Another twofer 31-03-2021
Work first...
After the mini heatwave yesterday it was a much cloudier and slightly cooler affair as I set off for my usual lunchtime walk. A Small Tort was playing along the edge of the field near the dumped hump to stop Traveller incursions but if I hadn’t have been chatting to the smokers I’d have missed it. I carried on down along the field scanning all around to no avail and then headed down the back track to the half way point adding a second Small Tort and a Peacock on the journey. It seemed like the cloud was going to be a mixed blessing - yes it would calm everything down but it would also keep some of the butterflies hidden away.
Just past the mound a brace of Peacocks were controlling the airspace and one was supping at a Daffodil just as a Small Tort had been the day before. Along to the end there were three more Small Torts bringing the total to 5 and at the very end a Peacock posed nicely on the Grape Hyacinth/Muscari opening up and revealing a very sombre stained glass window.
The return visit back to the half way point saw a total of four Small Torts and two Peacocks – one remaining at the mound and the second on the corner of the vegetation at the half-way point. A charm of Goldfinches on the rockery had scared off any butterflies but I did spy a Small Tort in one of the gardens in the estate as I cut back through. After the double digits yesterday things were a fair bit quieter today either because the butterflies had dispersed after their emergence or they were keeping a low profile in the cooler climate with only the real stalwarts hanging out.
A cooler climate
Only the stalwarts stay out
The rest hide away
Just past the mound a brace of Peacocks were controlling the airspace and one was supping at a Daffodil just as a Small Tort had been the day before. Along to the end there were three more Small Torts bringing the total to 5 and at the very end a Peacock posed nicely on the Grape Hyacinth/Muscari opening up and revealing a very sombre stained glass window.
The return visit back to the half way point saw a total of four Small Torts and two Peacocks – one remaining at the mound and the second on the corner of the vegetation at the half-way point. A charm of Goldfinches on the rockery had scared off any butterflies but I did spy a Small Tort in one of the gardens in the estate as I cut back through. After the double digits yesterday things were a fair bit quieter today either because the butterflies had dispersed after their emergence or they were keeping a low profile in the cooler climate with only the real stalwarts hanging out.
A cooler climate
Only the stalwarts stay out
The rest hide away
Five Rivers 31-03-2021
I stopped off on way home – not at the usual Larkhill pull-in but actually at Five Rivers. I had hoped that the sun would be beating down on the Banks but unfortunately I had no such luck as when I pulled into the car park despite it still being reasonably right the sky was a light grey from wall to wall. As I strolled along the riverside path I spotted a Peacock on the fallen tree in the spot which the Red Admirals prefer during the autumn but approaching it would have meant a fair bit of trampling and like as not it would have flown long before I’d got it in range so instead I just watched it for a short while, marvelling at how it held its wings so flat it seemed to almost meld into the dead wood.
A quick scan around at both the lower and upper side of Comma Corner saw me drawing a blank and as I set off along the Banks I wondered to myself if I’d made the right call – perhaps I should have banked the Brownie points and just gone straight home? However a Comma holding territory on one of the tiny tracks down the Banks proved me wrong. I could see why it had chosen this particular spot as on either side the grasses were tall and impenetrable in some places whereas on this little track the grass had been kept down by infrequent trampling of passers by trying to get from the Banks to the Riverside path. The shorter turf meant that it could sit with wings held wide open and so maximise the amount of heat it could absorb while also having a clear view of those entering its air space.
Slightly further along there was a Peacock which was trying a slightly different tactic in that instead of occupying a track way it was flitting from flattened patch to flattened patch. It would land, open its wings wide and try to bask in the brightness rather than the full glare of the sun. After a short while it would take to the air and seek out a similar flattened patch.
I carried on and upon reaching the end of the Banks I looked from the corner along towards the far corner. The wind was whipping along and the clouds seemed to be thickening from that direction so rather than continuing on a circuit and headed back the way I’d come, sticking to the relatively sheltered Banks. The Peacock was probably around somewhere but I didn’t see it whereas the Comma was much easier to relocate. It was still holding its territory on the tiny trackway and had probably only moved 10 centimetres from where I’d first seen it.
Back at Comma Corner there was a second Peacock but it was pretty skittish even in the cool and increasing drear and there was also an interesting looking bee mimic Hoverfly. However the sun had definitely given up and wasn’t looking like it was ever going to find its hat let alone put it on so I made for home. As I drove away I hoped for better weather but as we’re starting the break tomorrow I’m sure that the weather will take a turn to the poopy side.
Comma and Peacock
On a cloudy afternoon
Where art thou oh sun?
A quick scan around at both the lower and upper side of Comma Corner saw me drawing a blank and as I set off along the Banks I wondered to myself if I’d made the right call – perhaps I should have banked the Brownie points and just gone straight home? However a Comma holding territory on one of the tiny tracks down the Banks proved me wrong. I could see why it had chosen this particular spot as on either side the grasses were tall and impenetrable in some places whereas on this little track the grass had been kept down by infrequent trampling of passers by trying to get from the Banks to the Riverside path. The shorter turf meant that it could sit with wings held wide open and so maximise the amount of heat it could absorb while also having a clear view of those entering its air space.
Slightly further along there was a Peacock which was trying a slightly different tactic in that instead of occupying a track way it was flitting from flattened patch to flattened patch. It would land, open its wings wide and try to bask in the brightness rather than the full glare of the sun. After a short while it would take to the air and seek out a similar flattened patch.
I carried on and upon reaching the end of the Banks I looked from the corner along towards the far corner. The wind was whipping along and the clouds seemed to be thickening from that direction so rather than continuing on a circuit and headed back the way I’d come, sticking to the relatively sheltered Banks. The Peacock was probably around somewhere but I didn’t see it whereas the Comma was much easier to relocate. It was still holding its territory on the tiny trackway and had probably only moved 10 centimetres from where I’d first seen it.
Back at Comma Corner there was a second Peacock but it was pretty skittish even in the cool and increasing drear and there was also an interesting looking bee mimic Hoverfly. However the sun had definitely given up and wasn’t looking like it was ever going to find its hat let alone put it on so I made for home. As I drove away I hoped for better weather but as we’re starting the break tomorrow I’m sure that the weather will take a turn to the poopy side.
Comma and Peacock
On a cloudy afternoon
Where art thou oh sun?
Work 30-03-2021
Today was even warmer than yesterday – it’s going to make the forecasted drop in temperatures even harder to take. It was also quite frustrating watching a couple of butterflies through the window as I waited for lunchtime to arrive. A Brimstone actually landed on the shrubs and started nectaring – probably just taunting me as I was stuck teaching and then a Peacock went passing by and landed on the same bush. It would normally have been so easy to just grab my camera and nip out for a few shots but not now what with the one-way system in place as well having to record lessons in case anyone is absent.
When the lunch bell did arrive I was away out of the door. I really needed this especially as I faced the School Improvement Partner last lesson and then we had a Teams Meeting to discuss the GCSE Exams that aren’t actually exams but are tests that are based on GCSE Exam questions and have similar grade boundaries which will be used to give pupils a GCSE equivalent grade. There’s no-one quite like the DfE for calling a flat bladed digging instrument such when we all know that it’s a spade! Sorry politics over back to butterflies…
I walked the length of the field, down the back path ad there were good numbers of Small Torts along the way – the recent heat must have finally encouraged them out – or more likely got the retired local residents to open up their sheds! By the time I’d reached the half way point I’d counted a minimum of 5 Small Torts and only one Peacock which had been lurking in a garden. Most of the butterflies were very active and so to avoid double counting I only counted those before me or those that flew towards me. If they flew away then I waited to see if I’d catch up with them again. At the half way point photography got a little easier as the bank on the left hand side offers shelter and nectar sources and also restricts the area that the butterflies are found in as up to here they can fly into the field or over the fences and into gardens. I started picking up a few more Peacocks including two that were chasing each other round the tree at the start of the small lawn at the half way point. All along the Small Torts and Peacocks fluttered about and were surprisingly active but in a mid gear sort of way. They’d be busy feeding and move rapidly from flower to flower so getting shots was tricky but they weren’t flying great distances so counting was easier and so I found myself only trying for certain shots. At the turn around point I’d racked up a minimum count of 9 Small Torts and 8 Peacocks but there were probably more.
So to the return trip and although I’d cut back through the estate I reset the tally to zero and off I went again just trying for shots if they were handed to me on a plate. Looking back in my notebook the order of play ran; Small Tort, 3 Small Torts, 2 Small Torts and a Peacock in the garden, at the mound 2 Small Torts. As the track narrowed after the Parrot garden I noticed that the butterflies were now less likely to be buzzing around nectar sources but rather they were perching on the Brambles more often than not. One Peacock even seemed to be seeking out shade and was closed up possibly having gotten too warm? To be fair the temperatures have more than doubled in a couple of days so it must be a shock to the system.
At the half way point I turned right and stopped briefly at the Rockery where I saw my final Small Tort and brace of Peacocks of the outing. All told there had been a minimum 11 Small Torts and 4 Peacocks on this part of the return journey so a very productive 20 minutes!
Peacocks a plenty
And bucket loads of Small Torts
Short spring for a time
When the lunch bell did arrive I was away out of the door. I really needed this especially as I faced the School Improvement Partner last lesson and then we had a Teams Meeting to discuss the GCSE Exams that aren’t actually exams but are tests that are based on GCSE Exam questions and have similar grade boundaries which will be used to give pupils a GCSE equivalent grade. There’s no-one quite like the DfE for calling a flat bladed digging instrument such when we all know that it’s a spade! Sorry politics over back to butterflies…
I walked the length of the field, down the back path ad there were good numbers of Small Torts along the way – the recent heat must have finally encouraged them out – or more likely got the retired local residents to open up their sheds! By the time I’d reached the half way point I’d counted a minimum of 5 Small Torts and only one Peacock which had been lurking in a garden. Most of the butterflies were very active and so to avoid double counting I only counted those before me or those that flew towards me. If they flew away then I waited to see if I’d catch up with them again. At the half way point photography got a little easier as the bank on the left hand side offers shelter and nectar sources and also restricts the area that the butterflies are found in as up to here they can fly into the field or over the fences and into gardens. I started picking up a few more Peacocks including two that were chasing each other round the tree at the start of the small lawn at the half way point. All along the Small Torts and Peacocks fluttered about and were surprisingly active but in a mid gear sort of way. They’d be busy feeding and move rapidly from flower to flower so getting shots was tricky but they weren’t flying great distances so counting was easier and so I found myself only trying for certain shots. At the turn around point I’d racked up a minimum count of 9 Small Torts and 8 Peacocks but there were probably more.
So to the return trip and although I’d cut back through the estate I reset the tally to zero and off I went again just trying for shots if they were handed to me on a plate. Looking back in my notebook the order of play ran; Small Tort, 3 Small Torts, 2 Small Torts and a Peacock in the garden, at the mound 2 Small Torts. As the track narrowed after the Parrot garden I noticed that the butterflies were now less likely to be buzzing around nectar sources but rather they were perching on the Brambles more often than not. One Peacock even seemed to be seeking out shade and was closed up possibly having gotten too warm? To be fair the temperatures have more than doubled in a couple of days so it must be a shock to the system.
At the half way point I turned right and stopped briefly at the Rockery where I saw my final Small Tort and brace of Peacocks of the outing. All told there had been a minimum 11 Small Torts and 4 Peacocks on this part of the return journey so a very productive 20 minutes!
Peacocks a plenty
And bucket loads of Small Torts
Short spring for a time
Making Hay will the sun shines...29-03-2021
Work 29-03-2021
And so begins the final week before the holiday…well several few days and with it the promise of a mini summer but ending promptly for the first day of the break – what a surprise – when we’ll revert back to something resembling winter. Oh well better make hay while the sun shines. So it was today with everything prepared for lessons 4, 5 and 6 during my free of lesson 3 and lunch eaten at the same time. The minute the bell went I was gone, like a sprinter off the blocks I was out of the door and away across the field. I was moving so fast that as I passed the smokers their fumes made spiral patterns in my slipstream. I was brought up short by a Small Tort right by the gate to the garages. To prevent Travellers getting onto the field a large earthen mind had been thrown up and the Small Tort was using this as a basking spot until I went hurtling by. It vacated this spot and landed on the field for a record shot. A second Small Tort down near the corner of the field in the Nettle patch was a little more approachable.
A Peacock messed around at the half way point – whizzing around and about and feigning settling, just to veer back skywards chuckling as it went. I pressed on and near the seed mound a Small Tort dancing delicately atop a Celandine whilst the fourth of the day stuck out like a sore thumb amid the dead grasses at the end. I managed to successfully avoid the P.I.T.A dog and hurried back to the lab, pausing on the way to get a few shots of a ‘party’ of fungi.
I might head to Middle Street later to take advantage of the glorious weather and see some more butterflies hopefully! There will be a regular Hay mountain by the end of this sunny period.
Last few days of sun
Winter is on its way back
As the break starts, natch…
A Peacock messed around at the half way point – whizzing around and about and feigning settling, just to veer back skywards chuckling as it went. I pressed on and near the seed mound a Small Tort dancing delicately atop a Celandine whilst the fourth of the day stuck out like a sore thumb amid the dead grasses at the end. I managed to successfully avoid the P.I.T.A dog and hurried back to the lab, pausing on the way to get a few shots of a ‘party’ of fungi.
I might head to Middle Street later to take advantage of the glorious weather and see some more butterflies hopefully! There will be a regular Hay mountain by the end of this sunny period.
Last few days of sun
Winter is on its way back
As the break starts, natch…
Middle Street 29-03-2021
After work I practically flew home and got all the chores done in record time so before tea I headed out and took a stroll to Middle Street. The weather felt balmy compared to what we’ve experienced recently and it was a novel experience to be out without a jacket, even in the T-shirt and jumper I still felt somewhat overdressed. I was greeted by a Brimstone almost immediately I was through the gate but it was more of a passing hello than a full on greeting. Next up was a Small Tort which I followed down to near the little nook. A second Small Tort spotted the first from its vantage point and so a scarp ensued. It was good fun to watch up until a Peacock that I wanted to try and photograph joined in. One of the Small Torts, I suppose it would be considered the victor, came back to earth in a series of gentle glides and turns and started busily refuelling.
After such a good start I eagerly made my way round to the Hotspot and it didn’t disappoint as it was alive with butterflies. I could make out 5 Small Torts and 2 Peacocks as I scanned across the Quagmire (giggity) path and the flat field. They seemed to take it in turns to annoy/be annoyed by a neighbour and at one point I watch as 2 battling Small Torts are joined by a third, then a fourth and finally when they all seem a bit weary a Peacock wades in trying to look all hard and impressive; “look at me taking on four Small Torts” he seems to cry loudly as he swoops in to attack – never mind the fact that all the Small Torts are battle worn and exhausted from the scrap!
Whilst this is going on I manage to skirt around the edge of the small field and approach the dried pond from behind. As I’m contemplating the best way to get down into the pond without disturbing any of the butterflies and without snagging my jean a pair of Brimstones fly past each other on the far side as if to entice me onwards. So I carefully work my way down, slowly threading me foot down between branches and old reeds and pausing to let the wildlife calm back down again before inching forward through repetition of this manoeuvre. Once I’m safely down I scan around and spot a number of Bee-fly, a Comma and a very yellow leaf which looks totally out of place amid the beige/grey of dead reeds. It’s a Brimstone, its camouflage letting down for once so after a record shot of the Comma I slowly, ever so slowly, make my way across to the Lemon One. Leaving it in peace I reverse and try to reach the Comma but despite my sterling and almost Ninja like stalking skills it takes off. Only to fly round me once and then decide to land on my leg.
After these intimate encounters I started round the pond, the large actually filled one that is and I spotted my first stand of Cuckoo Flower…OT’s can’t be far away now! On the near side of the pond a Peacock played around in the bushes and tried to embroil me in a game of chase and on the far side there was another brace of Peacocks one taking up quarters on each of the jetties. Then I reached Dip 1 and things started to heat up again. I took a quick stroll through the Dip and then climbed out onto the bank path turning back to scan across and down into the Dip. I watched for a couple of minutes noting where various butterflies took off from and where they landed again. At the end of the time I counted 2 Peacocks and I could see 4 different Small Torts – all of which had helpfully chosen an uncluttered spot to bask in so they stood out like a sore thumb; a little gemstone on a bed of straw. Dip 2 was a bit quieter with only 2 Peacocks but between Dip 2 and 3 there was again a courting couple of Small Torts and Dip 3 relative to its size was the busiest with 3 Peacocks and 2 Small Torts. This brought the total to a cracking 10 Peacocks and 15 Small Torts. There could have been more of each but I was doing my damnedest not to double count.
I reached the end and started the walk back noting Small Torts and Peacocks in all three of the Dips and then carried on past Dip 1 back to the Hotspot for a final check out before I checked out. There were 4 Small Torts ranging around the small, flat field and a single Peacock and in the dried up pond there was a second Peacock replacing the Comma which had now either vacated the property or had crawled into a nook or cranny and gone to bed. Over on the far side of the pond I spied a small white butterfly fluttering about. Carefully crossing over I could just make it out amid the uppermost Brambles which tower above you when you’re ‘in’ the pond. A distant record shot was all I could manage so see if you can spot the Small White.
A/ the Small Tort was on the corner near the nook still and there was another one at the end of the path near the entrance sign. The final butterflies of the day were a brace of Peacocks which were absorbing the evening sun whilst hanging from the boundary the fence. What a fantastic visit, if only it was going to continue in a similar vein from now on…
A cracking evening
Butterflies running amok
Fools Spring is now here
After such a good start I eagerly made my way round to the Hotspot and it didn’t disappoint as it was alive with butterflies. I could make out 5 Small Torts and 2 Peacocks as I scanned across the Quagmire (giggity) path and the flat field. They seemed to take it in turns to annoy/be annoyed by a neighbour and at one point I watch as 2 battling Small Torts are joined by a third, then a fourth and finally when they all seem a bit weary a Peacock wades in trying to look all hard and impressive; “look at me taking on four Small Torts” he seems to cry loudly as he swoops in to attack – never mind the fact that all the Small Torts are battle worn and exhausted from the scrap!
Whilst this is going on I manage to skirt around the edge of the small field and approach the dried pond from behind. As I’m contemplating the best way to get down into the pond without disturbing any of the butterflies and without snagging my jean a pair of Brimstones fly past each other on the far side as if to entice me onwards. So I carefully work my way down, slowly threading me foot down between branches and old reeds and pausing to let the wildlife calm back down again before inching forward through repetition of this manoeuvre. Once I’m safely down I scan around and spot a number of Bee-fly, a Comma and a very yellow leaf which looks totally out of place amid the beige/grey of dead reeds. It’s a Brimstone, its camouflage letting down for once so after a record shot of the Comma I slowly, ever so slowly, make my way across to the Lemon One. Leaving it in peace I reverse and try to reach the Comma but despite my sterling and almost Ninja like stalking skills it takes off. Only to fly round me once and then decide to land on my leg.
After these intimate encounters I started round the pond, the large actually filled one that is and I spotted my first stand of Cuckoo Flower…OT’s can’t be far away now! On the near side of the pond a Peacock played around in the bushes and tried to embroil me in a game of chase and on the far side there was another brace of Peacocks one taking up quarters on each of the jetties. Then I reached Dip 1 and things started to heat up again. I took a quick stroll through the Dip and then climbed out onto the bank path turning back to scan across and down into the Dip. I watched for a couple of minutes noting where various butterflies took off from and where they landed again. At the end of the time I counted 2 Peacocks and I could see 4 different Small Torts – all of which had helpfully chosen an uncluttered spot to bask in so they stood out like a sore thumb; a little gemstone on a bed of straw. Dip 2 was a bit quieter with only 2 Peacocks but between Dip 2 and 3 there was again a courting couple of Small Torts and Dip 3 relative to its size was the busiest with 3 Peacocks and 2 Small Torts. This brought the total to a cracking 10 Peacocks and 15 Small Torts. There could have been more of each but I was doing my damnedest not to double count.
I reached the end and started the walk back noting Small Torts and Peacocks in all three of the Dips and then carried on past Dip 1 back to the Hotspot for a final check out before I checked out. There were 4 Small Torts ranging around the small, flat field and a single Peacock and in the dried up pond there was a second Peacock replacing the Comma which had now either vacated the property or had crawled into a nook or cranny and gone to bed. Over on the far side of the pond I spied a small white butterfly fluttering about. Carefully crossing over I could just make it out amid the uppermost Brambles which tower above you when you’re ‘in’ the pond. A distant record shot was all I could manage so see if you can spot the Small White.
A/ the Small Tort was on the corner near the nook still and there was another one at the end of the path near the entrance sign. The final butterflies of the day were a brace of Peacocks which were absorbing the evening sun whilst hanging from the boundary the fence. What a fantastic visit, if only it was going to continue in a similar vein from now on…
A cracking evening
Butterflies running amok
Fools Spring is now here
Middle Street 27-03-2021
The sun was shining and my Saturday morning chores were completed so I decided to take a quick wander to Middle Street…Of course as soon as I got to the other side of the Town Path it clouded over. I swear the clouds lurk up at the Race course and wait for me to set off before they roll down the hills and across the city. Oh well I was out and I’d walked so far that I may as well push on…
Down to and around the Hotspot was all quiet so I carried on checking out the Dips. There was nothing doing here either apart from a Bee Fly. In the cloud induced cool it sat with wings beating but I could still just make out sets of spots on each which allowing me to ID it as a Bombylius discolour- Dotted Bee-fly. The black bum would have been the other feature to use and as this was lacking a line of white spots this particular individual was a male.
I did a circuit round but didn’t see much else apart from a Nuthatch down on the deck which seemed a little odd. Back at the Hotspot I snuck under the Willow and tried to use it as a bird hide. It would have worked a treat as I could focus on the bird feeders in the neighbouring garden however a set of reeds keep being blown across just at inopportune moments and the birds were a bit jittery. I spotted a black triangle in the distance in the garden and in the lightest of breaks the butterfly unfolded its wings and promptly disappeared from view. Its normally the other way round but because of where I was I was the same plane as the now flat butterfly. It stayed there for about 15 minutes, not moving and neither did I as I was hoping that it might be able to absorb just enough of the suns’ heat to enable it to take a little foray flight but alas the cloud banked back over and so my patient vigil was to no avail.
I worked back round to Dip 1 again and again all seemed quiet. A Bee-fly again caught my eye and this time it sat with its wings still so I could get a shot of the spots on the transparent wings. I lovely looking little beasty I thought and then my opinion changed somewhat as I remembered that it parasitizes various bees!
As I was disconsolately making my way back towards the Hotspot to see if the Peacock had moved an individual of that very same species flew towards me down the path, went round my head once and then flew/dropped into some vegetation at the edge of the path. It crawled about and when I leant over to try for a few shots it flashed its eyes at me no doubt trying to convince me that it wasn’t an ickle butterfly but a rabid monster!
At this juncture the weather cut me some slack and the sun didn’t so much as come out but kind of illuminated the clouds so there was a slight brightening and with it an infinitesimal increase in the temperature. It was so slight that I didn’t think it would make a difference but it was just enough to encourage the butterfly to come out and try and bask a little. I watched at it crawled rather than flew to a more open spot in the vegetation and then it opened up, starting with the slightest flicker and then each subsequent flicker became deeper and broader until it was wings a kimbo. As the cloud thickened and absorbed the sun more efficiently the Peacock was still out in the open so I offered it my finger and after a few shots in payment I placed it in a small nook in the vegetation from where it crawled back into deeper cover. This allowed me to get a nice close up view – I love that their eyes are chequered
Leaving this Peacock here I quickly made my way back to the Hotspot, dove under the Willow and scanned across the garden – the first Peacock was still place so was a different individual. Cheered by this I developed a sense of false hope and therefore made another circuit round with nothing new to add!
After lunch I took another trip out – just to Fiver Rivers but again the weather was against me and it seems that I’d used up all my luck earlier. The best I could come up with was a Tawny Mining Bee – nice but no butterfly.
A chance encounter
Despite the thick cloud cover
Peacocks shining bright
Down to and around the Hotspot was all quiet so I carried on checking out the Dips. There was nothing doing here either apart from a Bee Fly. In the cloud induced cool it sat with wings beating but I could still just make out sets of spots on each which allowing me to ID it as a Bombylius discolour- Dotted Bee-fly. The black bum would have been the other feature to use and as this was lacking a line of white spots this particular individual was a male.
I did a circuit round but didn’t see much else apart from a Nuthatch down on the deck which seemed a little odd. Back at the Hotspot I snuck under the Willow and tried to use it as a bird hide. It would have worked a treat as I could focus on the bird feeders in the neighbouring garden however a set of reeds keep being blown across just at inopportune moments and the birds were a bit jittery. I spotted a black triangle in the distance in the garden and in the lightest of breaks the butterfly unfolded its wings and promptly disappeared from view. Its normally the other way round but because of where I was I was the same plane as the now flat butterfly. It stayed there for about 15 minutes, not moving and neither did I as I was hoping that it might be able to absorb just enough of the suns’ heat to enable it to take a little foray flight but alas the cloud banked back over and so my patient vigil was to no avail.
I worked back round to Dip 1 again and again all seemed quiet. A Bee-fly again caught my eye and this time it sat with its wings still so I could get a shot of the spots on the transparent wings. I lovely looking little beasty I thought and then my opinion changed somewhat as I remembered that it parasitizes various bees!
As I was disconsolately making my way back towards the Hotspot to see if the Peacock had moved an individual of that very same species flew towards me down the path, went round my head once and then flew/dropped into some vegetation at the edge of the path. It crawled about and when I leant over to try for a few shots it flashed its eyes at me no doubt trying to convince me that it wasn’t an ickle butterfly but a rabid monster!
At this juncture the weather cut me some slack and the sun didn’t so much as come out but kind of illuminated the clouds so there was a slight brightening and with it an infinitesimal increase in the temperature. It was so slight that I didn’t think it would make a difference but it was just enough to encourage the butterfly to come out and try and bask a little. I watched at it crawled rather than flew to a more open spot in the vegetation and then it opened up, starting with the slightest flicker and then each subsequent flicker became deeper and broader until it was wings a kimbo. As the cloud thickened and absorbed the sun more efficiently the Peacock was still out in the open so I offered it my finger and after a few shots in payment I placed it in a small nook in the vegetation from where it crawled back into deeper cover. This allowed me to get a nice close up view – I love that their eyes are chequered
Leaving this Peacock here I quickly made my way back to the Hotspot, dove under the Willow and scanned across the garden – the first Peacock was still place so was a different individual. Cheered by this I developed a sense of false hope and therefore made another circuit round with nothing new to add!
After lunch I took another trip out – just to Fiver Rivers but again the weather was against me and it seems that I’d used up all my luck earlier. The best I could come up with was a Tawny Mining Bee – nice but no butterfly.
A chance encounter
Despite the thick cloud cover
Peacocks shining bright
Work 24th and 25th March
Work 24-03-2021
I did manage to get out at this lunchtime but it was still cool and cloudy. In the end it turned out to be a little too cool and cloudy with only two Small Torts seen both seen near the far end on the top of the bank near the most recently cleared sections. Tomorrow looks warmer and sunnier so hopefully things might be a bit easier although it is set to be breezier…so I might see some butterflies as they’re swept off into the distance…
Work 25-03-2021
“The sun doth shine and the wind doth blo-ow” to misquote Tenacious D pretty much summed up the weather today. When there was a lull in the wind it was beautifully tranquil else times it was very blowy and the breeze had a sharp edge to it, hacking the temperatures back down. I reckoned that the field would be a bust as it’s exposed nature would rally let the wind would really let rip and so I dove down through the housing estate to the half-way point though despite the shelter offered by hedges, walls and the buildings themselves I didn’t see anything until I was wandering along the narrow trackway.
First butterfly of the day was unsurprisingly a Small Tort at the edge of the field and so I had to pull the usual – reach hands through the fence trick which I’m getting quite good at now. It seems odd that they often position themselves with their backs to the fence – I suppose the longer tussocks of grass must make them feel secure behind and the greatest threat/mortal rival will arrive from the field?
I carry on right to the end with nothing new to add and at the end I start musing as to whether it’s going to be one of those days. My inner reflection is brought to a shattering and heart stopping finale as one of the neighbours dogs head suddenly appears a few inches from my face. I watch as it runs back towards the house, turns and sprints back across the garden launching itself at the fence so its head rears over the top like a stomach bursting Alien, a wall teeth, growls and saliva. Normally I don’t mind dogs but in this case it looks like I might need to bring a cricket bat…
On the return the wind quietens down a little and so the butterflies start making an appearance. At the large patch of Celandines near the Parrot mound I soy two Small Torts and manage a couple of shots before the breeze once again picks up and whips them away across the field when they try and move from one patch to another. When the breeze dies down again there’s another different Small Tort making it 4 for the day.
Chuffed by this I started on my walk back and for some reason found myself on the path along the back rather than cutting through the estate. I didn’t mind though as I was joined by an Oil Beetle and back on the school field there was a Peacock on the corner waiting to say hello.
Sunny yet breezy
The butterflies struggle on
Strong fragility?
I did manage to get out at this lunchtime but it was still cool and cloudy. In the end it turned out to be a little too cool and cloudy with only two Small Torts seen both seen near the far end on the top of the bank near the most recently cleared sections. Tomorrow looks warmer and sunnier so hopefully things might be a bit easier although it is set to be breezier…so I might see some butterflies as they’re swept off into the distance…
Work 25-03-2021
“The sun doth shine and the wind doth blo-ow” to misquote Tenacious D pretty much summed up the weather today. When there was a lull in the wind it was beautifully tranquil else times it was very blowy and the breeze had a sharp edge to it, hacking the temperatures back down. I reckoned that the field would be a bust as it’s exposed nature would rally let the wind would really let rip and so I dove down through the housing estate to the half-way point though despite the shelter offered by hedges, walls and the buildings themselves I didn’t see anything until I was wandering along the narrow trackway.
First butterfly of the day was unsurprisingly a Small Tort at the edge of the field and so I had to pull the usual – reach hands through the fence trick which I’m getting quite good at now. It seems odd that they often position themselves with their backs to the fence – I suppose the longer tussocks of grass must make them feel secure behind and the greatest threat/mortal rival will arrive from the field?
I carry on right to the end with nothing new to add and at the end I start musing as to whether it’s going to be one of those days. My inner reflection is brought to a shattering and heart stopping finale as one of the neighbours dogs head suddenly appears a few inches from my face. I watch as it runs back towards the house, turns and sprints back across the garden launching itself at the fence so its head rears over the top like a stomach bursting Alien, a wall teeth, growls and saliva. Normally I don’t mind dogs but in this case it looks like I might need to bring a cricket bat…
On the return the wind quietens down a little and so the butterflies start making an appearance. At the large patch of Celandines near the Parrot mound I soy two Small Torts and manage a couple of shots before the breeze once again picks up and whips them away across the field when they try and move from one patch to another. When the breeze dies down again there’s another different Small Tort making it 4 for the day.
Chuffed by this I started on my walk back and for some reason found myself on the path along the back rather than cutting through the estate. I didn’t mind though as I was joined by an Oil Beetle and back on the school field there was a Peacock on the corner waiting to say hello.
Sunny yet breezy
The butterflies struggle on
Strong fragility?
Work 22-03-2021
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After a brace of Brimstones yesterday I was hopeful of some more today but despite the favourable weather forecast it remained cloudy all morning. I would regularly refresh the weather apps and then take a sneaky look out of the window but with each passing hour the weather apps updated to show the cloud lasting a little bit longer every time I checked. It wasn’t looking good so I gave up all thoughts of getting out for a walk over lunch…that is until my pre-lunch class had packed up and were awaiting the second ‘go’ bell. The sun was back so I grabbed my camera and set off like a sprinter from the blocks only not with a starter pistol but a starter bell.
As I cut through the estate making for the half way point of the back path I was briefly joined by a Small Tort. It was fluttering about on the other side of the garden under the window sills so I left it and pressed on. At half way point a second Small Tort landed on a Celandine and fed for a while so I managed a couple of shots. Slightly further on I encountered another three but they’re all up high partaking of nectar from, what I think is a Cherry blossom. I’d not seen it looking so heavily laden before and it might not make my life any better. It seemed like the butterflies preferred a drop of the pinky white stuff to the yellow Celandines which meant they were up high away from my lens and not fluttering down around my feet!
Still I’d notched up 5 to this point but I didn’t add anymore on the final stretch up to the end. When I made the return journey I spied out two Small Torts but I didn’t count them so as not to double count. The first was early on in my return and was hanging about on the bank near the mountain of nut shells behind the Parrott sheds. The other was further along the path while I walked back the long way towards the field. It was in the neighbouring field again too far for my lens.
Work 23-03-2021
After the success of yesterday I again ventured forth with the mantra of fortune favouring the brave ringing in my ears I cut through the housing estate the cloud swallowed the sun up completely. Suddenly I wondered about that particular mantra but my musings were cut short as I spied a single large break in the cloud which looked to be heading the right way and at the correct speed to hit just as I reached the halfway point. So with a slight spring in my step I pressed on.
In my eagerness I arrived a little too soon but took advantage of the cooler conditions under the cloud by capturing a couple of shots of a Carder Bee. The slightly lower temperature and the shade had calmed it down and it seemed happy to sit and patiently wait, its head buried head deep in a Dandelion. Slightly further on Bee-fly was also slightly comatose in the coolness so I got a few shot of it while it was actually sitting still. As for the butterflies? Well the sun never did reach the path while I was there so they were all sitting out the cool/shade. Oh well there’s always tomorrow…
Hit and miss weather
Means hit and miss insect shots
Hope that things improve…
As I cut through the estate making for the half way point of the back path I was briefly joined by a Small Tort. It was fluttering about on the other side of the garden under the window sills so I left it and pressed on. At half way point a second Small Tort landed on a Celandine and fed for a while so I managed a couple of shots. Slightly further on I encountered another three but they’re all up high partaking of nectar from, what I think is a Cherry blossom. I’d not seen it looking so heavily laden before and it might not make my life any better. It seemed like the butterflies preferred a drop of the pinky white stuff to the yellow Celandines which meant they were up high away from my lens and not fluttering down around my feet!
Still I’d notched up 5 to this point but I didn’t add anymore on the final stretch up to the end. When I made the return journey I spied out two Small Torts but I didn’t count them so as not to double count. The first was early on in my return and was hanging about on the bank near the mountain of nut shells behind the Parrott sheds. The other was further along the path while I walked back the long way towards the field. It was in the neighbouring field again too far for my lens.
Work 23-03-2021
After the success of yesterday I again ventured forth with the mantra of fortune favouring the brave ringing in my ears I cut through the housing estate the cloud swallowed the sun up completely. Suddenly I wondered about that particular mantra but my musings were cut short as I spied a single large break in the cloud which looked to be heading the right way and at the correct speed to hit just as I reached the halfway point. So with a slight spring in my step I pressed on.
In my eagerness I arrived a little too soon but took advantage of the cooler conditions under the cloud by capturing a couple of shots of a Carder Bee. The slightly lower temperature and the shade had calmed it down and it seemed happy to sit and patiently wait, its head buried head deep in a Dandelion. Slightly further on Bee-fly was also slightly comatose in the coolness so I got a few shot of it while it was actually sitting still. As for the butterflies? Well the sun never did reach the path while I was there so they were all sitting out the cool/shade. Oh well there’s always tomorrow…
Hit and miss weather
Means hit and miss insect shots
Hope that things improve…
Work 15th and 16th March
Work 15-03-2021
Different week, same weather – cool, cloudy and grey. I still headed out at lunch anyway just for something to do more than for any other reason. As expected there weren’t any butterflies about – far too sensible but I did come across a cat or moth larva. It was out in the open on top of the pallet pile near the end of my walk. It was obviously confident in the security of its hairs and spines.
On the return leg instead of Small Torts feeding on the Celandines it was the turn of a Bee-fly, their furry jacket proving effective insulation. This one, unlike most of the others that I’ve seen sat and fed with its wings still so I was able to get a clear view of the black leading edge which told me that it was a Bombylius major the Dark-edged Bee-fly, as did the dark wedge shaped mark on its side.
On the return leg instead of Small Torts feeding on the Celandines it was the turn of a Bee-fly, their furry jacket proving effective insulation. This one, unlike most of the others that I’ve seen sat and fed with its wings still so I was able to get a clear view of the black leading edge which told me that it was a Bombylius major the Dark-edged Bee-fly, as did the dark wedge shaped mark on its side.
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Work 16-03-2021
Today the weather seemed to be on the turn with the thick cloud that we’ve had for almost a week now starting to break. I was more than glad to see little peeps of blue sky through the morning as I’d almost forgotten what the sun looked and felt like. It meant that the outing was a tale of two halves almost; when the sun was out there would be butterflies but the minute it went in (almost to the second in fact) there would be nowt. It made me question where they go when they vanish with such velocity.
The cloud seemed to be following me when I left the Science block so I took the short cut through the estate to reach the half way point more quickly. It paid off for as soon as I got there I spotted a Small Tort. It was in one of the miniscule scallops up against the edge of the bank soaking up the sun for all it was worth.
I manged to get a few shots before the cloud caught me up, the sky darkened, the breeze picked up and the temperature dropped noticeably. From my first sighting to the end I was accompanied by the thick cloud which kept the butterflies hidden. Then as I reached the end and contemplated a miserable return journey I watched as the sun started to reappear and the clouds broke. The passage of the sun was marked by a blanket of light and warmth that I could see fast approaching, streaming towards me; one side of it dark, dull and cool and on the other awash in a golden haze. As it reached me and washed around where before there had been nothing all of a sudden there were butterflies.
I watch as my second Small Tort gets scared away by a third before one of the two returns and spooks a fourth. These antics were great to watch but played havoc with my counting – would this be a total of 2, 3 or 4? I could definitely count 2 as I’d seen them together at the same time and luckily one of the ‘possible three’ returned and sat for a few shots (or was this a fifth ahhhh). Still trying to wrap my head around how to record the butterflies seen my task suddenly became even harder as the cloud returned, swallowed up the sun for, what turned out to be, the remainder of the afternoon. This meant that the butterflies were gone, they’d vamoosed and wouldn’t be showing themselves anymore.
Sun means butterflies
Have a counting conundrum
Sun in, they are gone
The cloud seemed to be following me when I left the Science block so I took the short cut through the estate to reach the half way point more quickly. It paid off for as soon as I got there I spotted a Small Tort. It was in one of the miniscule scallops up against the edge of the bank soaking up the sun for all it was worth.
I manged to get a few shots before the cloud caught me up, the sky darkened, the breeze picked up and the temperature dropped noticeably. From my first sighting to the end I was accompanied by the thick cloud which kept the butterflies hidden. Then as I reached the end and contemplated a miserable return journey I watched as the sun started to reappear and the clouds broke. The passage of the sun was marked by a blanket of light and warmth that I could see fast approaching, streaming towards me; one side of it dark, dull and cool and on the other awash in a golden haze. As it reached me and washed around where before there had been nothing all of a sudden there were butterflies.
I watch as my second Small Tort gets scared away by a third before one of the two returns and spooks a fourth. These antics were great to watch but played havoc with my counting – would this be a total of 2, 3 or 4? I could definitely count 2 as I’d seen them together at the same time and luckily one of the ‘possible three’ returned and sat for a few shots (or was this a fifth ahhhh). Still trying to wrap my head around how to record the butterflies seen my task suddenly became even harder as the cloud returned, swallowed up the sun for, what turned out to be, the remainder of the afternoon. This meant that the butterflies were gone, they’d vamoosed and wouldn’t be showing themselves anymore.
Sun means butterflies
Have a counting conundrum
Sun in, they are gone
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Wood Store 13-03-2021
Well the Weather Forecasters had called it correct. It had been cloudy, cool and windy for a few days and the when I awoke on Saturday morning it looked to be exactly the same. How come they’re always able to predict poor weather so accurately yet and also why do they smile so much when telling us that the weather is going to be bad? “And so we’re due so much rain it would be a good idea to build an Ark” – grin so big it covers the screen…
The weather was set to ‘$hite’ so I just cracked on and got a load of chores done one of which was restocking the wood baskets round the wood burner. So come the afternoon when the sun threatened to creep out from the cloud cover for maybe 30 seconds at a time I found myself outside availing myself of wood from the very meagre supply. As I loaded logs into the hessian bag to carry them into the house (fewer trips and catches all the dust) a Peacock flew weakly towards me, circled and then landed on the edge of the wood store. Whether it had just dropped in or had been nestled in the whole winter I wasn’t too sure gut after a few days without a butterfly sighting this was a nice surprise and welcome relief all rolled into one. I called “camera” through the back door and my daughters who I’ve obviously trained well appeared almost instantly with my camera, lens cap removed and switched on.
The Peacock was right in the way and so after a few shots I moved him further into the wood store away from the section which I was removing logs from and also out of the chilling breeze. Of course this meant that the Peacock was perched for a short time on my finger so I tried for a few ‘in the hand’ shots which proved tricky to capture as the butterfly is so large that I couldn’t stretch my arm far enough away for it to come out nice and sharp. Gently coaxing him down I got on with my task and once I’d finished lowered the cover back down leaving a few large gaps round the edges so that should it want the butterfly could get out.
Cool cloudy weather
Not great for butterflies…BUT
Peacock in the hand!
The weather was set to ‘$hite’ so I just cracked on and got a load of chores done one of which was restocking the wood baskets round the wood burner. So come the afternoon when the sun threatened to creep out from the cloud cover for maybe 30 seconds at a time I found myself outside availing myself of wood from the very meagre supply. As I loaded logs into the hessian bag to carry them into the house (fewer trips and catches all the dust) a Peacock flew weakly towards me, circled and then landed on the edge of the wood store. Whether it had just dropped in or had been nestled in the whole winter I wasn’t too sure gut after a few days without a butterfly sighting this was a nice surprise and welcome relief all rolled into one. I called “camera” through the back door and my daughters who I’ve obviously trained well appeared almost instantly with my camera, lens cap removed and switched on.
The Peacock was right in the way and so after a few shots I moved him further into the wood store away from the section which I was removing logs from and also out of the chilling breeze. Of course this meant that the Peacock was perched for a short time on my finger so I tried for a few ‘in the hand’ shots which proved tricky to capture as the butterfly is so large that I couldn’t stretch my arm far enough away for it to come out nice and sharp. Gently coaxing him down I got on with my task and once I’d finished lowered the cover back down leaving a few large gaps round the edges so that should it want the butterfly could get out.
Cool cloudy weather
Not great for butterflies…BUT
Peacock in the hand!
Work 09-03-2021
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The meteorological reports all showed the weekend weather as being anything but conducive to butterflies so I took the chance while there was still some sun and warmth to head out for a quick check of the Small Torts. I’ve gotten into a bit of a groove with these lunchtime trips now and I reckon that I could almost do the walk with my eyes closed…or at least scanning in all directions for butterflies and not focusing on where I’m going.
I reached the half-way point and started down the narrow track so instead of scanning all about I also narrowed my search pattern to what was directly in front of me. It was the usual fare with a brace of Small Torts. The first came quite soon after starting own the path and was feeding on Celandines in one of the miniscule scallops.
The second was on past the Parrot garden and the pile of rotting nut shells and was just in the field right at the edge. So I had to get down low and stretch out my camera between the wires and hope for a decent shot. Luckily for me it moved slightly closer as I was setting up my first set of shots.
With the butterfly fix attained I headed back hoping that they’d gotten the weather reports wrong and pondering the numbers of Small Torts. We’re only just into March but the weather has already been a bit bipolar so the season seems to have come in fits and starts, not like the strong consistent beginning that we had in 2020. I reckon this could mean that I won’t be seeing large daily counts of Small Torts over a short period of time but small clumps that emerge and then move on to be replaced the next time the weather becomes better; more a drip feed of Small Torts rather than a fleeting torrent.
Butterfly watchers
Are controlled by the weather
Get out when you can!
I reached the half-way point and started down the narrow track so instead of scanning all about I also narrowed my search pattern to what was directly in front of me. It was the usual fare with a brace of Small Torts. The first came quite soon after starting own the path and was feeding on Celandines in one of the miniscule scallops.
The second was on past the Parrot garden and the pile of rotting nut shells and was just in the field right at the edge. So I had to get down low and stretch out my camera between the wires and hope for a decent shot. Luckily for me it moved slightly closer as I was setting up my first set of shots.
With the butterfly fix attained I headed back hoping that they’d gotten the weather reports wrong and pondering the numbers of Small Torts. We’re only just into March but the weather has already been a bit bipolar so the season seems to have come in fits and starts, not like the strong consistent beginning that we had in 2020. I reckon this could mean that I won’t be seeing large daily counts of Small Torts over a short period of time but small clumps that emerge and then move on to be replaced the next time the weather becomes better; more a drip feed of Small Torts rather than a fleeting torrent.
Butterfly watchers
Are controlled by the weather
Get out when you can!
Middle Street 07-03-2021
The weekend arrived and it was another cool and cloudy day but risked a walk to Middle Street anyway reasoning that you have to put in the time to reap the rewards. Besides I needed something to do so it was one of those walks rather than one made in the hope of seeing a butterfly. I did the usual stomp around but there wasn’t anything showing as the wind was chilly and the sun was playing a very good game of hide and seek. I checked out the Dips but there was nothing apart from a Shrew under the mat.
As there was nothing about I turned my attention to birds and as I wandered along the mid path towards the hotspot I became aware of a cacophony of the cackling and looking up I saw a mass of black and white; if ‘Seven is for a secret never to be told’ does 23 mean a mass conspiracy?
The Hotspot proves that it lives up to its name not just in terms of butterflies as there is a nice mix of species flitting around; lots of the garden faves including Coal Tits and Treecreepers, a calling Nuthatch, woodpecker goes over and there are also Goldfinches, Reed Buntings and I’m sure I saw a couple of Redpoll. The insects start to appear as I make to leave but even the Bumble Bees dressed up in their thick fur coats are having a hard time in keeping their flight muscles warm enough so I start heading homewards.
Cloud covers the sun
A Magpie conspiracy
Too cold for insects
As there was nothing about I turned my attention to birds and as I wandered along the mid path towards the hotspot I became aware of a cacophony of the cackling and looking up I saw a mass of black and white; if ‘Seven is for a secret never to be told’ does 23 mean a mass conspiracy?
The Hotspot proves that it lives up to its name not just in terms of butterflies as there is a nice mix of species flitting around; lots of the garden faves including Coal Tits and Treecreepers, a calling Nuthatch, woodpecker goes over and there are also Goldfinches, Reed Buntings and I’m sure I saw a couple of Redpoll. The insects start to appear as I make to leave but even the Bumble Bees dressed up in their thick fur coats are having a hard time in keeping their flight muscles warm enough so I start heading homewards.
Cloud covers the sun
A Magpie conspiracy
Too cold for insects
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As it was a quiet trip I’ve included a map of the site… (Middle Street Map) Their ‘1’ in a red circle is the entrance to the site N is the little nook beloved by Peacocks and Commas Q is the Quagmire path (giggity) H is the Hotspot 1 iDip 1 2 Dip 2 3 Dip3 E is the end |
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Work 01-03-2021
It seemed like I’d be able to squeeze another quick session out of the spell of fine weather before it was all change and we reverted back to more usual weather patterns so I took the opportunity to head out over lunch. That’s the thing with this time of year you have to take every chance to get out when it comes along as you can never tell when the next time will be. As I was going to be short on time I cut straight through the housing estate and came out at the path at the half way point. Almost immediately I was onto a Small Tort which was feeding on a Celandine and basking for all it was worth in the weak sun that had managed to punctuate the cloud cover.
I carried onto the end of the track with no other sightings but once I’d reached the turn-around point the sun suddenly broke free from the clutches of the cloud and Small Torts erupted from the sea of dead grass like little cannon balls firing at the sun. Unfortunately this meant that not a single one fell under the gaze of my lens but I didn’t find as it was a cracking sight to behold, one to just enjoy in the moment. I made my way back and again at the half way point was a Small Tort but I’ll only count 5 sightings so as to avoid double counting.
Sneaky lunchtime trip
Make the most of the weather
Cannon ball Small Torts!
I carried onto the end of the track with no other sightings but once I’d reached the turn-around point the sun suddenly broke free from the clutches of the cloud and Small Torts erupted from the sea of dead grass like little cannon balls firing at the sun. Unfortunately this meant that not a single one fell under the gaze of my lens but I didn’t find as it was a cracking sight to behold, one to just enjoy in the moment. I made my way back and again at the half way point was a Small Tort but I’ll only count 5 sightings so as to avoid double counting.
Sneaky lunchtime trip
Make the most of the weather
Cannon ball Small Torts!
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