setup camp for a snack and so that they could have a breather after the hot, sweaty climb. While I waited just long enough for a coffee to cool down to drinking temperature I scanned across the hill below me – there were plenty of whites abroad, a Peacock traversed the side of the hill and a Specklie bombed straight over head and dove down into the scrubby trees behind us. A Buzzard took off from our right, a Cuckoo called from further down the Down and the short spaces of silence between the birdsong was punctuated with the drumming of a Woodpecker in the small wood nearby. I left the girls and their snacks and had a brief look around the top of the Down to our right. I’ve not been to this part before and so I was pleasantly surprised to spot at least 6 more Grizzlies and finally a Dingy. I only managed a couple of shots before it was off but it was a lovely looking Dingy – the markings on the forewings joining together to form white(ish) stripes.
I walked back round to the girls and climbed up to the top of the bank on the other side of the Dyke. Strolling along here I scanned down the slope into the Dyke but it was so high I wouldn’t have been able to have seen anything smaller than a Marshie so instead I concentrated on looking where I was going! A Greenstreak surprised me by flying up here whereas I’d always thought that they liked to fly at the bottom of slopes. I tight-rope walked along the top spying out the ubiquitous Brimstones and the odd OT from above and then where the path crosses the Dyke I climbed down and started walking back up the hill. ON the way I located the Dingy for a third time as well as finding yet another Grizzlie. I also succumbed to the Brimstones and actually tried for a few shots of a female which was ovi-positing or at least ovi-posturing as I couldn’t see any eggs left behind when she’d passed by.
Rejoining the girls we made our way down the slope and again our progress was punctuated by the occasional stop for a Grizzlie or Dingy. At the top there Grizzlies were easily outnumbering the Dingies but now on the lower slopes and at the foot of the Down the Dingies became dominant. In fact from the bottom of the hill back I counted 5 Dingies and only a single Grizzlie. Mind you all told I must easily have seen double figures of each over the course of the exercise trip.
A Holly Blue looked out of place perched on a tiny Hawthorn, an OT waved us off and all too soon we were on the road and heading back home past whites galore.
The girls branched off to follow the track that runs parallel to the hedge Tunnel on strict instructions to holler if they saw a Dingy, Grizzlie, Copper or even the first Marshie of the year. I took the tunnel path but it was surprisingly quiet. There was the occasional white – Brimstones of both genders and OT’s, a pair of Specklies near the end of the ‘tunnel’ in a very similar place to where I’d encountered them previously and then finally at the end another brown blur gave away my second Dingy of the day.
I met up with the girls and we took the path up the slope along the side of the old hill fort but while they turned left onto the main path that runs all the way up the hill I kept on going until I was in the Dyke before I turned left as it were. As seemed to be the way today there were good numbers of Brimstones flying in the surrounds of the Dyke – in fact they probably the most seen butterfly of the day so knowing that you’ll forgive me if I don’t comment on every single one now but there was also a Peacock and this time the little buzzing blur was a grey colour –it resolved itself into a Grizzlie. I climbed out of the Dyke at the hotspot and examined the Hawthorns at the end where I wasn’t disappointed to find a brace of Greenstreaks. Well they found me actually – as I inadvertently walked into the middle of their skirmish. The victor took pride of place back on his perch so to the victor the spoils and I immortalized him on my memory card.
At this juncture the girls were well ahead of me and were already a good way up the hill so I walked back down into the Dyke and started working my way up the hill. My journey up this time was much slower as I’d stop occasionally to follow a Dingy or a Grizzlie and at one point a representative of both species sat close by each other but unfortunately the Grizzlie was shaded by a low hanging branch. On and up I went with another Dingy, then a Grizzlie, then another Grizzlie before Peacock gate crashed the Skipper fest! I’d reached the bit of the Dyke where the paths branch off from each other; one path blocks off the Dyke here so I had to climb out, cross the path and then climb back down. This second half of the Dyke rises steeply up to the top of the Down and it was here that I saw my first Dingy of 2020. I looked around and sure enough there as a Dingy – the same one as before?
After this I caught up with the girls and we setup camp for a snack and so that they could have a breather after the hot, sweaty climb. While I waited just long enough for a coffee to cool down to drinking temperature I scanned across the hill below me – there were plenty of whites abroad, a Peacock traversed the side of the hill and a Specklie bombed straight over head and dove down into the scrubby trees behind us. A Buzzard took off from our right, a Cuckoo called from further down the Down and the short spaces of silence between the birdsong was punctuated with the drumming of a Woodpecker in the small wood nearby. I left the girls and their snacks and had a brief look around the top of the Down to our right. I’ve not been to this part before and so I was pleasantly surprised to spot at least 6 more Grizzlies and finally a Dingy. I only managed a couple of shots before it was off but it was a lovely looking Dingy – the markings on the forewings joining together to form white(ish) stripes.
I walked back round to the girls and climbed up to the top of the bank on the other side of the Dyke. Strolling along here I scanned down the slope into the Dyke but it was so high I wouldn’t have been able to have seen anything smaller than a Marshie so instead I concentrated on looking where I was going! A Greenstreak surprised me by flying up here whereas I’d always thought that they liked to fly at the bottom of slopes. I tight-rope walked along the top spying out the ubiquitous Brimstones and the odd OT from above and then where the path crosses the Dyke I climbed down and started walking back up the hill. ON the way I located the Dingy for a third time as well as finding yet another Grizzlie. I also succumbed to the Brimstones and actually tried for a few shots of a female which was ovi-positing or at least ovi-posturing as I couldn’t see any eggs left behind when she’d passed by.
Rejoining the girls we made our way down the slope and again our progress was punctuated by the occasional stop for a Grizzlie or Dingy. At the top there Grizzlies were easily outnumbering the Dingies but now on the lower slopes and at the foot of the Down the Dingies became dominant. In fact from the bottom of the hill back I counted 5 Dingies and only a single Grizzlie. Mind you all told I must easily have seen double figures of each over the course of the exercise trip.
A Holly Blue looked out of place perched on a tiny Hawthorn, an OT waved us off and all too soon we were on the road and heading back home past whites galore.
Vernditch and on…25-04-2020
As the weather continued to hold we decided to make the most of it and take our exercise over at Vernditch and so we packed a snack, loaded up the car and drove over. When we pulled into the car park there were a few cars here but then this wood is popular with dog walkers and what with it being a Saturday I suppose that was to be expected. However there was no-one around as we exited the vehicle and started on the walk up the hill. At about 20 steps in we were greeted by a male OT and a pair of Green-veined Whites one of which flew lower and in a more dithery fashion than the other and when it paused for a while I could see that it was female. There was something to be said for choosing this walk as even though it was slightly cooler the ‘sunny intervals’ had become ‘sunny’ and so the butterflies were a little better behaved in the shade of the wood.
As we made the turning off the main Forestry Commission track a Brimstone flew past us and added itself to the days tally and then a pair of Specklies played in roughly the same spot as I saw them last week when we’d previously visited. When we reached the crossroads (or should that be cross tracks?) a Peacock enjoyed the full sun that was able to shine down due to the absence of the canopy here and a Specklie basked on the corner on the far side. As we walked the final stretch of the woodland path before venturing onto Martin Down a few whites flew in the distance visiting clumps of flowers which were growing where a tree had fallen or been excised like little oases in a sea of bare soil, twigs and branches. At the end enjoying the sun was another Specklie basking and a couple of longhorn moths looked spectacular. Glittering golden when they caught the sun.
We now entered into Martin Down – which seemed a bit odd as the tree cover here was denser here than in the ‘Wood’ at least it seemed that way as it must have been coppiced in the recent past because there was a wonderful sea of wild Garlic every which way you looked. Along the path a single Specklie flew in the only circle of full sun along the stretch of path and it was weird to experience the temperature difference felt by taking one step into the sun and then stepping back one step into the shade. Onwards we went before the path veered to the right and the treeline receded so we didn’t feel so hemmed in before finally stepping through a gate into the area known as Kitt’s Grove/Grave with wide open thinly turfed slopes and tall scrub.
While we stopped for a snack I watched a series of butterflies all flying along the scrub hedge, still hugging it as is dove down the slope and into the cutting before carrying along the bottom and hugging the opposite hedge as it climbed back up the slope and carried on into the site. In no particular order the butterflies seen were 4 male Brimstones, 2 females Brimstones, a male OT, a Holly Blue, Specklie, Large White and various other whites. While the others finished their snack and enjoyed sitting in the sun (a little luxury this for a family without a garden) I carried on walking into the site down the gently sloping banks and working my way along the bottom of a the very shallow valley eyes peeled for Grizzlies as I had a hunch that there should be some here – the habitat just looked right for them. Sure enough there was the familiar Moth-like little grey blur but I couldn’t get any shots of this one as it was too fast. I followed it with my eyes for a bit but then it did the zig zag manoeuvre and it was gone. Never mind there might be more and sure enough at the end once I’d wandered over there was a lovely little Grizzlie at the end of the track. Well the end of the bit I was going to walk to anyway – the site carries on and round before being severed from the rest of Martin Down by the A354.
As I was enjoying this, my second Grizzlie of the day I spied a third and so stalked towards it but it played hard to get – pirouetting around the Bugle so that it was never in a decent pose. Still it was great to see them and for my hunch to play out. Not wanting to break exercise rules I made my way back to catch up with the girls past various whites and a Peacock. The original Grizzlie was back in the same sort of place that I’d seen it previously but this time there was a male Brimstone in the way. I wouldn’t be able to get in close to the Grizzlie without spooking the Brimstone which would then set the Grizzlie off. I thought about walking in a long, wide arc round around to try and get in form the other side by the Brimstone was so close (probably about a foot and a half away) that wouldn’t work either So in the end I settled for a few shots of the Brimstone itself. Once I’d finished I slowly stood back and watch the Brimstone for another 30 seconds or so and sure enough once it had finished and took off the Grizzlie went also.
We then packed away the drinks bottles and made sure we’d left nothing but footprints and set off. Well the others did I waited for a Holly Blue to settle and open up before running to catch them up. The walk back was pretty quiet with whites and Specklies flying along in the open wood or along the side of the track where the sun broke through and nothing where it didn’t. All too soon we were ensconced in the car heading out on a mission to get lemons for my wife’s evening G&T – if that isn’t essential shopping I don’t know what is?!
As we made the turning off the main Forestry Commission track a Brimstone flew past us and added itself to the days tally and then a pair of Specklies played in roughly the same spot as I saw them last week when we’d previously visited. When we reached the crossroads (or should that be cross tracks?) a Peacock enjoyed the full sun that was able to shine down due to the absence of the canopy here and a Specklie basked on the corner on the far side. As we walked the final stretch of the woodland path before venturing onto Martin Down a few whites flew in the distance visiting clumps of flowers which were growing where a tree had fallen or been excised like little oases in a sea of bare soil, twigs and branches. At the end enjoying the sun was another Specklie basking and a couple of longhorn moths looked spectacular. Glittering golden when they caught the sun.
We now entered into Martin Down – which seemed a bit odd as the tree cover here was denser here than in the ‘Wood’ at least it seemed that way as it must have been coppiced in the recent past because there was a wonderful sea of wild Garlic every which way you looked. Along the path a single Specklie flew in the only circle of full sun along the stretch of path and it was weird to experience the temperature difference felt by taking one step into the sun and then stepping back one step into the shade. Onwards we went before the path veered to the right and the treeline receded so we didn’t feel so hemmed in before finally stepping through a gate into the area known as Kitt’s Grove/Grave with wide open thinly turfed slopes and tall scrub.
While we stopped for a snack I watched a series of butterflies all flying along the scrub hedge, still hugging it as is dove down the slope and into the cutting before carrying along the bottom and hugging the opposite hedge as it climbed back up the slope and carried on into the site. In no particular order the butterflies seen were 4 male Brimstones, 2 females Brimstones, a male OT, a Holly Blue, Specklie, Large White and various other whites. While the others finished their snack and enjoyed sitting in the sun (a little luxury this for a family without a garden) I carried on walking into the site down the gently sloping banks and working my way along the bottom of a the very shallow valley eyes peeled for Grizzlies as I had a hunch that there should be some here – the habitat just looked right for them. Sure enough there was the familiar Moth-like little grey blur but I couldn’t get any shots of this one as it was too fast. I followed it with my eyes for a bit but then it did the zig zag manoeuvre and it was gone. Never mind there might be more and sure enough at the end once I’d wandered over there was a lovely little Grizzlie at the end of the track. Well the end of the bit I was going to walk to anyway – the site carries on and round before being severed from the rest of Martin Down by the A354.
As I was enjoying this, my second Grizzlie of the day I spied a third and so stalked towards it but it played hard to get – pirouetting around the Bugle so that it was never in a decent pose. Still it was great to see them and for my hunch to play out. Not wanting to break exercise rules I made my way back to catch up with the girls past various whites and a Peacock. The original Grizzlie was back in the same sort of place that I’d seen it previously but this time there was a male Brimstone in the way. I wouldn’t be able to get in close to the Grizzlie without spooking the Brimstone which would then set the Grizzlie off. I thought about walking in a long, wide arc round around to try and get in form the other side by the Brimstone was so close (probably about a foot and a half away) that wouldn’t work either So in the end I settled for a few shots of the Brimstone itself. Once I’d finished I slowly stood back and watch the Brimstone for another 30 seconds or so and sure enough once it had finished and took off the Grizzlie went also.
We then packed away the drinks bottles and made sure we’d left nothing but footprints and set off. Well the others did I waited for a Holly Blue to settle and open up before running to catch them up. The walk back was pretty quiet with whites and Specklies flying along in the open wood or along the side of the track where the sun broke through and nothing where it didn’t. All too soon we were ensconced in the car heading out on a mission to get lemons for my wife’s evening G&T – if that isn’t essential shopping I don’t know what is?!
Bentley Wood 24-04-2020
I’d seen that Pearls were about in the Wyre, Abbots Wood and also Hawksgrove which is the other side of Bentley from where I normally visit (generally I start in the Eastern Clearing) so off I went in search of Pearls – for me the species which signals that the season is really happening! Reasoning that early morning would be best I set off and made good time arriving just before 9am. The car park has been enlarged and hard core put down so its reasonably level but I have a feeling that I will miss the tress that encroached on the car park. The best thing though was that the car park was empty so Social Distancing was going to be a breeze and so I set off enjoying the bird song on the way – I managed to pick out a Goldcrest which, with my collection of years is becoming harder to hear, it’s now almost beyond my range of frequency, and there were also a few Willow Warblers with their lilting song.
The Eastern Clearing is the same as ever although the fencing is still up in annoying places across the reserve, just ready to catch out the unwary butterflier as they avidly stalk their target. I did a circuit down the middle following the ditch to the bottom and back around, then a checked out the middle area on the other side of the ditch after crossing one of the two wooden bridges. Nothing. I carried on having a look round in the far patches. More Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers etc. but no butterflies. Was I too early in the morning? Was I too early in the season? I retraced my steps back into the middle of the Clearing and there a fast moving, ginger blur. Phew it was a Pearl and this wasn’t going to be a waste of Brownie points. It was like a switch had been flipped – too cold no Pearls, click, right temperature and then there were Pearls and ones which were intent on breaking the land speed record! In fact it was moving surprisingly fast even though it was early in the morning. The temperature was about 12 set to get to 16 but even so they were motoring.
I managed a bit of stalking and got a few shots so at least the pressure was off as it were. As I followed my first Pearl it ended up over by the little triangle near the notice board where there a criss-cross of little tracks that wind their way through dead bracken. As I’m watching ‘my’ one another flies into view and then a third joins in the fray. I follow one of them all the way down to the bottom bit which is overgrown and is often frequented by the Duke and then carry on round before skirting out over to the far track.
I get onto another one here on the far side but lose it again quickly as it goes back over the barbed wire fence – these are a right bloody pain in the arse so I follow the track back up the hill hoping that any that I encounter stay on the margins of the track and don’t deviate through the barbed wire. Another couple of pearls announce themselves when I’m reaching the top of the track and I end up doing a bit of back tracking whilst trying to keep an eye on one in particular. The fact that they are now flying at breakneck speed doesn’t make it easy and neither do the trip wire bramble runners which snake out across the path unnoticed until one is wrapped around your ankle or shin. One Pearl flies towards me and keeps hiding in the dead bracken clumps taking off whenever I get about 2 metres away – perhaps they’re practising Social Distancing? Another couple are on the other side of the ditch in the large field which was cut back a couple of years ago and so they’re not even on my radar except to keep a note of numbers. Talking of which I reckon I’ve seen at least 4 different individuals up to a maximum of 8. I’m starting to bemoan not getting here even earlier when a grey little blur detaches itself form the grass and lands near my feet – a Bentley Grizzlie! After I’ve spent a little time with it (strangely in exactly the same place that I saw one here last year and the year before) a Peacock bombs away up the path but whilst I’m happy for Pearls to lead me astray and play that game no way for a Peacock (five weeks ago maybe it would have been a different story?)
I carry on to the top of the path and take a right up and further into the wood – it was good here last year but so far the Pearls haven’t found back to it so instead I get a Small White as my reward for making the trip. I turn round and move back down the track past where I’d originally turned off and then work back into the Clearing from the Marshie field (again another recently cleared area). In here there seem to be a couple more Pearls – or the same three or four that were flying in the main clearing earlier? Either way all of them are still totally unapproachable and I almost give up and call it a day when one, maybe sensing my frustration, suddenly calms down and starts taking nectar. I’m back in the little triangle by this point and I’m able to get down low and approach without the little bugger going mad. The Bugle is the just the ticket as it offers up enough nectar to keep the Pearl occupied and in roughly the same spot for long enough to get some shots. Bluebells look nice and a Pearl sitting on one is very aesthetically pleasing but they seem very low on nectar and just as you’re lining up your shot the butterfly is off seeking its next drink. No give me a Bugle any day of the week as that keeps the Pearls playing ball.
As I make my way back into the main clearing I find a definite new individual which I can be sure of as it is has one of its hind wings is damaged. This doesn’t stop it nipping off just as I get in range though so I keep on keeping on and walk back to the very bottom of the reserve where yet another Pearl plays hard to get and there is also a male and two female OTs.
As I’m making my last pass along the main track that bisects the Clearing from top to bottom I’m suddenly spoilt for choice as in the middle of the clearing by the ditch the damaged Pearl and a second both sit down on the deck within a foot of each other. I know that if I go for the Grizzlie which is further away than the Pearl is going to spook it. Obviously I’d rather have the Grizzlie but the Pearl does indeed keep spooking it and to make matters worse each time it does it follows the Grizzlie landing near it so that when I approach again the Pearl spooks the Grizzlie again. This isn’t playing fair but by walking all the way round to the wooden bridge and crossing over I manage to briefly get on the near side of the Grizzlie and fire off a couple of shots before the Pearl twigs what I’ve done and sets about ruining it.
Oh well some shots in the bag hopefully so I head off hoping to return here one evening when it’s slightly cooler and the Pearls are starting to settle down for the night – this should be easier now that we’re going to have more pupils at work so the rota has been altered – 3 days every two weeks…still it’s great to get a taster of retirement – something to look forward too!
The Eastern Clearing is the same as ever although the fencing is still up in annoying places across the reserve, just ready to catch out the unwary butterflier as they avidly stalk their target. I did a circuit down the middle following the ditch to the bottom and back around, then a checked out the middle area on the other side of the ditch after crossing one of the two wooden bridges. Nothing. I carried on having a look round in the far patches. More Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers etc. but no butterflies. Was I too early in the morning? Was I too early in the season? I retraced my steps back into the middle of the Clearing and there a fast moving, ginger blur. Phew it was a Pearl and this wasn’t going to be a waste of Brownie points. It was like a switch had been flipped – too cold no Pearls, click, right temperature and then there were Pearls and ones which were intent on breaking the land speed record! In fact it was moving surprisingly fast even though it was early in the morning. The temperature was about 12 set to get to 16 but even so they were motoring.
I managed a bit of stalking and got a few shots so at least the pressure was off as it were. As I followed my first Pearl it ended up over by the little triangle near the notice board where there a criss-cross of little tracks that wind their way through dead bracken. As I’m watching ‘my’ one another flies into view and then a third joins in the fray. I follow one of them all the way down to the bottom bit which is overgrown and is often frequented by the Duke and then carry on round before skirting out over to the far track.
I get onto another one here on the far side but lose it again quickly as it goes back over the barbed wire fence – these are a right bloody pain in the arse so I follow the track back up the hill hoping that any that I encounter stay on the margins of the track and don’t deviate through the barbed wire. Another couple of pearls announce themselves when I’m reaching the top of the track and I end up doing a bit of back tracking whilst trying to keep an eye on one in particular. The fact that they are now flying at breakneck speed doesn’t make it easy and neither do the trip wire bramble runners which snake out across the path unnoticed until one is wrapped around your ankle or shin. One Pearl flies towards me and keeps hiding in the dead bracken clumps taking off whenever I get about 2 metres away – perhaps they’re practising Social Distancing? Another couple are on the other side of the ditch in the large field which was cut back a couple of years ago and so they’re not even on my radar except to keep a note of numbers. Talking of which I reckon I’ve seen at least 4 different individuals up to a maximum of 8. I’m starting to bemoan not getting here even earlier when a grey little blur detaches itself form the grass and lands near my feet – a Bentley Grizzlie! After I’ve spent a little time with it (strangely in exactly the same place that I saw one here last year and the year before) a Peacock bombs away up the path but whilst I’m happy for Pearls to lead me astray and play that game no way for a Peacock (five weeks ago maybe it would have been a different story?)
I carry on to the top of the path and take a right up and further into the wood – it was good here last year but so far the Pearls haven’t found back to it so instead I get a Small White as my reward for making the trip. I turn round and move back down the track past where I’d originally turned off and then work back into the Clearing from the Marshie field (again another recently cleared area). In here there seem to be a couple more Pearls – or the same three or four that were flying in the main clearing earlier? Either way all of them are still totally unapproachable and I almost give up and call it a day when one, maybe sensing my frustration, suddenly calms down and starts taking nectar. I’m back in the little triangle by this point and I’m able to get down low and approach without the little bugger going mad. The Bugle is the just the ticket as it offers up enough nectar to keep the Pearl occupied and in roughly the same spot for long enough to get some shots. Bluebells look nice and a Pearl sitting on one is very aesthetically pleasing but they seem very low on nectar and just as you’re lining up your shot the butterfly is off seeking its next drink. No give me a Bugle any day of the week as that keeps the Pearls playing ball.
As I make my way back into the main clearing I find a definite new individual which I can be sure of as it is has one of its hind wings is damaged. This doesn’t stop it nipping off just as I get in range though so I keep on keeping on and walk back to the very bottom of the reserve where yet another Pearl plays hard to get and there is also a male and two female OTs.
As I’m making my last pass along the main track that bisects the Clearing from top to bottom I’m suddenly spoilt for choice as in the middle of the clearing by the ditch the damaged Pearl and a second both sit down on the deck within a foot of each other. I know that if I go for the Grizzlie which is further away than the Pearl is going to spook it. Obviously I’d rather have the Grizzlie but the Pearl does indeed keep spooking it and to make matters worse each time it does it follows the Grizzlie landing near it so that when I approach again the Pearl spooks the Grizzlie again. This isn’t playing fair but by walking all the way round to the wooden bridge and crossing over I manage to briefly get on the near side of the Grizzlie and fire off a couple of shots before the Pearl twigs what I’ve done and sets about ruining it.
Oh well some shots in the bag hopefully so I head off hoping to return here one evening when it’s slightly cooler and the Pearls are starting to settle down for the night – this should be easier now that we’re going to have more pupils at work so the rota has been altered – 3 days every two weeks…still it’s great to get a taster of retirement – something to look forward too!
Garston Wood 23-04-2020
After getting the spending all morning on yet more Curriculum Intent documents lunchtime was approaching so while I finished typing the girls got a snack ready and as soon as I finished we rushed out of the door, jumped in the car and made for Garston Wood so that we could have a walk round for our daily exercise without fear of people not being able to Social Distance properly. This is becoming a bit of thing now it seems as we enter yet another week of Lockdown and on our daily exercise walks we’re encountering people doggedly sticking to the middle of the path and not getting over, cyclists just appearing silently like assassins from behind and groups of people walking together or just standing around chatting thinking that the fact that they’re wearing trainers and jogging bottoms will somehow justify a total lack of Social Distancing?
When we arrived there was only one other car in the car park but we couldn’t hear or see another human being and it was shear bliss to walk on soft ground warmed by the sun whilst being serenaded by bird song the heady aromas of the Bluebells, Garlic and slowly decaying wood lulling us into an almost meditative state. Strangely we only saw one butterfly by the time we’d reached the large log when we were about a third of our way into our walk and this was a Holly Blue a few turns in the track earlier. Whilst we munched our snack a Brimstone fluttered by almost as if it was inviting to start walking again and so we did.
We carried on down the track leading to the back path which arches around the boundary of the reserve before diving straight through the enclosure and on across the middle of site. We started seeing butterflies and they were in roughly the same places that we had encountered them on our previous walk of this route. First up was a Peacock which I almost stood on as it sat casting no shadow on the path. Then further around while we were admiring the sea of Wild Garlic looking like a fluffy eiderdown had been laid over the ground a Specklie and a pair of white flew by, a few Brimstones played over the tops of the small patches of Bluebells that broke the gorgeous monotony of the white Garlic flowers. Just before the track turned back into the reserve a male Orange-tip stopped to take nectar from various Bluebells, calmed somewhat by the shade it seemed.
On we went the occasional Brimstone or Orange-tip in the distance and a Peacock that just didn’t seem to understand that we were walking one way along the path. It would fly behind us, then it would soar back over our heads before landing 10 or so metres in front of us, down on the path. We would get near it and off it would go again, flew toward and behind, turn round, low over their heads and then land further ahead on the path. It did this the whole way along the path until we reached the T-junction and then it panicked as it couldn’t land 10 or so metres ahead of us because there was a hedge and trees in its way!
364
Down through the Plantation we went seeing a few more Brimstones, 2 Peacocks and 2 Specklies but I was keen to get back as I was in danger of straying out of my allotted lunch and break timing. The drive back was punctuated with Orange-tips and other miscellaneous whites but before too long I was sitting staring at my laptop screen wondering if I’d actually been out at all or had I nodded off in the midst of Curriculum Intent planning?
When we arrived there was only one other car in the car park but we couldn’t hear or see another human being and it was shear bliss to walk on soft ground warmed by the sun whilst being serenaded by bird song the heady aromas of the Bluebells, Garlic and slowly decaying wood lulling us into an almost meditative state. Strangely we only saw one butterfly by the time we’d reached the large log when we were about a third of our way into our walk and this was a Holly Blue a few turns in the track earlier. Whilst we munched our snack a Brimstone fluttered by almost as if it was inviting to start walking again and so we did.
We carried on down the track leading to the back path which arches around the boundary of the reserve before diving straight through the enclosure and on across the middle of site. We started seeing butterflies and they were in roughly the same places that we had encountered them on our previous walk of this route. First up was a Peacock which I almost stood on as it sat casting no shadow on the path. Then further around while we were admiring the sea of Wild Garlic looking like a fluffy eiderdown had been laid over the ground a Specklie and a pair of white flew by, a few Brimstones played over the tops of the small patches of Bluebells that broke the gorgeous monotony of the white Garlic flowers. Just before the track turned back into the reserve a male Orange-tip stopped to take nectar from various Bluebells, calmed somewhat by the shade it seemed.
On we went the occasional Brimstone or Orange-tip in the distance and a Peacock that just didn’t seem to understand that we were walking one way along the path. It would fly behind us, then it would soar back over our heads before landing 10 or so metres in front of us, down on the path. We would get near it and off it would go again, flew toward and behind, turn round, low over their heads and then land further ahead on the path. It did this the whole way along the path until we reached the T-junction and then it panicked as it couldn’t land 10 or so metres ahead of us because there was a hedge and trees in its way!
364
Down through the Plantation we went seeing a few more Brimstones, 2 Peacocks and 2 Specklies but I was keen to get back as I was in danger of straying out of my allotted lunch and break timing. The drive back was punctuated with Orange-tips and other miscellaneous whites but before too long I was sitting staring at my laptop screen wondering if I’d actually been out at all or had I nodded off in the midst of Curriculum Intent planning?
Five Rivers 22-04-2020
Another day and a load more work done. This working from home malarkey is really interfering with my butterflying as with the weather we’re having at the moment first thing seems best – just creeping into double figures and the butterflies aren’t too mobile. By the time I get to go out (having combined lunch, break, an early start and a late finish) the butterflies are screaming about ceaselessly. Also you end up doing much, much, much more work than you would ever do when actually at work – there’s no packing up and waiting between classes, no down time at all really just solidly plodding along from start to finish.
Sill I was glad to eventually temporarily log off the remote desktop and pick up my camera and head over to Five Rivers. I didn’t see anything until I’d crossed the Waitrose car park and was walking smartly down the narrow path to the Town Path when a Holly Blue erupted from the low vegetation and promptly disappeared again. The little patch where the Specklies were battling it out previously was empty and my second butterfly wasn’t seen until I was actually on site and starting the riverside path when a Specklie flew out from a tiny stand of trees. Slightly further on I reached a bit of the path which is open to the river, the ancient tree that had previously stood guard on the river bank now toppled and decaying covered in a blanket of moss and nettles. A few whites were playing in the sun here including my first definite Large White of 2020 as well as a Small White, a brace a piece of Orange-tip (males) and Green-veined Whites as well as a couple of UFWs and a Specklie looking out of place like a sock in the wrong wash. I only managed the occasional grab shot of most of the whites but one male Orange-tip fed for a while so I was able to get something decent of him.
I reached the Glades and stood watching a Large White for a while. It flew the same circuit five or six times while I watching it – it would fly towards me up high take a left turn and fly around in the smallest of clearing before flying away from me the way it had come. It would then fly round the back of the large ‘clump’ before doing a neat figure of eight over a small cluster of Dandelions and promptly heading back towards the river where I guess it turned around and started the circuit again. Eventually it didn’t come back so I carried on having already clocked 2 Holly Blues and two Specklies here whilst it was round the back of the ‘clump’. All that time watching the Large White and it hadn’t landed once, all I had were a few in-flight shots that would probably be pants.
In the warmth and strong sun I decided not to visit Comma Corner but instead carried on along taking the path that cuts across the Lower Banks. On the lower side of Bank 1 there was a conglomeration of whites – almost the full UK set with males of Orange-tip, Brimstone and Large White, two Small Whites and a Green-veined White. The Large White was motoring along so I tried for the Green-veined White and managed to follow it for a short while. As I was so doing a Peacock glided over me and carried on down the slope.
Things were really going frenetically now and so I spent much of the remaining time just wandering and recording again pretty much like I had previously at Middle Street. On the second Lower Bank there was a second Peacock and then at the back path the breeze was blowing right the way along the slope which meant that the male OT which was feeding on the Bluebells was an impossible target. As I started along the back path to the far corner of the reserve a Red Admiral took off a shot away. In the far corner a Holly Blue fluttered over the hedge into the allotments as did a male OT so I turned about and made the walk in reverse.
The wind had dropped a bit now but the butterflies were as unapproachable as before just now they would have to bugger off a shorter distance as their escape wasn’t wind assisted. On the nettle beds here there was again a Peacock and to OTs had a go at each other. It was interesting to watch as one caught up with the other, they had a bit of scrap and then both went off in opposite directions – I wondered if they followed a set circuit and if so how many times had that particular skirmish been played out?
Back along the Lower Banks there was a male Brimstone, a couple of Small Whites, a Peacock and then another and another as well as a Red Admiral. Try as I might I just couldn’t get anywhere near it. It would fly a few trees/bushes further along the hedge, I’d stalk it, line my shot up and then it would fly a few trees/bushes further along the hedge… I gave up on it in the end I tried for a few more Green-veined White shots instead. At the far end I finally got some distant shots of the Red Admiral as well as the surprise of the day – a Small Tort still hanging on in there!
Back through the Glades and along the River Path I went seeing the same butterflies that I’d seen earlier minus the Large White and with bonus Red Admiral and Specklies. Not a bad bit of exercise really though next time I think I’ll need to try and get out early in the morning and work rather longer in the afternoon/evening?
Sill I was glad to eventually temporarily log off the remote desktop and pick up my camera and head over to Five Rivers. I didn’t see anything until I’d crossed the Waitrose car park and was walking smartly down the narrow path to the Town Path when a Holly Blue erupted from the low vegetation and promptly disappeared again. The little patch where the Specklies were battling it out previously was empty and my second butterfly wasn’t seen until I was actually on site and starting the riverside path when a Specklie flew out from a tiny stand of trees. Slightly further on I reached a bit of the path which is open to the river, the ancient tree that had previously stood guard on the river bank now toppled and decaying covered in a blanket of moss and nettles. A few whites were playing in the sun here including my first definite Large White of 2020 as well as a Small White, a brace a piece of Orange-tip (males) and Green-veined Whites as well as a couple of UFWs and a Specklie looking out of place like a sock in the wrong wash. I only managed the occasional grab shot of most of the whites but one male Orange-tip fed for a while so I was able to get something decent of him.
I reached the Glades and stood watching a Large White for a while. It flew the same circuit five or six times while I watching it – it would fly towards me up high take a left turn and fly around in the smallest of clearing before flying away from me the way it had come. It would then fly round the back of the large ‘clump’ before doing a neat figure of eight over a small cluster of Dandelions and promptly heading back towards the river where I guess it turned around and started the circuit again. Eventually it didn’t come back so I carried on having already clocked 2 Holly Blues and two Specklies here whilst it was round the back of the ‘clump’. All that time watching the Large White and it hadn’t landed once, all I had were a few in-flight shots that would probably be pants.
In the warmth and strong sun I decided not to visit Comma Corner but instead carried on along taking the path that cuts across the Lower Banks. On the lower side of Bank 1 there was a conglomeration of whites – almost the full UK set with males of Orange-tip, Brimstone and Large White, two Small Whites and a Green-veined White. The Large White was motoring along so I tried for the Green-veined White and managed to follow it for a short while. As I was so doing a Peacock glided over me and carried on down the slope.
Things were really going frenetically now and so I spent much of the remaining time just wandering and recording again pretty much like I had previously at Middle Street. On the second Lower Bank there was a second Peacock and then at the back path the breeze was blowing right the way along the slope which meant that the male OT which was feeding on the Bluebells was an impossible target. As I started along the back path to the far corner of the reserve a Red Admiral took off a shot away. In the far corner a Holly Blue fluttered over the hedge into the allotments as did a male OT so I turned about and made the walk in reverse.
The wind had dropped a bit now but the butterflies were as unapproachable as before just now they would have to bugger off a shorter distance as their escape wasn’t wind assisted. On the nettle beds here there was again a Peacock and to OTs had a go at each other. It was interesting to watch as one caught up with the other, they had a bit of scrap and then both went off in opposite directions – I wondered if they followed a set circuit and if so how many times had that particular skirmish been played out?
Back along the Lower Banks there was a male Brimstone, a couple of Small Whites, a Peacock and then another and another as well as a Red Admiral. Try as I might I just couldn’t get anywhere near it. It would fly a few trees/bushes further along the hedge, I’d stalk it, line my shot up and then it would fly a few trees/bushes further along the hedge… I gave up on it in the end I tried for a few more Green-veined White shots instead. At the far end I finally got some distant shots of the Red Admiral as well as the surprise of the day – a Small Tort still hanging on in there!
Back through the Glades and along the River Path I went seeing the same butterflies that I’d seen earlier minus the Large White and with bonus Red Admiral and Specklies. Not a bad bit of exercise really though next time I think I’ll need to try and get out early in the morning and work rather longer in the afternoon/evening?
Middle Street 21-04-2020
Having spent most of the day yesterday working solidly and only getting out for the usual brief walk/exercise today I was looking forward to being out of the house for a bit more time so I planned to use my lunch, break and then work on slightly longer into the afternoon. So I started early and got a lot done and then as lunchtime approached I made the girls wolf down a sandwich and away we went to Middle Street. The way over was quiet with only a Holly Blue on Ivy at the corner house neat the Mill.
As we entered and scanned across the football pitch looked like it had been covered in snow due to the profusion of Daisies. We hugged the boundary fence and walked through, no correction, waded through the grasses and Cow Parsley which seem to have shot up since out last visit and juts before we had to dive under the Carb Apple tree’s blossom bedecked branches a Holly Blue fluttered round in the little patch before flying over into the neighbouring garden. It wasn’t until we reached the small field near the hotspot that we saw anymore butterflies with a brace of Red Admirals. I really wanted to get some shots of one of them as the red band on the hind wing wasn’t red by a creamy tangerine colour, like the dye had washed out but try as I might I just couldn’t get close to it. We followed up onto the bank path past the pond and back round to the Hotspot before I lost sight of it without getting a single shot. As if to make up for it one the several whites flying around and about at the Hotspot settled for me and resolved into a female Orange-tip. She was almost immediately hassled by a male and then a second male joined in before both suitors got the message loud and clear as the female arched her abdomen menacingly.
We carried on our meandering and worked back to the pond and carried on round the other side. A Peacock paused briefly but that was about it so we moved hastily on to the Dips. Whilst in Dip 1 I could only watch as a male OT patrolled and two UFWs passed by as the temperature had risen since we’d arrived and now the butterflies were motoring! Dip 2 very briefly held a Red Admiral which sailed on over to the other side of the river. Dip 3 was bereft of butterflies as was the end part of the reserve and so I turned round and started back. As I did a Small White flew along the bank path and I did my best to follow it down one side of the bank to the Football Pitch and then back over into Dip 2. It landed a few times I was able to get in close enough for a few shots. I love the lemon triangle on the underside of the fore wing. Whilst with the Small White a male OT and two UFWs pass through. They seem to fly in a repeating pattern; say they’re flying ahead of you from your right to left about half way across they’ll flip back and go from left to right before turning round once again when they’re a quarter of the way back and then carrying on from right to left. This doubling back is something I’d not noticed before.
I carried on back, conscious that the girls had given up exercising and were now sitting making Daisy chains – although to be fair there were only one other couple on site with us. Down into Dip 1 and a Peacock went up and as I watched it fly across the Dip a second joined it on the other side. I also followed and managed a few shots of a female OT but the male and the other 2 UFWs didn’t stop at all – but again showed the same partial doubling back pattern in their flight.
On making my way out of the Dip and working back to the Hotspot I found a Holly Blue territory but I could only manage a few record shots at distance so carried on to the Hotspot itself. By now the butterflies were extremely active and getting to the point of being unapproachable so this became more an exercise in recording than photography. Amongst the Whites the Hotspot threw up a brace of Peacocks which were both basking on the dead long grass/reeds of the rapidly drying pond. I picked the girls up and we made our way back checking the little patch by the back gate which again had a Holly Blue but this time also 2 Small Whites and a Red Admiral. The stroll back unusually didn’t produce any butterflies but a Little Egret kept Little L’s interest and became her second favourite animal (after Fennec Fox and before her Patronus the Orang-utan). All too soon I was back in front of the keyboard working away and paying back my lunchbreak.
As we entered and scanned across the football pitch looked like it had been covered in snow due to the profusion of Daisies. We hugged the boundary fence and walked through, no correction, waded through the grasses and Cow Parsley which seem to have shot up since out last visit and juts before we had to dive under the Carb Apple tree’s blossom bedecked branches a Holly Blue fluttered round in the little patch before flying over into the neighbouring garden. It wasn’t until we reached the small field near the hotspot that we saw anymore butterflies with a brace of Red Admirals. I really wanted to get some shots of one of them as the red band on the hind wing wasn’t red by a creamy tangerine colour, like the dye had washed out but try as I might I just couldn’t get close to it. We followed up onto the bank path past the pond and back round to the Hotspot before I lost sight of it without getting a single shot. As if to make up for it one the several whites flying around and about at the Hotspot settled for me and resolved into a female Orange-tip. She was almost immediately hassled by a male and then a second male joined in before both suitors got the message loud and clear as the female arched her abdomen menacingly.
We carried on our meandering and worked back to the pond and carried on round the other side. A Peacock paused briefly but that was about it so we moved hastily on to the Dips. Whilst in Dip 1 I could only watch as a male OT patrolled and two UFWs passed by as the temperature had risen since we’d arrived and now the butterflies were motoring! Dip 2 very briefly held a Red Admiral which sailed on over to the other side of the river. Dip 3 was bereft of butterflies as was the end part of the reserve and so I turned round and started back. As I did a Small White flew along the bank path and I did my best to follow it down one side of the bank to the Football Pitch and then back over into Dip 2. It landed a few times I was able to get in close enough for a few shots. I love the lemon triangle on the underside of the fore wing. Whilst with the Small White a male OT and two UFWs pass through. They seem to fly in a repeating pattern; say they’re flying ahead of you from your right to left about half way across they’ll flip back and go from left to right before turning round once again when they’re a quarter of the way back and then carrying on from right to left. This doubling back is something I’d not noticed before.
I carried on back, conscious that the girls had given up exercising and were now sitting making Daisy chains – although to be fair there were only one other couple on site with us. Down into Dip 1 and a Peacock went up and as I watched it fly across the Dip a second joined it on the other side. I also followed and managed a few shots of a female OT but the male and the other 2 UFWs didn’t stop at all – but again showed the same partial doubling back pattern in their flight.
On making my way out of the Dip and working back to the Hotspot I found a Holly Blue territory but I could only manage a few record shots at distance so carried on to the Hotspot itself. By now the butterflies were extremely active and getting to the point of being unapproachable so this became more an exercise in recording than photography. Amongst the Whites the Hotspot threw up a brace of Peacocks which were both basking on the dead long grass/reeds of the rapidly drying pond. I picked the girls up and we made our way back checking the little patch by the back gate which again had a Holly Blue but this time also 2 Small Whites and a Red Admiral. The stroll back unusually didn’t produce any butterflies but a Little Egret kept Little L’s interest and became her second favourite animal (after Fennec Fox and before her Patronus the Orang-utan). All too soon I was back in front of the keyboard working away and paying back my lunchbreak.
Exercise 20-04-2020
There have been a few times recently whilst out with my family taking our exercise that I’ve seen various butterflies. There have been several whites including the ever patrolling male Orange-tips, a distant Red Admiral and a Holly Blue which kept coming down tantalisingly close within range of my lens before buggering off back up to the top the Ivy covered tree where it would land and frustratingly open up. However today I finally got lucky again…
We were about half way through our walk and had walked under the road bridge, into the park and were following the riverside path when a white flew feebly in and around some Garlic Mustard. From its slow, flappy flight quartering the flowers and checking them out I guessed that it was a female White, probably an Orange-tip. So I ran on ahead and when I was within 2 metres (I can judge this distance pretty well now) I stopped dead and watched. It landed and so two steps later I was within range, in position and I got a couple of shots before it had even realised I was there. Of course once she had sussed that I was a human and not a weird looking bush/tree she was off flying so weakly across the river that I was concerned that she wouldn’t make it! Job done I got on with the walking and talking and keeping an eye out to ensure the 2 metre rule stood fast.
We were about half way through our walk and had walked under the road bridge, into the park and were following the riverside path when a white flew feebly in and around some Garlic Mustard. From its slow, flappy flight quartering the flowers and checking them out I guessed that it was a female White, probably an Orange-tip. So I ran on ahead and when I was within 2 metres (I can judge this distance pretty well now) I stopped dead and watched. It landed and so two steps later I was within range, in position and I got a couple of shots before it had even realised I was there. Of course once she had sussed that I was a human and not a weird looking bush/tree she was off flying so weakly across the river that I was concerned that she wouldn’t make it! Job done I got on with the walking and talking and keeping an eye out to ensure the 2 metre rule stood fast.
Martin Down 19-05-2020
Today felt strange as it was a Sunday and ordinarily it would also have been the last day of the holiday. But these are strange times and instead of having a last trip out before having to head into work for the 8-3 5 days a week I was getting ready to sit at home from 8-3 for 5 days as I wasn’t on rota for another week yet! Still I made the most of it and the fleeting moments when I felt the Sunday dread were quickly displaced again. With this in mind we made our way over to Martin Down to take our exercise without having other people round to bother us. On the drive in along Sillen’s Lane there was a distinct lack of Social Distancing with a Green-veined White and 6 male Orange-tips patrolling along the verges.
The route that we’d taken before had proved to be a bit of a winner with the girls and so we decided to follow it again setting off on the track that followed the hedge along the bottom of the reserve with a female Brimstone joining us for the start of our walk. Once we’d passed the old gate a Holly Blue fluttered down from the top of the hedge and hung around down within easy reach. It opened up slightly and I could see that it was a male with the more pastel blue/grey colour to the wings and more discrete chequers. A Red Admiral also came down to the deck and walked about for a bit amid the grass blades – why they do this I don’t know but it’s a double edged sword when it comes to photography, yes they’re down on the deck and within easy reach but there are multiple obstructions to the shot. Still this one was a beautiful so I didn’t feel too bad about the odd ‘green pointer’ being in shot.
From here the family group split into two with the girls all sticking to the high road whilst I took the Hedge Tunnel. As I entered I could feel the breeze ceasing, the air stilled and along with it the temperature was a tad higher. I scanned the hedge on my right which was lit by the sun but all I could muster at first was a single Specklie which looked a little bored with no sparring partner. At the second break in the left hand hedge where the light floods in a Peacock held court but after this I didn’t see another butterfly in the tunnel until the very end where three Specklies were taking chunks out of each other.
After this we regrouped and cut across towards the Hotspot skirting round the old Iron-age earthworks watched all the while by the Guardian of the Down. This time we didn’t stop for very long at the Hotspot – just long enough for the girls to have a drink and refill their bottles so while they were doing this I nipped over to the little field where I’d seen the second set of Greenstreaks before. Today there was only the one guarding its territory on the corner of the trackway into the field. Working my way back to where the girls were having their pit stop I found two more Greenstreaks and these were right on the end of the scrub by the hollow next to Bokerley. The first of the pair was adopting the upside ‘ready for take-off’ pose that I’d seen the others adopting previously and sure enough just as I lent it for a shot the second appeared out of nowhere and the first dropped into flight to start scraping.
It seems that I hadn’t learnt my lesson from the last visit and again I found myself wandering up the bottom of the Dyke whilst the girls shot up the main path. It was a hard slog and at this stage of the season it yielded little reward, the numerous Brimstones not really making up for sweat and blood I was shedding in my search. But just as I was going to get out and leave the Dyke having reached the top of the hill and the dead end where another track cuts across the dyke I received my payment in full. No silver or gold for me just a Small Copper. It was a little beauty as well and I didn’t even mind that it was missing a chunk out of one of its hind wings. If I’d taken the easy route up I’d have missed it!
Chuffed I climbed out of the Dyke but kept following it looking down from above for the little grey blurs of Grizzlies. I didn’t find any little grey blurs but instead found a little brown blur – my fist Dingy of 2020.I watched and waited as it bimbled about at the bottom of the Dyke and then it flew up the side and landed slightly in front of me. Every year I forget how small they are especially when you’re used to Brimstones and Peacocks from the early spring. Doubly chuffed I finally caught up with the others and we sat down and had a quick snack at the top of the hill overlooking the panorama below.
A few Brimstones fly by as we munch and a Small White or two as well but I’m eager to try and relocate the Dingy so while my coffee cools I head back to where I’d seen the Dingy and sure enough I manage to catch up with it again. This time it stays still for even longer and also starts moving its wings into different positions so I’m able to get a few ¾ open shots as well as a glimpse of underwing. I decide to push my luck reasoning that my coffee is probably cold now anyway (WINK) and so I walk back down towards the Dyke and where I’d found my Small Copper. After a very hot and scratchy 5 minutes in the dust and thorns at the bottom of the Dyke I hadn’t had any luck with the Copper. Instead I’d found something possibly even rarer. Over the years I’ve seen my fair share of Common or Viviparous Lizards and among them I’ve seen a red and black morph but this morning I was treated the unusual green form – an adaptation to grasslands in the offing I wondered while I marvelled at its wonderful colour.
Upon re-joining the girls we took the direct diagonal route back to the car accompanied by the three species of Whites. And there were even more on the drive back down the Sillen’s Lane with 5 male OTs, 2 female OTs, 3 Brimstone, a Small White, 2 UFWs and a Specklie a little out of place. It was great to get out without fear of bumping into someone or a bike knocking into you, and where the nearest person is a couple of hundred metres away but can’t help feeling like I still haven’t had a proper Martin Down visit yet? Hopefully I’ll be able to rectify that soon.
The route that we’d taken before had proved to be a bit of a winner with the girls and so we decided to follow it again setting off on the track that followed the hedge along the bottom of the reserve with a female Brimstone joining us for the start of our walk. Once we’d passed the old gate a Holly Blue fluttered down from the top of the hedge and hung around down within easy reach. It opened up slightly and I could see that it was a male with the more pastel blue/grey colour to the wings and more discrete chequers. A Red Admiral also came down to the deck and walked about for a bit amid the grass blades – why they do this I don’t know but it’s a double edged sword when it comes to photography, yes they’re down on the deck and within easy reach but there are multiple obstructions to the shot. Still this one was a beautiful so I didn’t feel too bad about the odd ‘green pointer’ being in shot.
From here the family group split into two with the girls all sticking to the high road whilst I took the Hedge Tunnel. As I entered I could feel the breeze ceasing, the air stilled and along with it the temperature was a tad higher. I scanned the hedge on my right which was lit by the sun but all I could muster at first was a single Specklie which looked a little bored with no sparring partner. At the second break in the left hand hedge where the light floods in a Peacock held court but after this I didn’t see another butterfly in the tunnel until the very end where three Specklies were taking chunks out of each other.
After this we regrouped and cut across towards the Hotspot skirting round the old Iron-age earthworks watched all the while by the Guardian of the Down. This time we didn’t stop for very long at the Hotspot – just long enough for the girls to have a drink and refill their bottles so while they were doing this I nipped over to the little field where I’d seen the second set of Greenstreaks before. Today there was only the one guarding its territory on the corner of the trackway into the field. Working my way back to where the girls were having their pit stop I found two more Greenstreaks and these were right on the end of the scrub by the hollow next to Bokerley. The first of the pair was adopting the upside ‘ready for take-off’ pose that I’d seen the others adopting previously and sure enough just as I lent it for a shot the second appeared out of nowhere and the first dropped into flight to start scraping.
It seems that I hadn’t learnt my lesson from the last visit and again I found myself wandering up the bottom of the Dyke whilst the girls shot up the main path. It was a hard slog and at this stage of the season it yielded little reward, the numerous Brimstones not really making up for sweat and blood I was shedding in my search. But just as I was going to get out and leave the Dyke having reached the top of the hill and the dead end where another track cuts across the dyke I received my payment in full. No silver or gold for me just a Small Copper. It was a little beauty as well and I didn’t even mind that it was missing a chunk out of one of its hind wings. If I’d taken the easy route up I’d have missed it!
Chuffed I climbed out of the Dyke but kept following it looking down from above for the little grey blurs of Grizzlies. I didn’t find any little grey blurs but instead found a little brown blur – my fist Dingy of 2020.I watched and waited as it bimbled about at the bottom of the Dyke and then it flew up the side and landed slightly in front of me. Every year I forget how small they are especially when you’re used to Brimstones and Peacocks from the early spring. Doubly chuffed I finally caught up with the others and we sat down and had a quick snack at the top of the hill overlooking the panorama below.
A few Brimstones fly by as we munch and a Small White or two as well but I’m eager to try and relocate the Dingy so while my coffee cools I head back to where I’d seen the Dingy and sure enough I manage to catch up with it again. This time it stays still for even longer and also starts moving its wings into different positions so I’m able to get a few ¾ open shots as well as a glimpse of underwing. I decide to push my luck reasoning that my coffee is probably cold now anyway (WINK) and so I walk back down towards the Dyke and where I’d found my Small Copper. After a very hot and scratchy 5 minutes in the dust and thorns at the bottom of the Dyke I hadn’t had any luck with the Copper. Instead I’d found something possibly even rarer. Over the years I’ve seen my fair share of Common or Viviparous Lizards and among them I’ve seen a red and black morph but this morning I was treated the unusual green form – an adaptation to grasslands in the offing I wondered while I marvelled at its wonderful colour.
Upon re-joining the girls we took the direct diagonal route back to the car accompanied by the three species of Whites. And there were even more on the drive back down the Sillen’s Lane with 5 male OTs, 2 female OTs, 3 Brimstone, a Small White, 2 UFWs and a Specklie a little out of place. It was great to get out without fear of bumping into someone or a bike knocking into you, and where the nearest person is a couple of hundred metres away but can’t help feeling like I still haven’t had a proper Martin Down visit yet? Hopefully I’ll be able to rectify that soon.
Vernditch 16-04-2020
On the way back from checking in on my mum and dad over at Sixpenny Handley we decided to call in somewhere for our exercise on the way home and as we’d taken the fast route along the Blandford Road we stopped at Vernditch. There were only two other cars in the car park when we arrived and we sat and waited for one of them to load up and leave before we exited our vehicle. As the Forestry Commission work this wood the main track up the hill and into the wood is really well maintained and there are nice wide verges on either side of it. It was these that I scanned as we walked but apart from a fleeting view of a Stoat there were only a few unapproachable whites on the trek up. As the track levelled off we could see that is carried on straight and even but there was a smaller unkempt track branching off to the right so of course we took this one. We now felt like we were in the Wood proper as Specklies played in the shafts of sunlight pouring down between spaces were trees had been excised.
Eventually the track turned by a gate and ran alongside a large field for what seemed an age. Instead we went through the gate and stepped into Coppiced Woodland. As I looked around at the stools of Hazel which were probably 2 years old lit by the dappled sunlight that had managed to smuggle itself past the burgeoning leaves it was strange to realise that technically I was on Martin Down for that was what the sign at the gate had said. The path opened up, the trees overhead that had made the roof of a tunnel were gone and once through another gate (a wide open one) we stumbled onto closely cropped turf which was like a river of grass with the surrounding trees the banks hemming in the flowing grasses. We stopped here for a snack in one of the little Ox-Bow lakes of grass before making the return journey where we were greeted by Specklies (probably the same ones) at roughly the same junctures. As we were about to leave the now empty car park a female OT enticed me briefly over the road and then we carried on homewards, exercise done.
Despite not seeing an awful lot it looks really promising so worth a revisit, possibly the next time we check on my parents or if Lockdown eases ever so slightly…This is definitely one of the few positive things about Lockdown – discovering new local sites.
Eventually the track turned by a gate and ran alongside a large field for what seemed an age. Instead we went through the gate and stepped into Coppiced Woodland. As I looked around at the stools of Hazel which were probably 2 years old lit by the dappled sunlight that had managed to smuggle itself past the burgeoning leaves it was strange to realise that technically I was on Martin Down for that was what the sign at the gate had said. The path opened up, the trees overhead that had made the roof of a tunnel were gone and once through another gate (a wide open one) we stumbled onto closely cropped turf which was like a river of grass with the surrounding trees the banks hemming in the flowing grasses. We stopped here for a snack in one of the little Ox-Bow lakes of grass before making the return journey where we were greeted by Specklies (probably the same ones) at roughly the same junctures. As we were about to leave the now empty car park a female OT enticed me briefly over the road and then we carried on homewards, exercise done.
Despite not seeing an awful lot it looks really promising so worth a revisit, possibly the next time we check on my parents or if Lockdown eases ever so slightly…This is definitely one of the few positive things about Lockdown – discovering new local sites.
Martin Down 15-04-2020
What with some clarification on whether we are allowed to travel for exercise today we decided to travel the furthest yet for our daily walk so we drove all the way to Martin Down, a whole 19 minutes away! I was eager to see if the spring specialist were out and about on site and I had high hopes of bagging at least one new species for the year whether it be green, dingy or grizzled. Whilst enjoying the new found sense of freedom we considered which parts to avoid and so instead of the main car park and a walk along Bokerley we instead parked at Sillen’s Lane. It was a good call as when we arrived there was only one other car which had already been vacated and a Small Tort did a fly by as if to greet us.
From here the plan was to walk to the Hotspot along and then take a left walking parallel to Bokerley and right up to the top where we could pause for a snack. So we set off, me more eagerly than the rest possibly. It was quite quiet along the main track with a few birds calling and whilst the girls stuck tot eh path I went down the Hedge Tunnel. On the way down the path I almost stood on a female Brimstone, a Peacock unusually played up and I was surprised to find the Specklie and Holly blue were the ones playing ball for once. Normally they either wait for you to approach and focus and then take off just as the shutter comes down (Specklie) or they make feints as if to come down and land within range (Holly Blue). This morning however they did neither and both sat nicely for a few shots. At the other end of the Tunnel a pair of Specklies battled it out to the death, a Peacock did quite a poor impression of the Black Knight and a Green-veined White was the only butterfly encountered on the walk from the Tunnel to the Hotspot.
The girls paused for a short while at the Hotspot to have a quick drink and a bit of a rest as Little L does like to remind us that she’s only got little legs. Whilst they recuperated I had a quick mooch around the scrub and various pathways that form the Hotspot. A couple of Brimstones flew around us as the girls sat down but I was hopeful of something different so I set out alternately looking up at the Hawthorn and down at the dusty bare spots on the deck. I walked along the main track that cuts through the scrub and carries on to the very top and spied a couple of little dark butterflies. First the pair became three and then four and then they became Greenstreaks instead of LBJ’s. Brilliant I’d found a FFY but now I had to get a few shots. This was easier said than done as they seemed to prefer the twigs that stuck out at around head height which also caught the breeze, so getting shots was tricky and made even more so because they kept attacking each other. In fact it was a little like a Mexican Wave of aggression as one set off the other and so on.
I moved on from here working my way round to the other little track that leads to the small ‘field’ behind the scrub. The track is starting to get a bit overgrown with Hawthorn whips rising to reclaim the land from the centre of the track. Despite having to be a bit careful not to get impaled I think it actually worked in my favour as it helped break up my silhouette at least this is what I reckon as the Greenstreaks were much more approachable and I counted a further 3 as well as spying a male OT here. I made my way back to the picking up the girls on the way so that they could witness the delights of the Green One and the butterflies lived up to their billing.
With the Greenstreaks well and truly ticked off the year list and the girls rested slightly we all then started the long trek up to the top of the Down proper following Bokerley Dyke to the top. I say following I actually spent most of my time walking in Bokerley and on the way up I found another couple of Greenstreaks right at the start of the Dyke and a Holly Blue about half way up. However what I was surprised by was the number of Brimstones – they seemed to be everywhere and I easily got into the early 20’s when I was still bothering to count them. I watched with bated breath as a male approached and then proceeded to court a female as I was hoping for a mating to occur. But after a great deal of persuasion she finally gave him a very forceful “No” and he backed off…only to move straight onto the next available female. Eventually I climbed out of the Dyke and made to catch up with the family who were now at the very top and I could see a coffee awaiting me. But I didn’t get there immediately as a little grey blur caught my eye. Was it a moth a wondered within with a creeping hope that it wasn’t…It went up again and this time I strained my eyes as hard as I could and managed to keep it within view. It went down again and I rushed over and there it was my first Grizzlie of 2020. Brilliant! A few shots as proof and I rejoined my family for a well earnt coffee.
Doubly chuffed I start checking through my shots whilst sipping coffee and a jewel bright butterfly pops up. No cautious identification of this one as I can see straight away that it’s a Small Copper – my third FFY. Unfortunately despite my excitement it takes off before I can get a shot of it – oh well you need to leave something for future visits! After this we take the diagonal path that leads almost straight back to the car park. On the way there are plenty more Brimstone, the occasional Peacock and a massive Grass Snake, the biggest I’ve ever seen slithers away before I can raise my camera to my eyes.
So a three first day, brilliant!
From here the plan was to walk to the Hotspot along and then take a left walking parallel to Bokerley and right up to the top where we could pause for a snack. So we set off, me more eagerly than the rest possibly. It was quite quiet along the main track with a few birds calling and whilst the girls stuck tot eh path I went down the Hedge Tunnel. On the way down the path I almost stood on a female Brimstone, a Peacock unusually played up and I was surprised to find the Specklie and Holly blue were the ones playing ball for once. Normally they either wait for you to approach and focus and then take off just as the shutter comes down (Specklie) or they make feints as if to come down and land within range (Holly Blue). This morning however they did neither and both sat nicely for a few shots. At the other end of the Tunnel a pair of Specklies battled it out to the death, a Peacock did quite a poor impression of the Black Knight and a Green-veined White was the only butterfly encountered on the walk from the Tunnel to the Hotspot.
The girls paused for a short while at the Hotspot to have a quick drink and a bit of a rest as Little L does like to remind us that she’s only got little legs. Whilst they recuperated I had a quick mooch around the scrub and various pathways that form the Hotspot. A couple of Brimstones flew around us as the girls sat down but I was hopeful of something different so I set out alternately looking up at the Hawthorn and down at the dusty bare spots on the deck. I walked along the main track that cuts through the scrub and carries on to the very top and spied a couple of little dark butterflies. First the pair became three and then four and then they became Greenstreaks instead of LBJ’s. Brilliant I’d found a FFY but now I had to get a few shots. This was easier said than done as they seemed to prefer the twigs that stuck out at around head height which also caught the breeze, so getting shots was tricky and made even more so because they kept attacking each other. In fact it was a little like a Mexican Wave of aggression as one set off the other and so on.
I moved on from here working my way round to the other little track that leads to the small ‘field’ behind the scrub. The track is starting to get a bit overgrown with Hawthorn whips rising to reclaim the land from the centre of the track. Despite having to be a bit careful not to get impaled I think it actually worked in my favour as it helped break up my silhouette at least this is what I reckon as the Greenstreaks were much more approachable and I counted a further 3 as well as spying a male OT here. I made my way back to the picking up the girls on the way so that they could witness the delights of the Green One and the butterflies lived up to their billing.
With the Greenstreaks well and truly ticked off the year list and the girls rested slightly we all then started the long trek up to the top of the Down proper following Bokerley Dyke to the top. I say following I actually spent most of my time walking in Bokerley and on the way up I found another couple of Greenstreaks right at the start of the Dyke and a Holly Blue about half way up. However what I was surprised by was the number of Brimstones – they seemed to be everywhere and I easily got into the early 20’s when I was still bothering to count them. I watched with bated breath as a male approached and then proceeded to court a female as I was hoping for a mating to occur. But after a great deal of persuasion she finally gave him a very forceful “No” and he backed off…only to move straight onto the next available female. Eventually I climbed out of the Dyke and made to catch up with the family who were now at the very top and I could see a coffee awaiting me. But I didn’t get there immediately as a little grey blur caught my eye. Was it a moth a wondered within with a creeping hope that it wasn’t…It went up again and this time I strained my eyes as hard as I could and managed to keep it within view. It went down again and I rushed over and there it was my first Grizzlie of 2020. Brilliant! A few shots as proof and I rejoined my family for a well earnt coffee.
Doubly chuffed I start checking through my shots whilst sipping coffee and a jewel bright butterfly pops up. No cautious identification of this one as I can see straight away that it’s a Small Copper – my third FFY. Unfortunately despite my excitement it takes off before I can get a shot of it – oh well you need to leave something for future visits! After this we take the diagonal path that leads almost straight back to the car park. On the way there are plenty more Brimstone, the occasional Peacock and a massive Grass Snake, the biggest I’ve ever seen slithers away before I can raise my camera to my eyes.
So a three first day, brilliant!
Five Rivers 14-04-2020
Technically this was the Easter Holidays but I still spent most of the morning working getting more remote learning work planned out and resourced. Come lunchtime I was raring to get out and move about and feel some sun so I wolfed my lunch down and made for Five Rivers as it was this sites turn for my patronage. On the way I called in at a little cutting into the trees that line the other side of the river/Town Path. It was a tiny break in the trees, roughly square in shape and barely 4 metres across but the break in the canopy allows the light to pour in and three Specklies were taking advantage of this and intermittently basking and scarping with each other. As I was watching their antics an Uncle of mine happened to be passing and so we caught up. It was quite a surreal experience standing several metres away and shouting pleasantries at each other.
After my Uncle had set off on his errands I got back to butterflying, stepping once more onto the Town Path and making for Five Rivers. On the way a White fluttered on the other side of the River by the Wooden Bridge and a Specklie greeted me as I stepped onto the site proper. I carried on flipping between sun and shade as I strolled along the Riverside path. A few UFWs fluttered about - probably Smalls as they weren’t big enough for Large Whites - a male OT was on patrol and on some of the lower vegetation in a break in the treeline a Green-veined White finally settled just long enough for me to get my first definite images of 2020. After this I moved slightly up the slope and walked through the Glades where again a male OT was on patrol and 3 Specklies jostled in the sun whilst a Small White hurried by.
I reached the stage in the path and today forwent Comma Corner reasoning that it was probably past its best and instead worked my way along the Lower Banks. I was glad with my decision as a found first a Comma and then a Red Admiral, further singles of Small White and OT and a pair of Specklies. Slightly further along I came across a Holly Blue but it constantly stayed up high, refusing to come down apart from the occasional taunting dive which would culminate in it flying up even higher than from where it had started. I tried whispering at it but no joy as it seemed elated to just be alive and to be fair in the glorious warmth and sun who could blame it? About a third of the way along I encountered a Small Tort and a Peacock hung around the ever expanding patch of Bramble which has been migrating down the bank for a few years now.
At an earlier juncture in the year I might have turned around here and got back to scanning the slope for butterflies but now is the time to press on and head further round Five Rivers to take in all the habitat and so I did. Walking along the Back Path a Holly Blue flew in the distance and I watched for as long as I could before it disappeared into the Allotments and in the far corner a Small White finally behaved itself; whilst it fed greedily on a Dandelion I was able to get in really close to it and the slight shading from the surrounding Brambles meant that the white wasn’t totally blown.
I carried on picking up a couple more OTs by the time I’d reached the far corner and there were another couple patrolling the opposite side of the site. From here I cut diagonally across to get back to the Back path so as to complete the Lower Banks in reverse. Once here, in the nettle beds in the middle of the slope, I found a Small Tort and 2 Peacocks just like last time, leaving me wondering if they were indeed the identical butterflies?
I followed a Holly Blue round the corner to the Lower Banks and then set off back the way I’d come accompanied by a male OT. As I reached the final stretch it all kicked off and I entered into one of those Purple Patches that sometimes you find yourself in. First there was a male OT which set off a Small White, this in turn put up a Specklie which was subsequently attacked by a Red Admiral. As I got a few shots of the Admiral hiding amid the foliage I saw a blue flash to my right out of the corner of my eye. Having finished with the Admiral I turned, got a bit nearer and started focusing on the Holly Blue. A passing White spooked it and I let out a curse but managed to keep it in sight and when it went down again I was able to get in really close to, what turned out to be, her. I watched her for some time as she appeared to be laying, pirouetting around a flower head before fluttering to the next and repeating the same balletic performance. I looked closely as she moved on and there didn’t appear to be any eggs so I was left wondering if she was looking for the ‘right place’ to lay but wasn’t having much luck? Whatever her reasons I spent so long with her I had to eventually swap out a battery and still she carried on. She’d fly to a flower head, walk around, ovi-posture and then fly down to a leaf of twig lower down, have a little bask and then fly to the next flower head and so on.
I left her after a while hoping that my presence wasn’t the reason that she wasn’t actually laying eggs and carried on to the Glades noting a Small White and male OT on the way. Once in the Glades I tarried for a while here as once again the butterflies put on quite a show with 2 Holly Blues chasing each other higher up, two Small Whites fluttering around aimlessly a male T patrolling diligently and four Specklies taking it in turns to try and eat the crap out of each other.
All too soon I had to tear myself away and start for home but the Specklies it seems didn’t want to go. On the stroll back along the Riverside path 5 different individual tried to lure my back like miniscule brown and cream Sirens. I didn’t succumb to their wiles but I did find myself pausing with a male OT. It was standing out like a sore thumb sitting in the grass at the edge of the site. As clicked away I noticed that he appeared to be missing his left antenna and so I wondered if this was why he was in such an unusual attitude?
After my Uncle had set off on his errands I got back to butterflying, stepping once more onto the Town Path and making for Five Rivers. On the way a White fluttered on the other side of the River by the Wooden Bridge and a Specklie greeted me as I stepped onto the site proper. I carried on flipping between sun and shade as I strolled along the Riverside path. A few UFWs fluttered about - probably Smalls as they weren’t big enough for Large Whites - a male OT was on patrol and on some of the lower vegetation in a break in the treeline a Green-veined White finally settled just long enough for me to get my first definite images of 2020. After this I moved slightly up the slope and walked through the Glades where again a male OT was on patrol and 3 Specklies jostled in the sun whilst a Small White hurried by.
I reached the stage in the path and today forwent Comma Corner reasoning that it was probably past its best and instead worked my way along the Lower Banks. I was glad with my decision as a found first a Comma and then a Red Admiral, further singles of Small White and OT and a pair of Specklies. Slightly further along I came across a Holly Blue but it constantly stayed up high, refusing to come down apart from the occasional taunting dive which would culminate in it flying up even higher than from where it had started. I tried whispering at it but no joy as it seemed elated to just be alive and to be fair in the glorious warmth and sun who could blame it? About a third of the way along I encountered a Small Tort and a Peacock hung around the ever expanding patch of Bramble which has been migrating down the bank for a few years now.
At an earlier juncture in the year I might have turned around here and got back to scanning the slope for butterflies but now is the time to press on and head further round Five Rivers to take in all the habitat and so I did. Walking along the Back Path a Holly Blue flew in the distance and I watched for as long as I could before it disappeared into the Allotments and in the far corner a Small White finally behaved itself; whilst it fed greedily on a Dandelion I was able to get in really close to it and the slight shading from the surrounding Brambles meant that the white wasn’t totally blown.
I carried on picking up a couple more OTs by the time I’d reached the far corner and there were another couple patrolling the opposite side of the site. From here I cut diagonally across to get back to the Back path so as to complete the Lower Banks in reverse. Once here, in the nettle beds in the middle of the slope, I found a Small Tort and 2 Peacocks just like last time, leaving me wondering if they were indeed the identical butterflies?
I followed a Holly Blue round the corner to the Lower Banks and then set off back the way I’d come accompanied by a male OT. As I reached the final stretch it all kicked off and I entered into one of those Purple Patches that sometimes you find yourself in. First there was a male OT which set off a Small White, this in turn put up a Specklie which was subsequently attacked by a Red Admiral. As I got a few shots of the Admiral hiding amid the foliage I saw a blue flash to my right out of the corner of my eye. Having finished with the Admiral I turned, got a bit nearer and started focusing on the Holly Blue. A passing White spooked it and I let out a curse but managed to keep it in sight and when it went down again I was able to get in really close to, what turned out to be, her. I watched her for some time as she appeared to be laying, pirouetting around a flower head before fluttering to the next and repeating the same balletic performance. I looked closely as she moved on and there didn’t appear to be any eggs so I was left wondering if she was looking for the ‘right place’ to lay but wasn’t having much luck? Whatever her reasons I spent so long with her I had to eventually swap out a battery and still she carried on. She’d fly to a flower head, walk around, ovi-posture and then fly down to a leaf of twig lower down, have a little bask and then fly to the next flower head and so on.
I left her after a while hoping that my presence wasn’t the reason that she wasn’t actually laying eggs and carried on to the Glades noting a Small White and male OT on the way. Once in the Glades I tarried for a while here as once again the butterflies put on quite a show with 2 Holly Blues chasing each other higher up, two Small Whites fluttering around aimlessly a male T patrolling diligently and four Specklies taking it in turns to try and eat the crap out of each other.
All too soon I had to tear myself away and start for home but the Specklies it seems didn’t want to go. On the stroll back along the Riverside path 5 different individual tried to lure my back like miniscule brown and cream Sirens. I didn’t succumb to their wiles but I did find myself pausing with a male OT. It was standing out like a sore thumb sitting in the grass at the edge of the site. As clicked away I noticed that he appeared to be missing his left antenna and so I wondered if this was why he was in such an unusual attitude?
Middle Street 11-04-2020
After experiencing the incessant flying of butterflies in the heat of yesterday I decided to take my daily exercise earlier in the morning in the hope that the OTs might sit still, some even for long enough to get a few shots. As I was Middle Street bound the girls asked to come with me and so we set off down the street with the occasional quiet clink of jam jars as our musical accompaniment. On the way over we saw zero butterflies and I was slightly worried that perhaps we’d gone too early? It was still quiet once we were on the reserve. Well when I say quiet I mean there were no butterflies because there was a full on Avian concerto taking place. I was able to pick out Blue and Great Tits, Robin, Blackbird and Blackcap as well as Chiff Chaff and the excited explosion of a Cetti’s crashing in like a mistimed set of cymbals. The girls headed straight for the pontoons and so I strolled down the quagmire (giggety) path that runs alongside the boundary fence and round to the hotspot. This was unusually butterfly free and so I worked around the pond to meet the girls where a male OT bombed towards me. I tried to follow and it led me on a merry dance back round to the hotspot before it buggered off into the neighbouring gardens. So not too early but if the frenetic incessant patrolling of the OT was anything to go by perhaps not early enough?!
Having checked in with the girls I made my way to the Dips a Peacock did a fly-by and as I continued so I spied a white flying across Dip 1. From where I was standing it wasn’t a Large White or Brimstone, it wasn’t ‘square’ enough for a Green-veined and the flappy flight suggested that it was a female OT rather than a Small. So I again tried to follow it in the hope of a few shots. It was better behaved than the male and flew closer to the ground and much more slowly. It landed a couple of times but obviously wasn’t happy with its perch as it moved quickly on again. I managed a couple of grab shots before it finally decided that this wasn’t an appropriate spot and flew away across the river.
Dip 2 was empty but as I climbed back up onto the banked path and looked down into the football filed I spotted a Peacock basking on a concrete man hole cover. Chuffed with the juxtaposition of the shot I moved up towards the very top of the site where a Small Tortoiseshell fed briefly for me. After this I did the slow walk back to check on the girls where I was able to hear and then see my first Sedge Warbler of the year. On the way there was another Peacock (they’re doing really well this year) sitting down on the deck with wings tightly closed. At Dip 2 there was the Peacock which earlier had been on the field. I knew it was that one because of the damage to the fore wing.
I had high hopes for Dip 1 as it usually comes up with something and so it was today. I sauntered down into the Dip and when I was about half way across a white took off and flew across the field, up and over the bank path and down into the field. I was able to follow it and I had a suspicion that it was a female OT from the flappy way it was flying. She investigated several different perches but none seemed suitable for her until the last one where she settled down, closed her wings up and stayed put. She was a cracker and well worth the wait.
After this I met up with the girls and together we walked across the site picking up the two Peacocks in the dips and a male OT flies into view. I’d been speaking to my Vet and he wondered about having a small piece of white rag or paper as a decoy to attract the male OT in. I’d draw out a passable female earlier and carefully ripped out the outline ready. Little L after her antics with the Minnows was very much looking forward to trying it out but my plan of placing a decoy female was thwarted as ‘she’d’ fallen out of my pocket. So as a male OT hove into view we could only watch as it patrolled around and carried on and over the river. A Small White followed after him and then we realised that it was time to start back.
On the way a Peacock is on the tiny slip of and at the end of the bridge/weir path and a Red Legged Partridge is in the final field. While Little L and I are watching a Sparrowhawk calls as it swoops over perching in the Willows before being mercilessly mobbed by a Crow causing it to head into town.
Having checked in with the girls I made my way to the Dips a Peacock did a fly-by and as I continued so I spied a white flying across Dip 1. From where I was standing it wasn’t a Large White or Brimstone, it wasn’t ‘square’ enough for a Green-veined and the flappy flight suggested that it was a female OT rather than a Small. So I again tried to follow it in the hope of a few shots. It was better behaved than the male and flew closer to the ground and much more slowly. It landed a couple of times but obviously wasn’t happy with its perch as it moved quickly on again. I managed a couple of grab shots before it finally decided that this wasn’t an appropriate spot and flew away across the river.
Dip 2 was empty but as I climbed back up onto the banked path and looked down into the football filed I spotted a Peacock basking on a concrete man hole cover. Chuffed with the juxtaposition of the shot I moved up towards the very top of the site where a Small Tortoiseshell fed briefly for me. After this I did the slow walk back to check on the girls where I was able to hear and then see my first Sedge Warbler of the year. On the way there was another Peacock (they’re doing really well this year) sitting down on the deck with wings tightly closed. At Dip 2 there was the Peacock which earlier had been on the field. I knew it was that one because of the damage to the fore wing.
I had high hopes for Dip 1 as it usually comes up with something and so it was today. I sauntered down into the Dip and when I was about half way across a white took off and flew across the field, up and over the bank path and down into the field. I was able to follow it and I had a suspicion that it was a female OT from the flappy way it was flying. She investigated several different perches but none seemed suitable for her until the last one where she settled down, closed her wings up and stayed put. She was a cracker and well worth the wait.
After this I met up with the girls and together we walked across the site picking up the two Peacocks in the dips and a male OT flies into view. I’d been speaking to my Vet and he wondered about having a small piece of white rag or paper as a decoy to attract the male OT in. I’d draw out a passable female earlier and carefully ripped out the outline ready. Little L after her antics with the Minnows was very much looking forward to trying it out but my plan of placing a decoy female was thwarted as ‘she’d’ fallen out of my pocket. So as a male OT hove into view we could only watch as it patrolled around and carried on and over the river. A Small White followed after him and then we realised that it was time to start back.
On the way a Peacock is on the tiny slip of and at the end of the bridge/weir path and a Red Legged Partridge is in the final field. While Little L and I are watching a Sparrowhawk calls as it swoops over perching in the Willows before being mercilessly mobbed by a Crow causing it to head into town.
Garston Wood 10-04-2020
As we needed to do a drive by to my mum and dads out at Sixpenny Handley to do a food swap we decided to all go and then we could stop off at Garston Wood on the way and have our daily walk/exercise. We needed to do a food swap as we haven’t been able to get any Olive oil and we had some staples (lentils, pasta, oats) that my mum’s been struggling to get. On the drive over there were a few Brimstone here and there and through the top bit of hedge at Bowerchalke there were four male OT’s patrolling along the hedgerow.
When we arrived in the car park there was only one other car there and so we set off down the paths before they came back. We took the usual route along the bottom path that runs parallel to the road and then gently climbs up the hill into the centre of the reserve before turning left and down the middle path. On the way we’d seen a few Brimstones and a Peacock in the distance flying over the newly coppiced area. Further along this path I paused for a Peacock whilst a female Brimstone pottered about nearby.
The path came to a T junction and so we turned right and had a breather by the large fallen tree which served as a comfy seat for a quick snack. Whilst here we were visited by the Peacock, a male Orange-tip and also a Holly Blue which descended from behind me, almost clipping my shoulder as it passed by. A duo of Treecreepers flitted about flying from up high to down low in the next tree and then working their way up.
We then struck out across the reserve taking a slightly different route than usual. The path we took bisects the reserve and then meets up with the track that run around the border. The mercury was rising and the butterflies were now extremely fast moving and incessant in their motion but I was lucky enough to capture a couple of shots of one of two Peacocks. I didn’t bother after this as any OTs or whites just kept moving and the Peacocks would take off from their basking place on the deck well before I could get within range. On the walk round to the Enclosure I counted 2 male OT’s and Peacocks and a single male Brimstone but there were also Marsh Tits, a Garden Warbler singing and a GS Woody calling and doing a little light head-banging. In the Enclosure and on through there were more Peacocks and OTs and a Holly Blue which came down low and spent good few minutes circling various flower heads and always looking like it was just about to land but never actually doing it.
All too soon we were back at the car park, our car the only one present and we’d not seen a single person the entire time we’d been on site. We carried on to Sixpenny Handley and managed to do our food swap; my dad using a broomstick to lower the bags over the garden fence, and me using the girls fishing net, the combined length of these being easily greater than the prescribed 2 metres.
When we arrived in the car park there was only one other car there and so we set off down the paths before they came back. We took the usual route along the bottom path that runs parallel to the road and then gently climbs up the hill into the centre of the reserve before turning left and down the middle path. On the way we’d seen a few Brimstones and a Peacock in the distance flying over the newly coppiced area. Further along this path I paused for a Peacock whilst a female Brimstone pottered about nearby.
The path came to a T junction and so we turned right and had a breather by the large fallen tree which served as a comfy seat for a quick snack. Whilst here we were visited by the Peacock, a male Orange-tip and also a Holly Blue which descended from behind me, almost clipping my shoulder as it passed by. A duo of Treecreepers flitted about flying from up high to down low in the next tree and then working their way up.
We then struck out across the reserve taking a slightly different route than usual. The path we took bisects the reserve and then meets up with the track that run around the border. The mercury was rising and the butterflies were now extremely fast moving and incessant in their motion but I was lucky enough to capture a couple of shots of one of two Peacocks. I didn’t bother after this as any OTs or whites just kept moving and the Peacocks would take off from their basking place on the deck well before I could get within range. On the walk round to the Enclosure I counted 2 male OT’s and Peacocks and a single male Brimstone but there were also Marsh Tits, a Garden Warbler singing and a GS Woody calling and doing a little light head-banging. In the Enclosure and on through there were more Peacocks and OTs and a Holly Blue which came down low and spent good few minutes circling various flower heads and always looking like it was just about to land but never actually doing it.
All too soon we were back at the car park, our car the only one present and we’d not seen a single person the entire time we’d been on site. We carried on to Sixpenny Handley and managed to do our food swap; my dad using a broomstick to lower the bags over the garden fence, and me using the girls fishing net, the combined length of these being easily greater than the prescribed 2 metres.
Daily Exercise - March into April…
On the days when I don’t take my exercise at Five Rivers or Middle Street I will join my wife and the girls and we’ll head out through the Close, under the town bridge and round the park on the Southampton Road before looping back and heading home past the Cathedral. There have been a few occasions when I’ve just looked and watched and a few when I’ve taken my camera just in case. The birding list is quite good with Red Kite, Buzzard and Little Egrets adding the quality to the usual fare.
29th March
This was one of those days which looked stunning but the blue sky belied the fact that it was actually quite cool – possibly too cool for butterflies. However the highlight of the day was first hearing the screech and then watching one of the Salisbury Peregrines as is sliced through the sky and landed near the base of the spire.
30th March
Again it was cool, almost cold and I had to revert to wearing my coat for the exercise walk. I’ve noticed that during this Lockdown the Wildlife in general has become much calmer and much more approachable. So it was today with one of the squirrels feeding only a few feet away from me. Also seen today were some Snake’s Head Fritillaries, my first frits for the year WINK.
1st April
Another cold and grey day, another day when it as necessary to dig out the coat and another day of wandering and wondering what on earth is going on. It was really surreal today as the cold kept people in and away from their exercise, there was a real feel of Zombie Apocalypse. Mind you the birds are getting tamer by the day – much more Lockdown and even Mistle Thrushes will be eating out of our hands I reckon. Though I did see a few of those today the star was a cracking little Robin – cheering me up despite its slightly wistful and melancholic possibly because it’s in D minor which reminded me of the great Nigel Tufnel who informed us all that this is the saddest key: “…it makes people weep instantly”.
The last two times I’ve done this the days couldn’t have been more different…
6th April
We left home this afternoon (after 3pm is the quietest) in reasonably warm conditions – so much so that the coat was left behind an I was quite comfortable in my jumper – so spring is definitely here then! Along the way I kept my eyes peeled in case there was a butterfly about but no such luck but there were some Ashy Mining Bees. I tried for a few shots but they came out looking terrible probably because the bees were so active. Shortly the sun was swallowed by the cloud – so much for a day of full sun (BBC) or sunny intervals (Met). A little later still, round in the park, I noticed a slim, upright looking brown bird in one of the trees. I got close enough for a very distant shot just to confirm its ID and it was a female Kestrel. There is a nest nearby apparently so something to look out for on another day.
9th April
Today was a totally different story again! The butterflying started early-ish with a pair of Peacocks on the side of a shed up near my vets. I was waiting for Teddy to have his bandage removed and to keep to protocol was waiting outside the vets on the pavement. When I handed him in I had to place the cat carrier on a bench which was half way down the path. Then walk away while the vet came and collected Teddy – it felt like the handover in a ransom or gangster movie. That done and Teddy dropped off I carried on to Waitrose to do the weekly shop. While queueing in the car park and snaking round two parking spaces away from the nearest other shopper and in between reading my book I spied a Brimstone, Peacock and a Holly Blue. Then it came to the walk proper. First there was a fly-by Small Tort in The Close, then further along by the exit gate an Orange-tip flew. Along the road side near the bridge a Small White evaded my lens and then finally in the park I caught up with a butterfly – a Comma down on the deck.
On the return leg the/a male Orange-tip flew in the garden of the Gatekeepers cottage and outside the Cathedral a Peacock stood out against the limestone coloured ground.
That’s an end to the ‘Tales from Lockdown’ or the Epistles of Exercise for now…
29th March
This was one of those days which looked stunning but the blue sky belied the fact that it was actually quite cool – possibly too cool for butterflies. However the highlight of the day was first hearing the screech and then watching one of the Salisbury Peregrines as is sliced through the sky and landed near the base of the spire.
30th March
Again it was cool, almost cold and I had to revert to wearing my coat for the exercise walk. I’ve noticed that during this Lockdown the Wildlife in general has become much calmer and much more approachable. So it was today with one of the squirrels feeding only a few feet away from me. Also seen today were some Snake’s Head Fritillaries, my first frits for the year WINK.
1st April
Another cold and grey day, another day when it as necessary to dig out the coat and another day of wandering and wondering what on earth is going on. It was really surreal today as the cold kept people in and away from their exercise, there was a real feel of Zombie Apocalypse. Mind you the birds are getting tamer by the day – much more Lockdown and even Mistle Thrushes will be eating out of our hands I reckon. Though I did see a few of those today the star was a cracking little Robin – cheering me up despite its slightly wistful and melancholic possibly because it’s in D minor which reminded me of the great Nigel Tufnel who informed us all that this is the saddest key: “…it makes people weep instantly”.
The last two times I’ve done this the days couldn’t have been more different…
6th April
We left home this afternoon (after 3pm is the quietest) in reasonably warm conditions – so much so that the coat was left behind an I was quite comfortable in my jumper – so spring is definitely here then! Along the way I kept my eyes peeled in case there was a butterfly about but no such luck but there were some Ashy Mining Bees. I tried for a few shots but they came out looking terrible probably because the bees were so active. Shortly the sun was swallowed by the cloud – so much for a day of full sun (BBC) or sunny intervals (Met). A little later still, round in the park, I noticed a slim, upright looking brown bird in one of the trees. I got close enough for a very distant shot just to confirm its ID and it was a female Kestrel. There is a nest nearby apparently so something to look out for on another day.
9th April
Today was a totally different story again! The butterflying started early-ish with a pair of Peacocks on the side of a shed up near my vets. I was waiting for Teddy to have his bandage removed and to keep to protocol was waiting outside the vets on the pavement. When I handed him in I had to place the cat carrier on a bench which was half way down the path. Then walk away while the vet came and collected Teddy – it felt like the handover in a ransom or gangster movie. That done and Teddy dropped off I carried on to Waitrose to do the weekly shop. While queueing in the car park and snaking round two parking spaces away from the nearest other shopper and in between reading my book I spied a Brimstone, Peacock and a Holly Blue. Then it came to the walk proper. First there was a fly-by Small Tort in The Close, then further along by the exit gate an Orange-tip flew. Along the road side near the bridge a Small White evaded my lens and then finally in the park I caught up with a butterfly – a Comma down on the deck.
On the return leg the/a male Orange-tip flew in the garden of the Gatekeepers cottage and outside the Cathedral a Peacock stood out against the limestone coloured ground.
That’s an end to the ‘Tales from Lockdown’ or the Epistles of Exercise for now…
Five Rivers 08-04-2020
Having spent the morning doing chores I was pretty eager to get out and do some exercise so almost as soon as the lunch was eaten and the crockery cleared I was out of the door and heading towards Five Rivers. As I walked along the Town Path alongside the river there wasn’t an awful lot about; a Small Tort flew by near Waitrose and as I drew near the Wooden Bridge a Small White was visible on a bush on the other side of the river and a duo of Brimstones had a bit of a falling out. It remained quiet all the way along the river and through the Glades but I didn't mind as the quicker the journey the more time I’d have on site.
The action started as I purposefully strode up the gentle slope towards Comma Corner. As I paused by the little track that dissects the Copse and Brimstone cut through the air past me one way and a Small White came from behind. A Peacock was still holding its territory here and didn’t want to get involved leaving the two whites to battle it out for supremacy of the air while it was content holding the terra firma. As I looked back the way I’d come to follow the tussling action of the two whites a third White species hove into view. I could tell by the tangerine cream colour that it was a male Orange-tip. It flew onwards nearer and nearer to the still battling Whites but when it was almost upon them it veered off to my right and disappeared from view across the river. Quite unsporting really.
However Orange-tips are like buses and just as I was considering making a move to somewhere else on the site another male appeared. This time it carried on towards me, flying directly obviously on a mission, and as it went past I found myself in hot pursuit. It flew dizzyingly at times along the Banks, occasionally dipping down the sides to find a likely looking source of nectar before returning back up top to carry on it’s mission. Whilst it was taking these pit-stops I’d dash down the side of the bank too and grab the odd shot when and where I could. At the end of the Banks the small wood should have brought its’ progress to a halt and given me a chance to catch my breath but no the little blighter followed the left hand path, skirting the edge of the wood and then flying on and down the Back Bank. At this point he found the clump of Bluebells and so I was able to grab the almost obligatory shot ‘OT on BB’.
As I’m here I carry on zig zagging up and down the bank until I reach the far corner of the site from where I make the return journey. I get slightly waylaid on the way back as I watch a pair of Brimstones chasing each other until they flew over the hedge into the Allotments and in the Nettle Patch two Peacocks seem to be investigating the merits of some of the plants as a possible nursery. I look up and see two whites just on the corner of the Back and Lower Banks. One has the familiar Tangerine Cream look of a male OT but the other appears to be just a white though from the flappy flight and the size I reckon it could be a female OT. I watched from a distance expecting there to be a bundle and then a breaking apart if my surmise that it’s a pair is incorrect. But instead of the spiraling tussle there seems to be more chasing than fighting. I get a little nearer and see that it is indeed a pair. My next thought was that it will all end quickly with the female landing and then raising her abdomen in rejection whilst the male might have a few cracks unsuccessful cracks at the whip. After 30 or so seconds of chasing, with a brief interruption by a confused male Brimstone, the female lands low down in the hedge right against the path. The male lands next to her but instead of her raising her abdomen he is swinging his round and Boom they’re copulating. I stay with them for a fair old while taking advantage of the fact that they’re otherwise engaged and so actually sitting still for once but then give them a bit of peace and privacy.
I head back to Comma Corner where the only change in the butterflies was that the Peacock had become Peacocks so excusing me from the feeling of déjà vu (That strange feeling we sometimes get that we've lived through something before, that what is happening now has already happened...) and then back along the Banks to find that the pairing had finished and they’d gone their separate ways. Over at the far end of the site I clock up another Brimstone and male OT whilst a second OT leads me from here back towards the Banks again. On the corner I stare up and a flash of Blue becomes my first Holly Blue of 2020 and predictably it doesn’t come down lower than 6ft he whole time that I watch it. I carry on now starting the inevitable journey back home following a female Orange-tip and cutting across the Lower Banks as I’d been remiss in not checking them before now. As I wade through the long grass which I’m sure has had a sprinkling of Miracle Gro, so quickly has it shot up, I have a little Purple patch with the female Orang-tip settling within spitting distance of a Peacock and a Comma. I don’t know what to go for first so point my lens at the closest and somehow manage to get shots of all three! I was now really glad that I’d opted for the more labourious route back as slightly further along still I manage a record shot of a Holly Blue and pick up my first Specklies of 2020.
After this I tarry for a while in the Glades as a pair of OT’s look like they’re about to be my second copulating pair only for the female to raise her abdomen in rejection leaving the male to try to drown his sorrows in some Red Nettles. There also 2 pairs of Specklies and three Holly Blues which unfortunately all decide to remain aloft – I found that I didn’t really mind this I mean to be fair if you’d just crawled out a sleeping bag and found that you could fly I don’t suppose you’d want to come down for a while. Somehow or other I manage to pull myself away and head for home. A brilliant period of exercise – 2 firsts for the year and my first copulating OTs!
The action started as I purposefully strode up the gentle slope towards Comma Corner. As I paused by the little track that dissects the Copse and Brimstone cut through the air past me one way and a Small White came from behind. A Peacock was still holding its territory here and didn’t want to get involved leaving the two whites to battle it out for supremacy of the air while it was content holding the terra firma. As I looked back the way I’d come to follow the tussling action of the two whites a third White species hove into view. I could tell by the tangerine cream colour that it was a male Orange-tip. It flew onwards nearer and nearer to the still battling Whites but when it was almost upon them it veered off to my right and disappeared from view across the river. Quite unsporting really.
However Orange-tips are like buses and just as I was considering making a move to somewhere else on the site another male appeared. This time it carried on towards me, flying directly obviously on a mission, and as it went past I found myself in hot pursuit. It flew dizzyingly at times along the Banks, occasionally dipping down the sides to find a likely looking source of nectar before returning back up top to carry on it’s mission. Whilst it was taking these pit-stops I’d dash down the side of the bank too and grab the odd shot when and where I could. At the end of the Banks the small wood should have brought its’ progress to a halt and given me a chance to catch my breath but no the little blighter followed the left hand path, skirting the edge of the wood and then flying on and down the Back Bank. At this point he found the clump of Bluebells and so I was able to grab the almost obligatory shot ‘OT on BB’.
As I’m here I carry on zig zagging up and down the bank until I reach the far corner of the site from where I make the return journey. I get slightly waylaid on the way back as I watch a pair of Brimstones chasing each other until they flew over the hedge into the Allotments and in the Nettle Patch two Peacocks seem to be investigating the merits of some of the plants as a possible nursery. I look up and see two whites just on the corner of the Back and Lower Banks. One has the familiar Tangerine Cream look of a male OT but the other appears to be just a white though from the flappy flight and the size I reckon it could be a female OT. I watched from a distance expecting there to be a bundle and then a breaking apart if my surmise that it’s a pair is incorrect. But instead of the spiraling tussle there seems to be more chasing than fighting. I get a little nearer and see that it is indeed a pair. My next thought was that it will all end quickly with the female landing and then raising her abdomen in rejection whilst the male might have a few cracks unsuccessful cracks at the whip. After 30 or so seconds of chasing, with a brief interruption by a confused male Brimstone, the female lands low down in the hedge right against the path. The male lands next to her but instead of her raising her abdomen he is swinging his round and Boom they’re copulating. I stay with them for a fair old while taking advantage of the fact that they’re otherwise engaged and so actually sitting still for once but then give them a bit of peace and privacy.
I head back to Comma Corner where the only change in the butterflies was that the Peacock had become Peacocks so excusing me from the feeling of déjà vu (That strange feeling we sometimes get that we've lived through something before, that what is happening now has already happened...) and then back along the Banks to find that the pairing had finished and they’d gone their separate ways. Over at the far end of the site I clock up another Brimstone and male OT whilst a second OT leads me from here back towards the Banks again. On the corner I stare up and a flash of Blue becomes my first Holly Blue of 2020 and predictably it doesn’t come down lower than 6ft he whole time that I watch it. I carry on now starting the inevitable journey back home following a female Orange-tip and cutting across the Lower Banks as I’d been remiss in not checking them before now. As I wade through the long grass which I’m sure has had a sprinkling of Miracle Gro, so quickly has it shot up, I have a little Purple patch with the female Orang-tip settling within spitting distance of a Peacock and a Comma. I don’t know what to go for first so point my lens at the closest and somehow manage to get shots of all three! I was now really glad that I’d opted for the more labourious route back as slightly further along still I manage a record shot of a Holly Blue and pick up my first Specklies of 2020.
After this I tarry for a while in the Glades as a pair of OT’s look like they’re about to be my second copulating pair only for the female to raise her abdomen in rejection leaving the male to try to drown his sorrows in some Red Nettles. There also 2 pairs of Specklies and three Holly Blues which unfortunately all decide to remain aloft – I found that I didn’t really mind this I mean to be fair if you’d just crawled out a sleeping bag and found that you could fly I don’t suppose you’d want to come down for a while. Somehow or other I manage to pull myself away and head for home. A brilliant period of exercise – 2 firsts for the year and my first copulating OTs!
Garston Wood 05-04-2020
With Lock Down continuing and the weather set to bring many more people out for exercise we decided to drive a short way to complete our exercise for today and so we drove the back way to Garston Wood as it would actually be easier to Social Distance there than anywhere in Salisbury. As we drove past Lizzie Gardens which I would have had to have crossed to get to Middle Street there were already plenty of people strolling about so it looked like we’d made the right decision. When we got to Garston there were several cars in the car park but most importantly no people so we pulled in, parked and set off before that changed. To allay any possible criticism now; we only saw two older couples and one small family over the course of the next hour and when it came to Social Distancing there wasn’t a problem as we stepped three or four metres off the path, said our ‘mornings’ and then when they’d gone past carried on our way. It was crazy to think that if I’d taken my exercise in Salisbury I’d have probably encountered twice the number of people within the first 10 minutes after leaving the house. Anyway…
We started off taking the lower path to the other side of the wood and in among the sea of green and pungent aroma of lots of wild Garlic Anemones and Celendines and also the odd Bluebell poked out. Occasionally they would be very briefly visited by a passing Brimstone. The wood was alive with bird songs and calls so much so in fact that you had to strain to pick out the various species but there were a few Blackcaps, Marsh Tits and Nuthatch adding to the cacophony that I’ve been hearing around Salisbury recently.
Garston has, or rather used to have, an enclosure for butterflies where they were hoping Pearl Bordered Frits would recolonise. Alas they never did and now the gates have gone too but this is now one of the best parts of the Wood for the butterflies. As I stepped through the gate frame I spied a pair of Brimstone locked in a courtship flight though it didn’t come to fruition and by the time I’d stalked close enough the female was gone. There were good numbers here flying up and down on either side of the straight path and so we paused for a while for a quick snack. I managed to get onto a couple of female Brimstones and took great delight in watching the antics of two Peacocks which were constantly sparring up and down the path. One would land and start basking and then its rival would appear and off they would both go before the usurper would land a little way ahead of us and the process would continue. It was exhausting to watch and at one point both came down onto the deck briefly for a breather before each felt the others present and then away they went again.
We then followed the path round through what used to be the ‘Exotic Plantation’ but in the last decade has been cleared and opened up. It now looks like it would be perfect for those Pearls. All the way along the path there were Peacocks that would come down on the deck or down on a log at the side of the path. I thought that there could be just two which where following the same pattern as the other pair earlier but then as I moved in closer to one for a few shots I saw that there was another with wings tightly closed which it was hassling. A third flew in and settled briefly before the whole dance started again though now I knew that there were three at least.
All too soon we were back at the car park which again was lacking any humans so we could safely de-boot, load up and wagons roll home with all of us feeling infinitely better for having just gone somewhere different and experienced just the tiniest slice of ‘normality’.
We started off taking the lower path to the other side of the wood and in among the sea of green and pungent aroma of lots of wild Garlic Anemones and Celendines and also the odd Bluebell poked out. Occasionally they would be very briefly visited by a passing Brimstone. The wood was alive with bird songs and calls so much so in fact that you had to strain to pick out the various species but there were a few Blackcaps, Marsh Tits and Nuthatch adding to the cacophony that I’ve been hearing around Salisbury recently.
Garston has, or rather used to have, an enclosure for butterflies where they were hoping Pearl Bordered Frits would recolonise. Alas they never did and now the gates have gone too but this is now one of the best parts of the Wood for the butterflies. As I stepped through the gate frame I spied a pair of Brimstone locked in a courtship flight though it didn’t come to fruition and by the time I’d stalked close enough the female was gone. There were good numbers here flying up and down on either side of the straight path and so we paused for a while for a quick snack. I managed to get onto a couple of female Brimstones and took great delight in watching the antics of two Peacocks which were constantly sparring up and down the path. One would land and start basking and then its rival would appear and off they would both go before the usurper would land a little way ahead of us and the process would continue. It was exhausting to watch and at one point both came down onto the deck briefly for a breather before each felt the others present and then away they went again.
We then followed the path round through what used to be the ‘Exotic Plantation’ but in the last decade has been cleared and opened up. It now looks like it would be perfect for those Pearls. All the way along the path there were Peacocks that would come down on the deck or down on a log at the side of the path. I thought that there could be just two which where following the same pattern as the other pair earlier but then as I moved in closer to one for a few shots I saw that there was another with wings tightly closed which it was hassling. A third flew in and settled briefly before the whole dance started again though now I knew that there were three at least.
All too soon we were back at the car park which again was lacking any humans so we could safely de-boot, load up and wagons roll home with all of us feeling infinitely better for having just gone somewhere different and experienced just the tiniest slice of ‘normality’.
Middle Street 04-04-2020
The day dawned with beautiful sunshine and so to give my wife a break from the Home-schooling I took the girls out and over the Town Path to Middle Street to try and catch some Minnows. It was only when I was half way there that I realised that today was a Saturday – I’d lost track of the days already and we’d only been in Lockdown for less than a fortnight! On the way over four Brimstones flashed by at various points, their lemon yellow shining out in the sunshine against the blue sky. The single Peacock that we saw by contrast looked more like a diurnal Bat as we could only see the underside of the wings as if bombed by overhead.
As we approached the entrance I looked over into the neighbouring garden and there was another Peacock and as we hugged the fence once on site I could see another two Peacocks in their back garden. The girls raced on ahead of me eager to get their jam jars tied up and their net in down at their preferred pontoon so I walked along the now dried up quagmire path (giggety) to the hotspot. Once there I had a mooch around but it was quite quiet with only a Peacock in one of the gardens and a male Brimstone which was soon joined briefly by a female Brimstone. From here I walk round to check that the girls hadn’t fallen in, chucked each other in or tried to drown one another. None of things had happened and so I left them Minnow-ing and the set off along the river path towards the Dips with a Small Tort flying overhead and then to the opposite bank. As I was taking the river side path I actually started in Dip 3 and on the rough triangular patch of ground that slopes gently up to the banked path I spent some time with a Peacock and Small Tort.
I carried on after a fashion checking out the far end of the site before returning to check on the girls. In the longer grasses here is a tatty Peacock and a Small White hanging from the Bramble like the remnant of a plucked piece of bunting. It looked peaceful and docile enough but when I was still a good way away it took to the air and escaped over the fence into the neighbouring garden. On the walk back I checked out Dip 3 again and now there were two nice looking Peacocks.
I caught up with the girls and then set out again working my round the ‘lake’. A Peacock was the first butterfly that I saw swiftly followed by a Brimstone and then I spy a smaller white. As it flies I notice it has a tangerine/cream look about it and it exhibits patrolling behaviour – the sure sign of spring – my first Orange-tip of the 2020. As is always the way for me it seems it leads me on a chase round the Lake eventually disappearing over a fence in the far corner of the Hotspot – oh well in the absence of a photo I’ll take the memory of the wonderfully bright orange against the icy cool white. Once I’d completed my lap of the Lake a pair of Peacocks, one on the pontoon and anther on the beach of the lake had cheered me back to my usual disposition.
So a quick check of the Minnows, a fair few and a Caddis fly larva, and I went back to check the dips again. As I got to the large bramble patch another or possibly the same Orange-tip flew by. This one didn’t take me by surprise so I fired off some distant record shots before I followed and when he went for some nectar I was ready – some very quick steps in and a few shots fired off before he was any the wiser.
Chuffed but quite hot and sweaty from the chasing (no-one should dare ask a butterflier that’s been pursuing an OT if this could constitute your daily exercise!) I spent some time down in Dip 1. A Small White was hovering about over the Bramble at the far end and threatening to land although it never did and there were a brace apiece of Small Tort and Peacock to keep me in photos for a while. But I couldn’t help thinking back to the OT so it was with some reluctance that my next check-in with the girls became my final on as we returned the Minnows back to the River, double checked the jam jars were empty and wove our way back home.
Whilst we were waiting to cross the weir path which is too narrow for Social Distancing I saw a couple of butterflies spiralling on the slipway on the other side of millpond and once we’d safely navigated the narrow path a quick check confirmed them as Small Torts. First Orange-tip – Spring has definitely sprung!
As we approached the entrance I looked over into the neighbouring garden and there was another Peacock and as we hugged the fence once on site I could see another two Peacocks in their back garden. The girls raced on ahead of me eager to get their jam jars tied up and their net in down at their preferred pontoon so I walked along the now dried up quagmire path (giggety) to the hotspot. Once there I had a mooch around but it was quite quiet with only a Peacock in one of the gardens and a male Brimstone which was soon joined briefly by a female Brimstone. From here I walk round to check that the girls hadn’t fallen in, chucked each other in or tried to drown one another. None of things had happened and so I left them Minnow-ing and the set off along the river path towards the Dips with a Small Tort flying overhead and then to the opposite bank. As I was taking the river side path I actually started in Dip 3 and on the rough triangular patch of ground that slopes gently up to the banked path I spent some time with a Peacock and Small Tort.
I carried on after a fashion checking out the far end of the site before returning to check on the girls. In the longer grasses here is a tatty Peacock and a Small White hanging from the Bramble like the remnant of a plucked piece of bunting. It looked peaceful and docile enough but when I was still a good way away it took to the air and escaped over the fence into the neighbouring garden. On the walk back I checked out Dip 3 again and now there were two nice looking Peacocks.
I caught up with the girls and then set out again working my round the ‘lake’. A Peacock was the first butterfly that I saw swiftly followed by a Brimstone and then I spy a smaller white. As it flies I notice it has a tangerine/cream look about it and it exhibits patrolling behaviour – the sure sign of spring – my first Orange-tip of the 2020. As is always the way for me it seems it leads me on a chase round the Lake eventually disappearing over a fence in the far corner of the Hotspot – oh well in the absence of a photo I’ll take the memory of the wonderfully bright orange against the icy cool white. Once I’d completed my lap of the Lake a pair of Peacocks, one on the pontoon and anther on the beach of the lake had cheered me back to my usual disposition.
So a quick check of the Minnows, a fair few and a Caddis fly larva, and I went back to check the dips again. As I got to the large bramble patch another or possibly the same Orange-tip flew by. This one didn’t take me by surprise so I fired off some distant record shots before I followed and when he went for some nectar I was ready – some very quick steps in and a few shots fired off before he was any the wiser.
Chuffed but quite hot and sweaty from the chasing (no-one should dare ask a butterflier that’s been pursuing an OT if this could constitute your daily exercise!) I spent some time down in Dip 1. A Small White was hovering about over the Bramble at the far end and threatening to land although it never did and there were a brace apiece of Small Tort and Peacock to keep me in photos for a while. But I couldn’t help thinking back to the OT so it was with some reluctance that my next check-in with the girls became my final on as we returned the Minnows back to the River, double checked the jam jars were empty and wove our way back home.
Whilst we were waiting to cross the weir path which is too narrow for Social Distancing I saw a couple of butterflies spiralling on the slipway on the other side of millpond and once we’d safely navigated the narrow path a quick check confirmed them as Small Torts. First Orange-tip – Spring has definitely sprung!
Daily Exercise – Five Rivers 02-04-2020
The weather report suggested that the day was going to be one of those write-off days. In fact I was kinda looking forward to it as each day of Lockdown when the weather isn’t great means less FOMO. However as I zig-zagged across the Waitrose car park in the queue the sun peeked out from the clouds and offered a little warmth. Once the weekly shop was done I was safely ensconced at home (with clothes in the washing machine and the bath water running out) I looked out the window and there was still sunshine and blue skies. I checked the BBC weather app which was adamant that it was grey cloud and would be for the rest of the day. I looked out of the window again and there was still blue sky…So for my exercise I headed over to Five Rivers.
It was the wrong call. I could tell that as I cut along the path behind the Waitrose garage because the cloud covered the sun for a minute and a Brimstone flew towards me, past me and carried on heading towards Middle Street! Oh well I plugged on. Through the ‘glades’ nothing – no Specklie no OT or indeed any other white. Comma Corner was distinctly lacking in punctuation and as I strolled the Banks there was a slight chill in the air as the sun had been swallowed and a dearth of butterflies…
And then as if turned on a sixpence the weather switched, the cloud disappeared, the sky became blue and the temperature rocketed to the point where I didn’t need a coat. I scanned the sky I reckoned that this turn in the weather could last about 5-10 minutes and then I scanned the Banks. A Peacock went up brought out of stand-by by the suns rays and as it flew sluggishly it spooked a Small Tortoiseshell which even from a distance seemed noticeably knackered. I plumbed for the Peacock and so watched as it settled, stalked, took a few shots and backed off. Behind me the Small Tort took off from its hiding place in the grass and so I repeated the process.
After this the cloud swallowed the sun again but this time it meant business and it didn’t come back out all afternoon.
It was the wrong call. I could tell that as I cut along the path behind the Waitrose garage because the cloud covered the sun for a minute and a Brimstone flew towards me, past me and carried on heading towards Middle Street! Oh well I plugged on. Through the ‘glades’ nothing – no Specklie no OT or indeed any other white. Comma Corner was distinctly lacking in punctuation and as I strolled the Banks there was a slight chill in the air as the sun had been swallowed and a dearth of butterflies…
And then as if turned on a sixpence the weather switched, the cloud disappeared, the sky became blue and the temperature rocketed to the point where I didn’t need a coat. I scanned the sky I reckoned that this turn in the weather could last about 5-10 minutes and then I scanned the Banks. A Peacock went up brought out of stand-by by the suns rays and as it flew sluggishly it spooked a Small Tortoiseshell which even from a distance seemed noticeably knackered. I plumbed for the Peacock and so watched as it settled, stalked, took a few shots and backed off. Behind me the Small Tort took off from its hiding place in the grass and so I repeated the process.
After this the cloud swallowed the sun again but this time it meant business and it didn’t come back out all afternoon.
