Middle Street 31-03-2020
So we continue into the strange circumstances of Lockdown and it’s all a bit confusing really with contradictory guidance – “You must stay at home and not go out” but you can go out “to buy essential supplies, or exercise, or go to work if you’re an essential/key worker (if you look at the list this is pretty much everyone)”. The hardest thing for me to fathom is that I still go to work a couple of times a week and then I have to work from home – something I’m pretty adept at doing but there is only so much paper work, covering work to set and mark and then what? Still I cracked on with it all day and come the afternoon at 3ish I suddenly realised that a. it was clocking off time and b. whilst I’d been working solidly I’d also been sitting and had walked nowhere near the usual 12000 steps of a typical working day. So I grabbed my camera, gloves and facemask and set off for Middle Street.
On the way there was nothing to report as it was one of those afternoons when the sun is occasionally smothered in a blank of thick cloud. Looking over the Meadows towards Middle Street from the Town Path I could see that I there was an imminent break in the cloud that if I timed it right I should be able to take advantage of. So I upped the pace, urging on my protesting calves and knees and managed to be several paces onto the reserve when the sun broke out. As if waiting and watching for this break just as I had a Small Tort flew up to greet me. On I went round to the Hotspot where I found a further two Torts of the Small variety.
My luck faltered slightly when I reached Dip 1 as the clouds which had been toying with the idea of holding the sun hostage rolled in with a vengeance. The previous cloud had been fluffy and light letting light filter through but this was a mean looking big old bugger, as it bulldozed its way across the sky the lights went out (almost). I’d manged to locate two Small Torts whilst it was completing its manoeuvres but once it was in place that was it as the temperature had dropped along with the light intensity. As I walked along the bank I spied out two more Small Torts hurrying across the field, fleeing the cool and looking for somewhere to sit out the dark cloud.
At the end I turned around and having not seen any other butterflies took to checking the state of play regards the cloud. As I’d wandered the length of the site it had shifted moving towards the centre of Harnham and and as it crept ever Eastwards behind it the sun came out and with it two Small Torts – where they’d been on my walk towards the end I can’t fathom but the minute the golden rays touched the soil suddenly they were there. Cheered by the butterflies and the increasing warmth I made the return leg of my ‘Transect’. On the other side of the Banked path opposite Dip 3 a Small White hove into view working its way towards me. Rather than chase after it I stood stock still near a few Dandelions to see if it would land near me. Closer and closer it came and I fought the urge to step towards it. Then when it was a matter of metres away from me it settled so within a few steps I was within range and so I tried for a few shots. It then stopped near to me a couple times more after which it must have re-fueled sufficiently as it tore off along the Banked path and disappeared across the river.
Back in Dip 1 I relocated a pair of Small Torts so I’m guessing that they the same two that I’d already counted only they hadn’t moved possibly as they hadn’t warmed up fully after the torpor inducing cloud cover. On to the Hotspot and the two Small Torts had become one (a la Spice Girls). Well there might have been two but the second was nowhere to be seen – hiding/roosting out of sight? Still with the Small White (my second of the year) etched into my minds’ eye I made for home pleased with my haul.
On the way there was nothing to report as it was one of those afternoons when the sun is occasionally smothered in a blank of thick cloud. Looking over the Meadows towards Middle Street from the Town Path I could see that I there was an imminent break in the cloud that if I timed it right I should be able to take advantage of. So I upped the pace, urging on my protesting calves and knees and managed to be several paces onto the reserve when the sun broke out. As if waiting and watching for this break just as I had a Small Tort flew up to greet me. On I went round to the Hotspot where I found a further two Torts of the Small variety.
My luck faltered slightly when I reached Dip 1 as the clouds which had been toying with the idea of holding the sun hostage rolled in with a vengeance. The previous cloud had been fluffy and light letting light filter through but this was a mean looking big old bugger, as it bulldozed its way across the sky the lights went out (almost). I’d manged to locate two Small Torts whilst it was completing its manoeuvres but once it was in place that was it as the temperature had dropped along with the light intensity. As I walked along the bank I spied out two more Small Torts hurrying across the field, fleeing the cool and looking for somewhere to sit out the dark cloud.
At the end I turned around and having not seen any other butterflies took to checking the state of play regards the cloud. As I’d wandered the length of the site it had shifted moving towards the centre of Harnham and and as it crept ever Eastwards behind it the sun came out and with it two Small Torts – where they’d been on my walk towards the end I can’t fathom but the minute the golden rays touched the soil suddenly they were there. Cheered by the butterflies and the increasing warmth I made the return leg of my ‘Transect’. On the other side of the Banked path opposite Dip 3 a Small White hove into view working its way towards me. Rather than chase after it I stood stock still near a few Dandelions to see if it would land near me. Closer and closer it came and I fought the urge to step towards it. Then when it was a matter of metres away from me it settled so within a few steps I was within range and so I tried for a few shots. It then stopped near to me a couple times more after which it must have re-fueled sufficiently as it tore off along the Banked path and disappeared across the river.
Back in Dip 1 I relocated a pair of Small Torts so I’m guessing that they the same two that I’d already counted only they hadn’t moved possibly as they hadn’t warmed up fully after the torpor inducing cloud cover. On to the Hotspot and the two Small Torts had become one (a la Spice Girls). Well there might have been two but the second was nowhere to be seen – hiding/roosting out of sight? Still with the Small White (my second of the year) etched into my minds’ eye I made for home pleased with my haul.
Five Rivers 28-03-2020
Having visited Middle Street yesterday today I made the walk to Five Rivers – more as a recce to see if there was a safe way to walk there (busy roads to cross, pinch points on the path to get through quickly etc) and also to work out whether I could get there, have a look around and get back within enough time to make u for break, lunch and or any of the usual spare time I’d be able to utilise at work. The walk there was pretty quick only taking about 15 minutes and there were a few pinch points but I came up with various work-rounds for them so in future I may be able to shave a minute or two off the walking time.
Once on site as it were I made straight for Comma Corner – in a week or two I’ll need to check the River side path and the Glades for Whites and Specklies but at the moment the main action will be at Comma Corner and the Banks. As soon as I reached the foot of the little slope leading up to CC I saw that it was again living up to its name as I could see a couple of orangey blurs detaching themselves from different points on the Bramble, slamming together and spiralling upwards into the blue. After about 30 seconds of conflict they split up and went back to roughly the same places from which they’d left. Cautiously I approached the large Bramble and saw that there was a lovely looking Comma at the nearside foot of the bush whilst further in a behind a thin veil of thorns were three more Commas. As I took many, many shots a Peacock made its presence felt by almost scything the top of my head off and once it had obviously got my attention went down on the deck almost with a smug “look at me” appearance.
Leaving the Commas still jostling for what they deemed the best perch I followed a different Peacock (the original was still in prime posing position) down form the top of the first Bank through a gap in the hedge to the Lower Banks from where I wandered along eyes peeled when reaching any likely looking roosting/basking perches. All was quiet – it seems that Middle Street is now the place for Small Torts perhaps because the Banks have become a little too overgrown – I’ve noticed that the Small Torts at the start of the season like little patches of dried grass with low nettle growth and here the grass is easily higher than my boots. I did spy a Small Tort however at the end of the Lower Banks up in the middle branches of a small tree so perhaps the Small Torts have already been at their peak? I got onto the Small Tort as there was also a Comma up high in a neighbouring tree.
I carried on round as I was making good time and I wanted to see if a complete circuit was possible in the allotted time. All was quiet around the back part of the reserve and so I cut through the middle spying a Peacock looking gorgeous on the white blossom of one of the trees in the central copse. As I watched the breeze caught the tree shaking old petals off like a snowfall in miniature which looked beautiful but also dislodged the Peacock. I followed round and into the hollow centre of the copse and it landed on a less salubrious looking compost heap. I went for the shot anyway only to discover that my battery had gone flat. By the time the spare was in and I was ready the Peacock had gone. I carried on muttering and grumbling like Muttley and there was no Red Admiral along the bottom river path to console me either. Luckily the lovely looking Comma was still hanging around at Comma Corner to offer me the consolation I required and a great boost before I made my way homewards. It’s always good to leave on a high.
Once on site as it were I made straight for Comma Corner – in a week or two I’ll need to check the River side path and the Glades for Whites and Specklies but at the moment the main action will be at Comma Corner and the Banks. As soon as I reached the foot of the little slope leading up to CC I saw that it was again living up to its name as I could see a couple of orangey blurs detaching themselves from different points on the Bramble, slamming together and spiralling upwards into the blue. After about 30 seconds of conflict they split up and went back to roughly the same places from which they’d left. Cautiously I approached the large Bramble and saw that there was a lovely looking Comma at the nearside foot of the bush whilst further in a behind a thin veil of thorns were three more Commas. As I took many, many shots a Peacock made its presence felt by almost scything the top of my head off and once it had obviously got my attention went down on the deck almost with a smug “look at me” appearance.
Leaving the Commas still jostling for what they deemed the best perch I followed a different Peacock (the original was still in prime posing position) down form the top of the first Bank through a gap in the hedge to the Lower Banks from where I wandered along eyes peeled when reaching any likely looking roosting/basking perches. All was quiet – it seems that Middle Street is now the place for Small Torts perhaps because the Banks have become a little too overgrown – I’ve noticed that the Small Torts at the start of the season like little patches of dried grass with low nettle growth and here the grass is easily higher than my boots. I did spy a Small Tort however at the end of the Lower Banks up in the middle branches of a small tree so perhaps the Small Torts have already been at their peak? I got onto the Small Tort as there was also a Comma up high in a neighbouring tree.
I carried on round as I was making good time and I wanted to see if a complete circuit was possible in the allotted time. All was quiet around the back part of the reserve and so I cut through the middle spying a Peacock looking gorgeous on the white blossom of one of the trees in the central copse. As I watched the breeze caught the tree shaking old petals off like a snowfall in miniature which looked beautiful but also dislodged the Peacock. I followed round and into the hollow centre of the copse and it landed on a less salubrious looking compost heap. I went for the shot anyway only to discover that my battery had gone flat. By the time the spare was in and I was ready the Peacock had gone. I carried on muttering and grumbling like Muttley and there was no Red Admiral along the bottom river path to console me either. Luckily the lovely looking Comma was still hanging around at Comma Corner to offer me the consolation I required and a great boost before I made my way homewards. It’s always good to leave on a high.
Middle Street 27-03-2020
It was cooler with more of a breeze than recently today and so I saved up my break and lunch and headed out for my exercise slightly later so as to give the butterflies a chance to warm up and get going. Later in the season it’ll be a case of the earlier the better to try and catch them before they get fully solar charged but now it’s often the case that they won’t even emerge from wherever they go at nights should it remain cool. On the way over the wooden bridge I knew I’d made the right call as there was a Peacock flying in the field as if to greet me. Cheered by this I carried on and made the entrance in good time and continued directly to the Hotspot where there was a singleton Small Tort and a second was flying in amongst the reeds round on the river path. A third was hanging about on the corner of Dip 1 by the river so things were definitely looking good for Small Torts here.
I made my way down into the hollow of Dip 1 and standing in the middle scanned to my left and right looking for the tell-tale signs of butterflies or even the slightest of movement. I’d soon notched up four more Small Torts mostly on the side of the Dip nearest to the path – they seemed to all be congregating in a small patch of low growing nettles almost as if they were attending a crèche or Nursery. As I watched them something flew by like a bullet and I watched as it threw on the anchors by some blossom and hovered – a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. It was nice to see but not what I really been hoping for…but there in the corner near the huge clump of Bramble was the butterfly I was after, a lovely gingery Comma. After some time with it I got back to the Small Torts and also checked out the black mat – which held a Grass Snake and one much smaller than on my last visit – had it shrunk in the wash?
Onwards and then downwards into Dip 2 which was empty. I reckon the slightly longer, lusher grass will make this a Skipper hotspot in the coming months and I’m looking forward to testing this hypothesis. As it was bereft of butterflies on this occasion I moved onto to the tiny Dip 3 and here I encountered a Small Tort which led me on a bit of a merry dance; first this way then that, out of the Dip and then back down into the Dip from the other side of the Banked Path. On the final leg of its foray it puts up two more Small Torts proving that this Dip may be small but it is perfectly formed.
At the far end a sole Small Tort held sway in the prime habitat and then I turned around and started back the way I’d come. To avoid going over my allotted time I started back and took the banked path peering down into Dips and 2 from above. As I started a couple of Small Torts were quarrelling over who was to have the best basking spot and looking down into Dip 3 I could make out a Peacock and a Small Tort. On the final stretch there was a Small Tort on the path between Dip 2 and Dip 1 and then I dove down to check out Dip 1 for a final time. Things were good in here as now there were four Small Torts the Comma was hanging around and I finally managed to nail a Peacock although the second evaded my lens very successfully! At least I thought that it had – looking back at the shots now it appears that I bagged both of them. Time was almost up and so I started for home…
While waiting for a couple of cyclists to pass me on the Town Path I nipped down the slip way to the side of the Mill Pond so as to remain effectively Social Distanced. For once I was glad of the unaware bicyclists as in stepping out the way I found a final two Small Torts to add to the days Tally which brought the grand total to…13 Small Torts, 1 Comma, 3 Peacocks and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth – oddly though no Brimstones?
I made my way down into the hollow of Dip 1 and standing in the middle scanned to my left and right looking for the tell-tale signs of butterflies or even the slightest of movement. I’d soon notched up four more Small Torts mostly on the side of the Dip nearest to the path – they seemed to all be congregating in a small patch of low growing nettles almost as if they were attending a crèche or Nursery. As I watched them something flew by like a bullet and I watched as it threw on the anchors by some blossom and hovered – a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. It was nice to see but not what I really been hoping for…but there in the corner near the huge clump of Bramble was the butterfly I was after, a lovely gingery Comma. After some time with it I got back to the Small Torts and also checked out the black mat – which held a Grass Snake and one much smaller than on my last visit – had it shrunk in the wash?
Onwards and then downwards into Dip 2 which was empty. I reckon the slightly longer, lusher grass will make this a Skipper hotspot in the coming months and I’m looking forward to testing this hypothesis. As it was bereft of butterflies on this occasion I moved onto to the tiny Dip 3 and here I encountered a Small Tort which led me on a bit of a merry dance; first this way then that, out of the Dip and then back down into the Dip from the other side of the Banked Path. On the final leg of its foray it puts up two more Small Torts proving that this Dip may be small but it is perfectly formed.
At the far end a sole Small Tort held sway in the prime habitat and then I turned around and started back the way I’d come. To avoid going over my allotted time I started back and took the banked path peering down into Dips and 2 from above. As I started a couple of Small Torts were quarrelling over who was to have the best basking spot and looking down into Dip 3 I could make out a Peacock and a Small Tort. On the final stretch there was a Small Tort on the path between Dip 2 and Dip 1 and then I dove down to check out Dip 1 for a final time. Things were good in here as now there were four Small Torts the Comma was hanging around and I finally managed to nail a Peacock although the second evaded my lens very successfully! At least I thought that it had – looking back at the shots now it appears that I bagged both of them. Time was almost up and so I started for home…
While waiting for a couple of cyclists to pass me on the Town Path I nipped down the slip way to the side of the Mill Pond so as to remain effectively Social Distanced. For once I was glad of the unaware bicyclists as in stepping out the way I found a final two Small Torts to add to the days Tally which brought the grand total to…13 Small Torts, 1 Comma, 3 Peacocks and a Hummingbird Hawkmoth – oddly though no Brimstones?
Work 26-03-2020
So now I’m here at work on a Rota system. There are even fewer pupils here today so Social Distancing is even easier although during break and lunchtimes they don’t really seem that bothered. After some time in the computer room doing some work the Science Department set out the materials for Water Rockets as it was a nice sunny day and that way we could ensure that there was plenty of hand washing. After they’d tried and failed to hit the security camera on the main block (my preferred target) and all were soaked to the skin I took them for a walk up and around the field to dry off noting a Peacock and a Small Tort at the start, a Peacock half way down the field and another Small Tort in the far corner.
I’m sure that I encountered some of the same butterflies when I set out for lunchtime walk with a Peacock along the fence and a Small Tort at the end corner of the field at the start of the back path. About a quarter of the way along a second Peacock flew about for a bit and then at the half way point a Small Tort and Brimstone interacted with each other – well the Small Tort had a go at the Brimstone.
I carry on along the path ticking off butterflies as I progressed; Peacock, courting Small Torts, another pair of Small Torts, a solitary Small Tort hanging around near the rubbish heap and finally three Small Torts in the small Muscari field at the end of the track. Again I tarry a bit more here as there’s a certain something about Small Torts on Muscari that appeals to me, possibly the contrast in colours orange against purple or maybe the contrasting silhouette – the butterfly is more angular compared to the globular flower? Whatever it is I like the combination.
Tearing myself I make the return leg this time seeing 8 Small Torts and 2 Peacocks. I’m just about to cut across from the halfway point through the estate when a Brimstone turns up and flies towards me doing that evasion manoeuvre where they fly directly at you and you have to duck out of the way. Luckily I managed to swivel round and spied where it had gone down and with a careful stalk I was able to get some half decent images onto the memory card.
The final quick trek back through the estate some adding singles of both Small Tort and Peacock to the tally bringing it to a respectable 11 Small Torts, 3 Peacocks and 2 Brimstones. I don’t know what’ happened to the Commas in these parts this year?
I’m sure that I encountered some of the same butterflies when I set out for lunchtime walk with a Peacock along the fence and a Small Tort at the end corner of the field at the start of the back path. About a quarter of the way along a second Peacock flew about for a bit and then at the half way point a Small Tort and Brimstone interacted with each other – well the Small Tort had a go at the Brimstone.
I carry on along the path ticking off butterflies as I progressed; Peacock, courting Small Torts, another pair of Small Torts, a solitary Small Tort hanging around near the rubbish heap and finally three Small Torts in the small Muscari field at the end of the track. Again I tarry a bit more here as there’s a certain something about Small Torts on Muscari that appeals to me, possibly the contrast in colours orange against purple or maybe the contrasting silhouette – the butterfly is more angular compared to the globular flower? Whatever it is I like the combination.
Tearing myself I make the return leg this time seeing 8 Small Torts and 2 Peacocks. I’m just about to cut across from the halfway point through the estate when a Brimstone turns up and flies towards me doing that evasion manoeuvre where they fly directly at you and you have to duck out of the way. Luckily I managed to swivel round and spied where it had gone down and with a careful stalk I was able to get some half decent images onto the memory card.
The final quick trek back through the estate some adding singles of both Small Tort and Peacock to the tally bringing it to a respectable 11 Small Torts, 3 Peacocks and 2 Brimstones. I don’t know what’ happened to the Commas in these parts this year?
Middle Street 25-03-2020
So as I started working from home today I was at a bit of a loss about what to do over my lunch break as usually I would be walking the paths around the school and taking advantage of the decent weather? So I accumulated my mid-morning break and lunch time so I could get at least an hour and set out later than usual in the hope that I could avoid anyone else that might be taking a walk during their lunch break. We’d been given the correct guidance for Social Distancing now and most people seem to have got the idea except that is the cyclists – they seem to think that they travel faster than the speed of Covid-19 and so whilst people on the path get over to either side they can carry on travelling right down the middle path. Despite having to keep a very cautious eye out for the two wheeled Pirates I managed to spy out 2 Peacocks and a Brimstone on the walk over and also a Small Tort which flew into the back garden of the neighbouring house by the entrance to the reserve.
Safely on site I scanned around and could see no-one else so I was able to shift my gaze from head height down to foliage level and made straight to the Hotspot of old – sadly this year it seemed to not be delivering as many goods as it once did but today it was working hard to retain its title. As I negotiated the quagmire (giggety) track on the corner of the Hotspot a Peacock was basking down on the damp deck. A male and then female Brismtone passed by over the tops of the Briars by the now refilled pond and scattered about the flat turfed area were three Small Torts. It certainly seemed to be living up to its name in terms of temperature at least as the Small Torts were really hard work – having basked so effectively.
From here I followed the main track as it curved round towards the T-junction of the banked path that runs the entire length of the reserves and the rounded path which ran round the other side of the main pond/lake following the riverside. On the way I encounter a couple more Brimstones bombing by and not stopping for love nor a photo. At the very end there’s another Small Tort playing around in the nettle beds at the top of the river bank.
Now’s the time to nip down and check the Dips…Dip 1 being the largest holds the greater number of butterflies and my traipsing round on the boot wide trackways saw me able to count a Peacock and three Small Torts – some of which were in great nick if a little flighty. A Brimstone crossed from one side of the Dip to the other and just kept on going right the way across to the other side of the river and frustratingly with it river crossing completed it then chose to settle down and take nectar.
Onwards and upwards I went, well it was more a case of on and up and then on and down as I climbed out of Dip 1, walked along the banked path a short way before climbing down into Dip 2. This is often the most disappointing Dip at the early stage of the season as the ground is more thickly covered in vegetation so lacking in basking spots and any butterflies present are often hidden away in the tussocks. In here today was a single Small Tort and a Peacock which vaguely familiar? It took off and made towards the riverside path before disappearing amidst the tree branches. In Dip 3 there was another Small Tort enjoying the cleared patches where it was soaking up the sun. There was also another Peacock which I started to think was the same one I’d seen in both Pits previously?
On the final stretch to the end of the site I strolled along in the small field checking the side of the banked path as I went as this little sheltered sun trap is often popular with basking butterflies and so it was today with a further 3 Small Torts and a Peacock which looked different from the one I’d inadvertently been stalking in the Dips. At the very end was another Peacock taking advantage of the sheltered little alcove.
I had a look through my notes at this point, totalling up the butterfly haul. The possible double/triple count of the same Peacock was bugging me and as I didn’t get any photos of it/the three of them I couldn’t use the shots to confirm either way. Instead I settled for a quick walk back along the Banked path stopping to look over into the Dips and count any obvious butterflies – the better to not double up. This seemed to work and the walk back to Dip 1 in my notebook ran “ST, B, ST, ST, 2P, ST, 2ST, P and B” making a total of 6 Small Torts, 3 Peacocks and a single Brimstone which meant that what with the other Small Torts from elsewhere on site there were double figures and also I hadn’t doubled or tripled up on the Peacock count on the outward checking of the Dips. To celebrate I spent a little time with the Small Torts in Dip 1 before making my way homewards, hour of exercise over bar the walk back and almost within time too.
Safely on site I scanned around and could see no-one else so I was able to shift my gaze from head height down to foliage level and made straight to the Hotspot of old – sadly this year it seemed to not be delivering as many goods as it once did but today it was working hard to retain its title. As I negotiated the quagmire (giggety) track on the corner of the Hotspot a Peacock was basking down on the damp deck. A male and then female Brismtone passed by over the tops of the Briars by the now refilled pond and scattered about the flat turfed area were three Small Torts. It certainly seemed to be living up to its name in terms of temperature at least as the Small Torts were really hard work – having basked so effectively.
From here I followed the main track as it curved round towards the T-junction of the banked path that runs the entire length of the reserves and the rounded path which ran round the other side of the main pond/lake following the riverside. On the way I encounter a couple more Brimstones bombing by and not stopping for love nor a photo. At the very end there’s another Small Tort playing around in the nettle beds at the top of the river bank.
Now’s the time to nip down and check the Dips…Dip 1 being the largest holds the greater number of butterflies and my traipsing round on the boot wide trackways saw me able to count a Peacock and three Small Torts – some of which were in great nick if a little flighty. A Brimstone crossed from one side of the Dip to the other and just kept on going right the way across to the other side of the river and frustratingly with it river crossing completed it then chose to settle down and take nectar.
Onwards and upwards I went, well it was more a case of on and up and then on and down as I climbed out of Dip 1, walked along the banked path a short way before climbing down into Dip 2. This is often the most disappointing Dip at the early stage of the season as the ground is more thickly covered in vegetation so lacking in basking spots and any butterflies present are often hidden away in the tussocks. In here today was a single Small Tort and a Peacock which vaguely familiar? It took off and made towards the riverside path before disappearing amidst the tree branches. In Dip 3 there was another Small Tort enjoying the cleared patches where it was soaking up the sun. There was also another Peacock which I started to think was the same one I’d seen in both Pits previously?
On the final stretch to the end of the site I strolled along in the small field checking the side of the banked path as I went as this little sheltered sun trap is often popular with basking butterflies and so it was today with a further 3 Small Torts and a Peacock which looked different from the one I’d inadvertently been stalking in the Dips. At the very end was another Peacock taking advantage of the sheltered little alcove.
I had a look through my notes at this point, totalling up the butterfly haul. The possible double/triple count of the same Peacock was bugging me and as I didn’t get any photos of it/the three of them I couldn’t use the shots to confirm either way. Instead I settled for a quick walk back along the Banked path stopping to look over into the Dips and count any obvious butterflies – the better to not double up. This seemed to work and the walk back to Dip 1 in my notebook ran “ST, B, ST, ST, 2P, ST, 2ST, P and B” making a total of 6 Small Torts, 3 Peacocks and a single Brimstone which meant that what with the other Small Torts from elsewhere on site there were double figures and also I hadn’t doubled or tripled up on the Peacock count on the outward checking of the Dips. To celebrate I spent a little time with the Small Torts in Dip 1 before making my way homewards, hour of exercise over bar the walk back and almost within time too.
Work 23-03-2020
More strange doings – today is exceedingly quiet with only those pupils who are classed as vulnerable or those whose parents are keyworkers in the building. This is a grand total of 12 pupils that need supervision and so timetables go out of the window as pupils are set in the computer rooms two computers apart to ensure Social Distancing. As I was on first shift I was able to crack on with my work and have an early lunch so that when the bell went I was able to get out and walk my route for possibly the last time this year?
As I set off, a metaphorical black cloud hanging over my head, I almost missed a Peacock that was waiting for me on the corner by the Nursery. Along the field all was quiet and it wasn’t until I’d reached the far end of the field that I spied anymore butterflies with an errant Brimstone bombing by and two Small Torts seemingly taking up neighbouring territories here.
For some reason I got a wriggle on today – hoping not to bump into anyone on the path I suppose and so before I knew it I’d reached the far end and I’d tallied 3 Peacocks (all of which were very flighty) and 12 Small Torts bringing the total to 14. Four of these had been two separate courting couples which made the counting much easier and more accurate.
As I’d reached the turn round point in such a quick time I tarried here for a short while enjoying the Small Torts nicely posed on the blue-purple Muscari. Then it was time to walk back and the count this time came to 16 Small Torts – so with the two from the field plus a final one just over the border in the Estate a grand total of 19. I didn’t latch onto any of the Peacocks on this return leg but I did find one and a Comma on the walk/run back to work through the estate and right at the very end, just as I was passing back through the gate a Peacock went down next to the Tech block.
When I get home eventually it’s announced that we will be in Lockdown – so there goes my holiday to France, there goes my Black Hairstreak visit in fact that’s pretty much the 2020 season up in smoke. But it’ll be a price worth paying if it saves lives…if only they’d got on and done it a bit sooner?
As I set off, a metaphorical black cloud hanging over my head, I almost missed a Peacock that was waiting for me on the corner by the Nursery. Along the field all was quiet and it wasn’t until I’d reached the far end of the field that I spied anymore butterflies with an errant Brimstone bombing by and two Small Torts seemingly taking up neighbouring territories here.
For some reason I got a wriggle on today – hoping not to bump into anyone on the path I suppose and so before I knew it I’d reached the far end and I’d tallied 3 Peacocks (all of which were very flighty) and 12 Small Torts bringing the total to 14. Four of these had been two separate courting couples which made the counting much easier and more accurate.
As I’d reached the turn round point in such a quick time I tarried here for a short while enjoying the Small Torts nicely posed on the blue-purple Muscari. Then it was time to walk back and the count this time came to 16 Small Torts – so with the two from the field plus a final one just over the border in the Estate a grand total of 19. I didn’t latch onto any of the Peacocks on this return leg but I did find one and a Comma on the walk/run back to work through the estate and right at the very end, just as I was passing back through the gate a Peacock went down next to the Tech block.
When I get home eventually it’s announced that we will be in Lockdown – so there goes my holiday to France, there goes my Black Hairstreak visit in fact that’s pretty much the 2020 season up in smoke. But it’ll be a price worth paying if it saves lives…if only they’d got on and done it a bit sooner?
Lulworth 22-03-2020
Whilst others headed to the main beaches and Piers and promenades we made across country to Lulworth reasoning that it would be quieter, most people that actually were there would go over the hill to Durdle Door and in the Cove itself there would be plenty of room to ensure Social Distancing. When we pulled up in the car park I witnessed the new etiquette that we’re all going to have to develop. Whilst the cars weren’t two metres apart we waited for the people on one side to leave before exiting our vehicle whilst the recently arrived car next to us did the same. One of the advantages of there being far fewer people was that the wildlife was much more approachable – well the Rooks anyway. They are a quite angular looking Corvids, all triangles…
Down on the beach I was surprised at how empty it was as I scanned left and right, there were the occasional little coloured dots moving on the far side and the odd little clump of people sitting but it the most empty I’d ever seen it. The usual hotspot didn’t have anything at all and so we walked round from right to the left hand side of the Cove. On the way Rock Pipits called and sang, a Peregrine scythed through the sky and pulled a steep loop climbing up the side of the cliff and disappearing over the top and a few Mallard looked out of place out on the ocean waves. As we were approaching the far side where the cliffs slip I spotted a small dark shape gliding to and fro. It settled on the side of the land slide and flattened itself tight against the rock to absorb as much sun as possible. I managed to get in and so got some nice shots of a Peacock, the bright colours contrasting and standing out against the light grey clay. We then stopped for a brew up using the Kelly Kettle and whilst we did Stoncehats and Rock Pipits squabbled about and the Peacock did a quick fly-by; trying to entice my up the cliff after it.
Brew drunk we carried on up the cliff path stopping occasionally for a breather which wasn’t really a great idea as you’d look out on the stunning vista, the white rocks and perfectly round bay, the turquoise sea with the sun glinting of the tiniest of wave tops, and your breath would be taken away again. During one of these stops I came across an Osmia bicolor, the Two Coloured Mason Bee. It’s a lovely little bee that looks like it’s fallen into a red paint pot as the lower parts of its legs and abdomen are a deep red colour.
After the steep climb we followed the path along the cliff top, across Bindon Hill and back towards the car park. At one point we saw a few people walking towards us so we climbed up off the path and waited for them to go by, something we’re going to have to get very good at over the coming weeks/months, but I didn’t mind the enforced stop as there was a multitude of Green Shield Bugs to look at. This walk was proving thirsty work and so we stopped for another brew sitting in a little hollow away from the path with the Kelly kettle sitting directly on pure chalk. Whilst we were enjoying a combination of brew and view a Small Tort fluttered by, landed for just long enough to allow me to identify it and grab my camera, and as I was getting up it disappeared.
The rest of the walk was uneventful and we only saw a few more people before reaching the car and heading for home. Whether we’ll be able to do this again anytime soon I don’t know but I have a feeling that Lulworth Skippers might not make it onto my 2020 Tally.
Down on the beach I was surprised at how empty it was as I scanned left and right, there were the occasional little coloured dots moving on the far side and the odd little clump of people sitting but it the most empty I’d ever seen it. The usual hotspot didn’t have anything at all and so we walked round from right to the left hand side of the Cove. On the way Rock Pipits called and sang, a Peregrine scythed through the sky and pulled a steep loop climbing up the side of the cliff and disappearing over the top and a few Mallard looked out of place out on the ocean waves. As we were approaching the far side where the cliffs slip I spotted a small dark shape gliding to and fro. It settled on the side of the land slide and flattened itself tight against the rock to absorb as much sun as possible. I managed to get in and so got some nice shots of a Peacock, the bright colours contrasting and standing out against the light grey clay. We then stopped for a brew up using the Kelly Kettle and whilst we did Stoncehats and Rock Pipits squabbled about and the Peacock did a quick fly-by; trying to entice my up the cliff after it.
Brew drunk we carried on up the cliff path stopping occasionally for a breather which wasn’t really a great idea as you’d look out on the stunning vista, the white rocks and perfectly round bay, the turquoise sea with the sun glinting of the tiniest of wave tops, and your breath would be taken away again. During one of these stops I came across an Osmia bicolor, the Two Coloured Mason Bee. It’s a lovely little bee that looks like it’s fallen into a red paint pot as the lower parts of its legs and abdomen are a deep red colour.
After the steep climb we followed the path along the cliff top, across Bindon Hill and back towards the car park. At one point we saw a few people walking towards us so we climbed up off the path and waited for them to go by, something we’re going to have to get very good at over the coming weeks/months, but I didn’t mind the enforced stop as there was a multitude of Green Shield Bugs to look at. This walk was proving thirsty work and so we stopped for another brew sitting in a little hollow away from the path with the Kelly kettle sitting directly on pure chalk. Whilst we were enjoying a combination of brew and view a Small Tort fluttered by, landed for just long enough to allow me to identify it and grab my camera, and as I was getting up it disappeared.
The rest of the walk was uneventful and we only saw a few more people before reaching the car and heading for home. Whether we’ll be able to do this again anytime soon I don’t know but I have a feeling that Lulworth Skippers might not make it onto my 2020 Tally.
Five Rivers 21-03-2020
So I dropped the kids home and after lunch loaded up the car to head over to Five Rivers while this was still allowed although I have a feeling that things will be changing soon. Anyway putting the very depressing (and scary) thoughts of possible quarantine and imprisonment in our homes aside I set off at a stroll, eager to drink in as much wildlife as I could. As my wanderings brought me to the ‘glades’ I spy a distant Brimstone and manage another grab shot before sighting the species I’d really come for. Flitting around in the sun was a lovely ginger beastie – a Comma and as I revelled in its enjoyment of the sun it dropped down on the deck to do a spot of sunbathing.
I backtracked and walked down to the riverside path and round the grounded Comma so as not to disturb it and carried on to Comma Corner which was a hive of activity. It was one of those moments when the dullness and the drear and the cold of winter finally is shaken off and you feel warm and alive as flying all around are the harbringers of summer. On this occasion the cast included 2 Brimstones that would patrol along the scrub in opposite directions, meet in the middle and have a scrap. There were also two Peacocks flying around like little Batman symbols and three Commas meaning Comma Corner lived up to its name once again. They really do seem to love this little sheltered patch of Bramble and my difficulty was which of the three to try and get a shot of first? The Peacocks meanwhile seem to have allotted each other billets. One favoured the edge of the path that runs past Comma Corner the other slightly round the corner on the opposite of Bank 1 although they never seemed to stay put for very long and insisted on winding the other up.
From here I wandered back down to the river path and started following the little diagonal trackway along the Lower Banks. I kept going because the first bit is more scrubby and more suitable for Specklies when they arrive and when I got to the bit which is great for the hibernators (longer grass with patches of bare soil and less scrub) the butterflies were very feisty along this stretch. I still managed to differentiate a couple of different Commas and another Peacock but they were much more interested in beating seven bells out of anything that entered their airspace than sitting nicely posed for photos! So I carried on carrying on and eventually reached the very far side of the site which is much less sheltered – the wind whips up the hill, over the line of trees on the Banks and then slowly drops back down culminating in gusts on this side. Mind you on a windless day this can be the hottest part of the site as it is so exposed and the vegetation is different here too. This was probably why it was where I found a Small Tort. This site used to be the best for them but in recent years Middle Street has overtaken.
Back at Comma Corner there are only two Commas now but the two Peacocks are still takng up the same territories and so I wander across the middle path at the top of the banks to do a second walk along the Lower Banks in reverse. This time the butterflies are a little better behaved – possibly already knackered from all their earlier bouts of fisticuffs? So I manage to get a few shots of the Peacocks which do seem a tad more flighty/titchy this year – or is that just me remembering things through rose tinted specs? The final check in at Comma Corner sees only a singleton Comma but it is joined by the second Small Tort for this site for the day.
All in all a brilliant visit and I leave feeling much more mentally healthy than I have for a long time; work stress shed, anxiety about the virus temporarily lifted…
I backtracked and walked down to the riverside path and round the grounded Comma so as not to disturb it and carried on to Comma Corner which was a hive of activity. It was one of those moments when the dullness and the drear and the cold of winter finally is shaken off and you feel warm and alive as flying all around are the harbringers of summer. On this occasion the cast included 2 Brimstones that would patrol along the scrub in opposite directions, meet in the middle and have a scrap. There were also two Peacocks flying around like little Batman symbols and three Commas meaning Comma Corner lived up to its name once again. They really do seem to love this little sheltered patch of Bramble and my difficulty was which of the three to try and get a shot of first? The Peacocks meanwhile seem to have allotted each other billets. One favoured the edge of the path that runs past Comma Corner the other slightly round the corner on the opposite of Bank 1 although they never seemed to stay put for very long and insisted on winding the other up.
From here I wandered back down to the river path and started following the little diagonal trackway along the Lower Banks. I kept going because the first bit is more scrubby and more suitable for Specklies when they arrive and when I got to the bit which is great for the hibernators (longer grass with patches of bare soil and less scrub) the butterflies were very feisty along this stretch. I still managed to differentiate a couple of different Commas and another Peacock but they were much more interested in beating seven bells out of anything that entered their airspace than sitting nicely posed for photos! So I carried on carrying on and eventually reached the very far side of the site which is much less sheltered – the wind whips up the hill, over the line of trees on the Banks and then slowly drops back down culminating in gusts on this side. Mind you on a windless day this can be the hottest part of the site as it is so exposed and the vegetation is different here too. This was probably why it was where I found a Small Tort. This site used to be the best for them but in recent years Middle Street has overtaken.
Back at Comma Corner there are only two Commas now but the two Peacocks are still takng up the same territories and so I wander across the middle path at the top of the banks to do a second walk along the Lower Banks in reverse. This time the butterflies are a little better behaved – possibly already knackered from all their earlier bouts of fisticuffs? So I manage to get a few shots of the Peacocks which do seem a tad more flighty/titchy this year – or is that just me remembering things through rose tinted specs? The final check in at Comma Corner sees only a singleton Comma but it is joined by the second Small Tort for this site for the day.
All in all a brilliant visit and I leave feeling much more mentally healthy than I have for a long time; work stress shed, anxiety about the virus temporarily lifted…
Middle Street 21-03-2020
We’re moving into ever stranger times with people now encouraged to Social Distance and not mass together. To try and take both little L’s and my mind off things and also to take advantage of the recent up-turn in the weather I decided that today would be the day when Middle Street finally yielded some butterflies. So I packed the girls in the car with some snacks and their books and away we drove as that seemed the ‘safest’ option.
Almost as soon as I was in through the gate there was a butterfly – a Small Tort waiting to meet us. It flicked about for a little bit but when it finally settled I realised that it was just trying to get into a nice position for me. We carried on round hugging the fence and then crossing the quagmire/path towards the hotspot – the girls thankful for their wellies and me skipping from dry spot to dry spot like a non-mountainous goat. Round at the hotspot a Brimstone didn’t hang about long and neither did the Small Tort which took off and climbed ever higher before dropping down on the other side of the fence.
As we walked round the lake and visited the little pontoons we saw first of only a handful of people of the day and it was a bit jarring at first. Ordinarily it there would be a “Hello” possibly an enquiry and maybe even some polite chat yet today it was head down and start walking diagonally to the far side of the path as people are starting to keep away from each other. It seems more like Anti-social Distancing to be honest though I’m in no way detracting from its importance. We carried on along the river and a Small Tort popped by from the other river bank and settled long enough for a couple of shots so I was able to see that it was a different individual from the first of the day.
At the reserve there is a bank with a path on top which runs parallel to the river from one end of the reserve to the other, like the spine of the site. On one side is the football pitch and on the other is a thin sliver of land, slightly lower than the river path and split into three by two spinneys. These are the Dips and we dove down into the first Dip and I must confess from here on my memory struggles to function to its usual efficiency rating as I just wasn’t used to the number of butterflies I saw. It seemed that there were Small Torts in every one of the three Dips as well as a few errant ones flying in the football field on the other side of the banked path.
Luckily for me the girls were there to sing out the numbers as yet another Small Tort hove into view or erupted from the undergrowth. In the first Dip there were several Small Torts and one of the Brimstones settled ever so briefly but just long enough for a few quick strides towards it and a grab shot. The main attraction for the girls at this Dip is the square of black rubber sheet, always worth a look and this time it came up trumps with a large Grass Snake. It was a huge one!
We carried on working our way down and into and up and out of Dips 2 and 3 before checking the large patch of bramble right at the end of the site. On the way we got up to a count of 16 Small Torts and this was conservative, knocking off a couple now and again to account for any possible double counting and some crossed the river leaving the confines of the Reserve. On the way back we got a bit more of a wriggle on and managed to pick up 9 Small Torts and also added a Peacock to the tally once back at Dip 1. With the eager for lunch we left the butterflies squabbling with each other and headed home for lunch. Still it was great to see so many butterflies in one brief sitting especially such good numbers of Small Torts.
Almost as soon as I was in through the gate there was a butterfly – a Small Tort waiting to meet us. It flicked about for a little bit but when it finally settled I realised that it was just trying to get into a nice position for me. We carried on round hugging the fence and then crossing the quagmire/path towards the hotspot – the girls thankful for their wellies and me skipping from dry spot to dry spot like a non-mountainous goat. Round at the hotspot a Brimstone didn’t hang about long and neither did the Small Tort which took off and climbed ever higher before dropping down on the other side of the fence.
As we walked round the lake and visited the little pontoons we saw first of only a handful of people of the day and it was a bit jarring at first. Ordinarily it there would be a “Hello” possibly an enquiry and maybe even some polite chat yet today it was head down and start walking diagonally to the far side of the path as people are starting to keep away from each other. It seems more like Anti-social Distancing to be honest though I’m in no way detracting from its importance. We carried on along the river and a Small Tort popped by from the other river bank and settled long enough for a couple of shots so I was able to see that it was a different individual from the first of the day.
At the reserve there is a bank with a path on top which runs parallel to the river from one end of the reserve to the other, like the spine of the site. On one side is the football pitch and on the other is a thin sliver of land, slightly lower than the river path and split into three by two spinneys. These are the Dips and we dove down into the first Dip and I must confess from here on my memory struggles to function to its usual efficiency rating as I just wasn’t used to the number of butterflies I saw. It seemed that there were Small Torts in every one of the three Dips as well as a few errant ones flying in the football field on the other side of the banked path.
Luckily for me the girls were there to sing out the numbers as yet another Small Tort hove into view or erupted from the undergrowth. In the first Dip there were several Small Torts and one of the Brimstones settled ever so briefly but just long enough for a few quick strides towards it and a grab shot. The main attraction for the girls at this Dip is the square of black rubber sheet, always worth a look and this time it came up trumps with a large Grass Snake. It was a huge one!
We carried on working our way down and into and up and out of Dips 2 and 3 before checking the large patch of bramble right at the end of the site. On the way we got up to a count of 16 Small Torts and this was conservative, knocking off a couple now and again to account for any possible double counting and some crossed the river leaving the confines of the Reserve. On the way back we got a bit more of a wriggle on and managed to pick up 9 Small Torts and also added a Peacock to the tally once back at Dip 1. With the eager for lunch we left the butterflies squabbling with each other and headed home for lunch. Still it was great to see so many butterflies in one brief sitting especially such good numbers of Small Torts.
Work 18-03-2020
It was actually only a couple of days until the next time that I got out as the weather report was more favourable than expected. So I grabbed my camera and headed out across the field to walk my usual route where a couple of Small Torts flew whilst I was wishing my dad a happy 70th. He was just starting his 12 weeks off work as a ‘vulnerable’ which he was pretty pissed off about particularly as my mum had produced the list of ‘jobs I’ll do when I’ve got time’…
Along the back path near the half way mark a really ginger looking butterfly flew from the large bush and I watched it fly out across the field – my first Comma of 2020 – bringing the species count to 6 for the year. Unfortunately as it boomeranged back and reached the shrub it kept on going into the garden disappearing from view so I carried on along the path. Along the way I counted four Small Torts and right at the furthest end a Peacock flew up and was caught by the breeze shooting away. A Brimstone struggled by along the back fence following it down into the neighbouring field.
On the way back I stopped briefly for a basking Common Lizard which chosen a less than salubrious spot for its sunbathe – the rubbish pile. Still the old wooden boards made a nice backdrop for my photos. My very fast walk back through the estate saw me adding another 2 Small Torts to my daily Tally bringing their total up to a maximum of 8, not too shabby for a quick, spur of the moment wander.
Along the back path near the half way mark a really ginger looking butterfly flew from the large bush and I watched it fly out across the field – my first Comma of 2020 – bringing the species count to 6 for the year. Unfortunately as it boomeranged back and reached the shrub it kept on going into the garden disappearing from view so I carried on along the path. Along the way I counted four Small Torts and right at the furthest end a Peacock flew up and was caught by the breeze shooting away. A Brimstone struggled by along the back fence following it down into the neighbouring field.
On the way back I stopped briefly for a basking Common Lizard which chosen a less than salubrious spot for its sunbathe – the rubbish pile. Still the old wooden boards made a nice backdrop for my photos. My very fast walk back through the estate saw me adding another 2 Small Torts to my daily Tally bringing their total up to a maximum of 8, not too shabby for a quick, spur of the moment wander.
Work 16-03-2020
All morning I’d been watching the sky outside my window and I’d go from cheerfulness to sadness and back again as the sky changed from blue to grey and back to blue. Luckily by the time lunch arrived the sky had reverted to blue and it had warmed up so I grabbed Niko (the Nikon ‘n’ of Nikon has worn off my camera strap) and made for the back path. I was banking on this outing as the rest of the week was either forecast as cloudy and cool, I’d be busy or even worse Locked Down/self-isolating.
As I cut across the footy fields checking the banks and patches of nettles which lined the fences the sun was swallowed by a single, lone cloud. I didn’t mind too much though because I reckoned that by the time I reached the path the cloud should have passed by releasing its hostage. And so as I turned up the path the sun returned and by about a third of the way along I was feeling really warm. By the half way point I was actually considering taking my jumper off when all thoughts of thermoregulation went out of the window. There was a fluttery thing with the familiar black and orange stripes and the slightest hint of blue around the margins…my first Small Tort of 2020. After a few shots which were tricky to get as it was vibrating its wings to warm up, I carried on. A Peacock, another first for the year, took off from where it had been basking unseen before I could get any shots.
Up at the end there didn’t seem to be anything and so I turned round and made for the Lab. In the neighbouring field another Small Tort was fluttering about. It seemed like it was agitated and so I leant over the fence to try for a few shots. As I did I discovered why is was being so antsy as there were two more Small Torts busying themselves with courting. The agitated Tort was a third wheel and couldn’t manage to entice the female away even when three of them took to the air in a dizzying, spiralling Tornado of Torts. As I turned away I spied another two in a neighbouring garden which brought the tally to a definite 6. The walk back to the half way point saw another two giving a maximum count of 7. Brill!
From this point I let my feet take over the job of getting me back so my eyes could concentrate on seeking out butterflies. I managed to find a further two; a Brimstone and a distant Small Tort which brought my count to a maximum of 9 and minimum of 7. A fantastic 25 minutes made even sweeter as I don’t know when the next time will come?
As I cut across the footy fields checking the banks and patches of nettles which lined the fences the sun was swallowed by a single, lone cloud. I didn’t mind too much though because I reckoned that by the time I reached the path the cloud should have passed by releasing its hostage. And so as I turned up the path the sun returned and by about a third of the way along I was feeling really warm. By the half way point I was actually considering taking my jumper off when all thoughts of thermoregulation went out of the window. There was a fluttery thing with the familiar black and orange stripes and the slightest hint of blue around the margins…my first Small Tort of 2020. After a few shots which were tricky to get as it was vibrating its wings to warm up, I carried on. A Peacock, another first for the year, took off from where it had been basking unseen before I could get any shots.
Up at the end there didn’t seem to be anything and so I turned round and made for the Lab. In the neighbouring field another Small Tort was fluttering about. It seemed like it was agitated and so I leant over the fence to try for a few shots. As I did I discovered why is was being so antsy as there were two more Small Torts busying themselves with courting. The agitated Tort was a third wheel and couldn’t manage to entice the female away even when three of them took to the air in a dizzying, spiralling Tornado of Torts. As I turned away I spied another two in a neighbouring garden which brought the tally to a definite 6. The walk back to the half way point saw another two giving a maximum count of 7. Brill!
From this point I let my feet take over the job of getting me back so my eyes could concentrate on seeking out butterflies. I managed to find a further two; a Brimstone and a distant Small Tort which brought my count to a maximum of 9 and minimum of 7. A fantastic 25 minutes made even sweeter as I don’t know when the next time will come?
Middle Street Feb into March
Take 1 (08-02-2020)
As January ended and we broke into February I started to get itchy feet. This is the time of year when the sap starts to rise, the buds start to unfurl and the anticipation starts to build. So I found myself wandering Middle Street-ward for no better reason than it was the first time in since I didn’t know when! This was a very early visit and was actually just a recce, a chance to see how things lay ready for the season ahead. Where were the likely looking spots? Were there any quagmires (giggity) to avoid, any fallen branches blocking the path ways etc? Despite a few moments when some falling or odd coloured leaves or even blades of grass twitching in the slightest of breezes caught my eye I wasn’t surprised when I didn’t see any butterflies. It was still good to catch up with Reed Buntings and the ever explosive Cetti’s; the cooler crisp air seeming to make his call even more ear shattering. On the return journey a teenager Herring Gull did a few piratical passes.
Take 2 (22-02-2020)
With the days continuing to lengthen, the sap rising higher and the first flowers of spring in bloom I felt like it was time to venture forth and try my luck at Middle Street once more. Normally I’m onto my first butterflies in February and whilst it wasn’t a mini unseasonal heat wave like in 2019 I have seen butterflies at around this time of year in cooler, greyer and damper conditions than we’ve experienced.
Today there was a first; it was the first time in 2020 that I got caught out by the weather forecast. I’ve come to take anything the Weather People say with a bucket worth of salt but I’d obviously forgotten this over the winter months and so despite showing no rain and light cloud I only got as far as the other side of the wooden bridge before the sun disappeared, the temperature dropped and down came the rain swiftly followed by hail.
Take 2b (01-03-2020)
So the second visit proper saw me wandering through ‘mud’n bullets’ as my dad says, the paths churned into a quagmire (giggity) by dog walkers and poaching anglers. Dennis had menaced the site with one of the tracks blocked with a fallen tree and the various ditches and depressions were serving their purpose – they were filled with water. Needless to say I didn’t see any butterflies on this trip either despite the slightly more favourable conditions and even the birds were scarce today, the only calls coming from the football pitch. I learnt that apparently Ron is a ‘fornicating phallus’?
Take 3 (07-03-2020)
It must be third time lucky now surely? So I decided that as soon as the chores were done I would take the now familiar stroll along the Town Path, cut through Harnham and saunter round Middle Street. During the morning around town the air was clear, the sky blue but there was still a nip in the air. As the morning wore on the occasional wisps of cloud appeared, the temperature started to rise and the cold breeze picked up meaning that when it blew the temp dropped back down again. It was one of those typical spring days which remind me of the mum and the dad bear in the Goldilocks story; the weather was too cold, or too windy or too dull – it was never just right!
Still I set out hopefully and as I turned the corner from South Street to Harcourt Terrace there was a sight that lifted my soul. The blazing yellow of a Brimstone. I watched it land on the flattened top of a hedge and by standing a few paces back and holding my camera out at full stretch I was able to get a few shots. I was stopped and asked what I was doing by the neighbourhood watch but when I explained that I lived round the corner and that I was watching a butterfly this seemed to placate them. Luckily to add further credence to my excuse and reassure them that I wasn’t casing the joint the butterfly took off and started patrolling along the hedges along one side of the street. After a while it landed in another high bit of hedge and I kept my eye on its position and at the same time kept an eye on the NW. Once they were gone I had a think about how I could get some closer shots and in the end reasoned that if I stood on the low wall at the bottom of the hedge, leant in slightly and held my camera in one hand I might be able to get something on the memory card. So that’s what I did.
After this I found that there was a definite spring in my step as I hiked to Middle Street. This soon stopped though as the reserve is even more flooded than previously, the cloud had built too and now when the sun did shine through and start to warm things up it was accompanied by an icy breeze. So I drew a blank again but did pick up Reed Buntings, Little Egret, Sparrow hawk, Red Kite and Buzzard on the notable bird front. Even more notable was a bloody gurt Raven gronking loudly as it passed overhead whilst I was on the Town Path. It spiralled round and down before landing in the field a dwarfing a male Blackbird near to it.
Almost at home I checked in on the Brimstone and it was still there, hanging upside down in its own little tent of leaves.
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It was still there on Sunday when we set off for Ikea and when we got back. Come Monday afternoon when I went to Post Office I thought it would have nipped off during the morning when it was blue sky and sunny but nope it was still there.
As January ended and we broke into February I started to get itchy feet. This is the time of year when the sap starts to rise, the buds start to unfurl and the anticipation starts to build. So I found myself wandering Middle Street-ward for no better reason than it was the first time in since I didn’t know when! This was a very early visit and was actually just a recce, a chance to see how things lay ready for the season ahead. Where were the likely looking spots? Were there any quagmires (giggity) to avoid, any fallen branches blocking the path ways etc? Despite a few moments when some falling or odd coloured leaves or even blades of grass twitching in the slightest of breezes caught my eye I wasn’t surprised when I didn’t see any butterflies. It was still good to catch up with Reed Buntings and the ever explosive Cetti’s; the cooler crisp air seeming to make his call even more ear shattering. On the return journey a teenager Herring Gull did a few piratical passes.
Take 2 (22-02-2020)
With the days continuing to lengthen, the sap rising higher and the first flowers of spring in bloom I felt like it was time to venture forth and try my luck at Middle Street once more. Normally I’m onto my first butterflies in February and whilst it wasn’t a mini unseasonal heat wave like in 2019 I have seen butterflies at around this time of year in cooler, greyer and damper conditions than we’ve experienced.
Today there was a first; it was the first time in 2020 that I got caught out by the weather forecast. I’ve come to take anything the Weather People say with a bucket worth of salt but I’d obviously forgotten this over the winter months and so despite showing no rain and light cloud I only got as far as the other side of the wooden bridge before the sun disappeared, the temperature dropped and down came the rain swiftly followed by hail.
Take 2b (01-03-2020)
So the second visit proper saw me wandering through ‘mud’n bullets’ as my dad says, the paths churned into a quagmire (giggity) by dog walkers and poaching anglers. Dennis had menaced the site with one of the tracks blocked with a fallen tree and the various ditches and depressions were serving their purpose – they were filled with water. Needless to say I didn’t see any butterflies on this trip either despite the slightly more favourable conditions and even the birds were scarce today, the only calls coming from the football pitch. I learnt that apparently Ron is a ‘fornicating phallus’?
Take 3 (07-03-2020)
It must be third time lucky now surely? So I decided that as soon as the chores were done I would take the now familiar stroll along the Town Path, cut through Harnham and saunter round Middle Street. During the morning around town the air was clear, the sky blue but there was still a nip in the air. As the morning wore on the occasional wisps of cloud appeared, the temperature started to rise and the cold breeze picked up meaning that when it blew the temp dropped back down again. It was one of those typical spring days which remind me of the mum and the dad bear in the Goldilocks story; the weather was too cold, or too windy or too dull – it was never just right!
Still I set out hopefully and as I turned the corner from South Street to Harcourt Terrace there was a sight that lifted my soul. The blazing yellow of a Brimstone. I watched it land on the flattened top of a hedge and by standing a few paces back and holding my camera out at full stretch I was able to get a few shots. I was stopped and asked what I was doing by the neighbourhood watch but when I explained that I lived round the corner and that I was watching a butterfly this seemed to placate them. Luckily to add further credence to my excuse and reassure them that I wasn’t casing the joint the butterfly took off and started patrolling along the hedges along one side of the street. After a while it landed in another high bit of hedge and I kept my eye on its position and at the same time kept an eye on the NW. Once they were gone I had a think about how I could get some closer shots and in the end reasoned that if I stood on the low wall at the bottom of the hedge, leant in slightly and held my camera in one hand I might be able to get something on the memory card. So that’s what I did.
After this I found that there was a definite spring in my step as I hiked to Middle Street. This soon stopped though as the reserve is even more flooded than previously, the cloud had built too and now when the sun did shine through and start to warm things up it was accompanied by an icy breeze. So I drew a blank again but did pick up Reed Buntings, Little Egret, Sparrow hawk, Red Kite and Buzzard on the notable bird front. Even more notable was a bloody gurt Raven gronking loudly as it passed overhead whilst I was on the Town Path. It spiralled round and down before landing in the field a dwarfing a male Blackbird near to it.
Almost at home I checked in on the Brimstone and it was still there, hanging upside down in its own little tent of leaves.
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It was still there on Sunday when we set off for Ikea and when we got back. Come Monday afternoon when I went to Post Office I thought it would have nipped off during the morning when it was blue sky and sunny but nope it was still there.
Work – First Butterfly Photo! 26-02-2020
Having broken my duck back in January it was feeling like an eternity between my first sighting; an agonising view of a Red Admiral as it fluttered up high from one patch of Ivy to another; and my second. However all good things come to those who wait…
Having worked exceedingly well for almost all of the penultimate lesson of the day there came the inevitable lull in activity of my year 10 class during the final 5 minutes or so. I didn’t mind initially as we’d managed to get almost 2 lessons worth of work covered in three quarters of a lesson. I minded even less when one of the pupils who has a penchant for insects pointed out a butterfly fluttering against the window. I’d been carrying my camera since being caught out by my first butterfly so I grabbed it and positioned myself for my first 2020 butterfly shots. Its mournful tapping against the glass was a stark contrast to the satisfaction of finally viewing a butterfly through the viewfinder.
After this I wondered where it had come from and what to do with it? As for the forst question the ceiling tiles on this side of the building are closely fitting, even overlapping so it couldn’t have come from above. Both doors and windows were open so it’s possible it was disturbed from the ‘paint store’ and was flying along the side of the building and had come in only to be trapped with a room full of year 10’s!
As to the second question – there was a weak sun, little to no breeze and the temperature was just nudging double figures so the initial observer carefully carried it on his finger tip to one of the bushes lining the building and let it go to seek more conducive quarters. And I got back to teaching…more Bond Energy calculations…
Having worked exceedingly well for almost all of the penultimate lesson of the day there came the inevitable lull in activity of my year 10 class during the final 5 minutes or so. I didn’t mind initially as we’d managed to get almost 2 lessons worth of work covered in three quarters of a lesson. I minded even less when one of the pupils who has a penchant for insects pointed out a butterfly fluttering against the window. I’d been carrying my camera since being caught out by my first butterfly so I grabbed it and positioned myself for my first 2020 butterfly shots. Its mournful tapping against the glass was a stark contrast to the satisfaction of finally viewing a butterfly through the viewfinder.
After this I wondered where it had come from and what to do with it? As for the forst question the ceiling tiles on this side of the building are closely fitting, even overlapping so it couldn’t have come from above. Both doors and windows were open so it’s possible it was disturbed from the ‘paint store’ and was flying along the side of the building and had come in only to be trapped with a room full of year 10’s!
As to the second question – there was a weak sun, little to no breeze and the temperature was just nudging double figures so the initial observer carefully carried it on his finger tip to one of the bushes lining the building and let it go to seek more conducive quarters. And I got back to teaching…more Bond Energy calculations…
