Small Torts

Two Small Tortoiseshells & a few Silver Y moths on the farm in Oving today.

Small Tortoiseshells;

Silver Y moth:

Painted Lady

On the farm today a damp Painted Lady.

Large Yellow Underwing

Another moth post, oh well! A few of these on the farm this morning, mainly hiding in the longer grass. Thanks to Amy Robjohns for the ID.

Large Yellow Underwing:

Lulworth Skippers & Black Hairstreaks

I was in two minds where to go for Lulworth Skippers on Friday but I plumped for Corfe Castle National Trust car park just off the A351. It was quite windy and this did at least give a bit of shelter, still not great for photos though. Note how olive the male is and the sun-ray of markings on the wing of the female. Also present, Marbled White, Large Skipper & Small Tortoiseshell.

Lulworth Skippers:

Earlier, I'd finally seen a Black Hairstreak, well about six actually, at two sites in Buckinghamshire, I am indebted to Paul James, Dave Potter and the people on site for their help in this quest. Again, not great photos but it was my 54th butterfly species in the UK so I'm not complaining!


Black Hairstreak:

Large Skipper

A Large Skipper (note the lighter wing markings) on the farm this morning, we get quite a few but this is the first this year.

Large Skipper:

Cattle Egret

A Cattle Egret has been in Sidlesham Ferry field for a few days now, probably the North Wall bird, mainly fairly distant though it does occasionally come a bit closer, but not when I was there on Monday:

Cattle Egret:

Marbled Whites

Owen Mitchell of Selseybirder  renown reported a few Marbled Whites out at Drayton Pits near Oving yesterday so as only live round the corner I popped along this morning for a look; made a change to drive for five minutes rather than five hours!

There were at least six out, along with a Cinnabar Moth, a Meadow Brown, a surprise Small Skipper, many Common Blue Damselflies, a Marsh Orchid, several Pyramidal Orchids,maybe half a dozen Reed Warblers and a Cetti's Warbler.


Marbled Whites:

Small Skipper:

Reed Warbler:

Southern Marsh Orchid:?

Also lots of wild herbs, pictures to follow.