My first Uncertain moths were by Andy's moth box this morning.
Last night, well after I had gone to bed, Andy had already set up his moth trap last night and even put a white sheet down to attract the moths and he had sent via Whatsapp, several photos of what was already present by the trap that included Light Brown Apple Moth, Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix, Garden Grass Veneer, Willow Beauty, Riband Wave, Box Tree Moth and even a Swallow-tailed Moth. He also had a bit of film footage from his mobile phone of a Clouded Border, but there was no sign of it this morning. So it looked good this morning for lots of ‘Mothy Goodness’ at his house over a Cup of coffee and a slice of Toast!
Above, both Snout and below, Crambus pascuela were added to my year list.
I got there a little earlier than normal (7.30am) and quickly got into action with a good array of moths that included a few new ones for the year. Up to 5 more moths were added to my year list that included a Snout, Uncertain, Clay and two micro moths, Crambus pascuela and a superb Variegated Golden Tortrix, which was only my second one ever. A grand total of at least 47 moths of 27 species was exceptional for Andy’s garden. I wonder how many I would have got here with my moth trap and doing a dawn start? Very tempting.
Above, a Clay moth was a nice surprise and below, only my second ever Variegated Golden Tortrix.
The moths present this morning included the following:
1 Common Pug
3 Riband Wave
2 Treble Brown Spot
5 Heart & Dart
1 Snout (NFY)
2 Uncertain (NFY)
1 Clay (NFY)
1 Double-striped Pug
3 Willow Beauty
1 Dark Arches
1 Swallow-tailed Moth
1 Marbled Minor
1 Maiden’s Blush
2 Crambus pascuella (NFY)
4 Garden Grass Veneer
1 Common Plume
1 Bee Moth
1 Tachystola acroxantha
2 Aleimma loeflingiana
2 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Barred Fruit-tree Tortrix
2 Green Oak Tortrix
1 Celypha striana
1 Broom Shoot Moth
1 Variegated Golden Tortrix (NFY)
1 Large Fruit-tree Tortrix
3 Box Tree Moth
Today, both Andy Fisher, Geoff Farwell and myself were off to overlook an area of woodland in southern Hampshire for a Honey Buzzard to be added to our year list, but to ‘cut to the chase’, there was no sighting of any today, but we got a fine array of nice birds, plants and insects during our four hour stint there. Yes, the weather was rather humid and even hot at times as we overlooked the top of this woodland with the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground and Whiteley shopping Centre way in the background.
Above, the viewpoint from where we watched for Honey Buzzards. But it wasn't today. Below, our trip here kicked off with this superb Banded Demoiselle damselfly.
Despite a ‘no-show’ from the Honey Buzzard, we still had 5 raptors under our belt while we were there and that included a superb Hobby and a Peregrine. The Hobby was very high up and chasing high flying Dragonflies and the Peregrine was chasing a flock of Racing or Feral Pigeons and despite picking on one individual, it failed to catch the bird and then flew off heading east. Other raptors seen were at least two Goshawks, although they were both quite distant, though very distinctive in flight. Up to 5 or possibly 6 Common Buzzards were also seen soaring over the woodland in various areas from our viewpoint. Up to two Red Kites were also noted, soaring high over the woodland. Thankfully, I took my scope along with me to help ID these soaring raptors.
Above, Pyramidal Orchids were abundant as were both Common Spotted and Bee Orchids. Below, this superb Blackneck moth was only my second ever seen.
Where we stood was a rough ‘meadow-like’ area that supported a good array of plants that included three species of Orchid: Pyramidal, Common Spotted and also our first Bee Orchids of the year, with some superb tall ‘spikes’ within the tall grass. Geoff was quick to ID some other plants that included a plant called Goats Rue that was quite tall.
The plant Goats Rue with its pink and white flowers growing in the scrub.
There were plenty of other birds around that included good numbers of Skylark in the area. Common Whitethroats were seen holding territory on various small bushes nearby and a family flock of this species flew through the bushes. At least 5 Bullfinches flew across and Linnets seemed to be everywhere. A Raven flew low over the woodland and landed near the top of a Pylon and another pair was seen later in the morning circling over the woodland. A male Stonechat held territory nearby and overhead, several Swallows flew past as did a flock of around 15 Swifts.
My first Yellow Shell moth of the year also in the scrub.
Always keeping an eye on the insect life, Andy found a superb Blackneck moth along the footpath; a species that I have only encountered once and that was at Center Parcs many years ago. I also found my first Yellow Shell moth of the year that fluttered low over the ground and perched up in a small bush. Butterflies included our first Marbled White’s of the year along with Small Heath, Large Skipper and Meadow Browns, which were most numerous. On the way back, we found a pair of Small Blue’s tussling with one another and a Common Blue perched on a plant. I found a cracking Grizzled Skipper perched on a grass that probably topped the lot of butterflies seen this morning.
Above, this Grizzled Skipper was seen this morning and below, a Raven perched high up in this Pylon.
A few Dragonflies were noted as well. On the way to the viewpoint, a superb Banded Demoiselle damselfly was seen fluttering over some brambles and thankfully settled on one of the bushes. An Emperor Dragonfly was seen a couple of times flying low over the scrub near the Viewpoint and best of all, was a Vagrant Emperor dragonfly that flew past us. I got the insect through my binoculars and noted the blue thorax and dark tail of the insect and having never seen one before, I checked once I got home that I was correct in its ID, which put a huge smile on my face.
This Peregrine was unsuccessful in catching one of the passing Pigeons.
The smart micro moth Double-striped Tabby (Hypsopygia glaucinalis), which was a new moth for the year.
I awoke again very early this morning to check out another large haul of moths waiting for me today. It was overcast first thing this morning, though still relatively mild with temperatures around 12 degrees and hardly no wind at all. My highest total of moths so far this year, 108 Moths of 33 species, were recorded and with at least 6 moths still in their pots, which I shall ID and photograph later today; that total could be even higher.
The micro moth, Notocelia rosaecolana was also new for the year.
There were just three new moths for the year that included just one macro moth, the Common Emerald and two micro moths: the impressive Hypsopygia glaucinalis (Double-striped Tabby) and Notocelia rosaecolana. My second Maiden’s Blush of the year in my garden was present on one of the outside egg trays and there were double figures of both Willow Beauty and Riband Wave.
The only new macro moth for the year was this Common Emerald.
Moths present this morning included the following:
This tiny micro moth was a new addition to my moth life list. Thankfully, I managed to get an ID on the moth,Ectoedemia decentella.
There were even more moths than yesterday this morning and again, a good variety too that threw up another 7 new moth species for the year. Another balmy night produced the goods and with thunderstorms predicted over the weekend, it could throw up something rare. I was up at ‘stupid o’clock’ (4.15am) this morning, making sure I beat the Sparrows before they attack my moths. Yep, same story everytime I go ‘moth-ing’. I still have at least 8 moths to double check in the pots later today and also going to try my luck in getting some decent photos of them too.
A Common Rustic agg. (the moth has to be dissected to establish its true identity. No thanks!) New for the year though.
Pick of the many this morning has to go down to another Lifer. This time it was a micro moth and a very tiny individual at that. I searched and searched for the moth in my Field Guide to Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland book, but failed to find the moth and so I resorted to the Facbook page of UK Micro moths where some chap identified it later that morning as Ectoedemia decentella or its vernacular name of Sycamore-seed Pygmy. A cracking little moth and not easy to photograph either.
The quite beautiful Argyresthia brockeella micro moth.
Among the macro moths, Dwarf Cream Wave, Varied Coronet and Common Rustic were added to my year list and on the macro moths, Celypha striana, Eudonia lacustrata and the attractive Gold Triangle and very small Argyresthia brockeella were also added. 14 Willow Beauty and 10 Riband Wave were the most numerous species this morning, dotted about near the moth box and within it. A total of at least 92 moths of 33 species logged this morning and with several still in pots to be identified later today, that total will increase.
Small Cream Wave was another addition to my year list.
There was no sign of the young Fox this morning, which I assume either out exploring or simply fast asleep. It is going to be another very warm day here on the south coast and I am just hoping that it might last into tomorrow. The moth box will be on again tonight and no doubt a very early start to the day.
Codling Moth.
While I think of it, I read fellow Birder, Andy Johnson’s entry to the latest HOS magazine which explained the travesty going on around the Black and Sandy Point area. An area of international importance for roosting waders, it was constantly being disturbed by Dog-walkers, Paddle Boarders and simply Human interference of which Andy and many others found extremely frustrating. He makes the point of how on earth did a Paddle Board company be set up at Sparkes Marina near this sensitive site? I have seen first hand the disturbance the birds have to put up with and it certainly makes me seethe with anger.
Gold Triangle.
I also like to acknowledge in the same magazine fellow Birder, Andy Tew’s contribution too. Andy takes damn good photos of which he kindly allows me to put on my Blog. It was nice to find out a little more about yourself, mate.
Eudonia lacustrata.
Moths present this morning included the following:
14 Willow Beauty
1 Common Rustic (NFY)
3 Common Pug
6 Lime-speck Pug
2 White Ermine
5 Heart & Dart
1 Pale Mottled Willow
2 Dark Arches
10 Riband Wave
5 Garden Carpet
1 Marbled Minor
1 Green Pug
1 Dwarf Cream Wave (NFY)
5 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Common Marbled Carpet
1 Bright-line Brown-eye
2 Varied Coronet (NFY)
1 Anania coronata
1 Bramble Shoot Moth
2 Bee Moth
1 Crassa unitella
2 Blastobasis lacticolella
9 Ephestia woodiella
2 Celypha striana (NFY)
3 Tachystola acroxantha
4 Diamond-back Moth
1 Green Oak Tortrix
2 Brown House Moth
1 Codling Moth
1 Eudonia lacustrata (NFY)
1 Gold Triangle (NFY)
1 Argyresthia brockeella (NFY)
1 ECTOEDEMIA DECENTELLA (LIFER)
Two more micro moths that were new for the year included (above) a Bramble Shoot Moth and (below) Celypha striana.
Above, there were two Varied Coronet moths sharing the same area of brick wall near my moth box.
I was in for a surprise this morning when I spotted this young Fox that had been sleeping in our Shed. Here, it is enjoying a plate of Tuna.
All the usual birds were seen today with no real surprises, but early this morning before we all headed off to work, I found a young Fox had been living in our little shed within our garden! I thought I had heard something rustling away within the shed yesterday when I was checking the moths and I also had a quick glimpse from the corner of my eye and dismissed it as a Cat. However, having heard it again early this morning, I got suspicious and then out popped a very young Fox looking at me looking at it!
Not the clearest photo, but taken with my mobile phone camera, I had to take this photo quickly for not wanting to spook the young Fox. Isabelle's bike is in the foreground!
I took a few quick crappy photos (for my wife, who loves Foxes, would never have believed me) and then showed my wife who told me to open a can of Tuna and put it out for the Fox. It took several minutes, but the Fox took the bait and gladly scoffed down the Tuna in two separate sittings. Then it disappeared again back in the shed to sleep as I expected. I did put out a bowl of water for it, though it looked as though it had not drank any yet.
The young Fox tucking into its breakfast this morning.
I saw a few Mediterranean Gulls around today including at least two flying over my garden late afternoon, but very little else on my travels today. It is the last episode of Springwatch 2023 tonight and with Michaela dropping a hint that Autumnwatch could be on this year, we will look forward to that. The moth box is back on tonight and it should be another very warm evening ahead, which in turn, should bring in another large haul of moths.
This cracking portrait of a Sand Martin was taken by Emma Parkes at Blashford Lakes today.
This stunning Peppered Moth was my first for several years.
This morning exceeded all expectations with a superb haul of 81 moths of at least 37 species; easily my highest total of the year that included EIGHT new species for the year. My favourite had to be the Peppered Moth that sat on our little shed near the moth box, but a very close second was a Swallow-tailed Moth perched on the side of the moth box.
Above, a Treble Brown Spot moth and below, an early Lesser Yellow Underwing moth that sadly succumbed to a House Sparrow on release.
Again, balmy conditions contributed to the good number of moths and with yesterday’s temperature getting up into the mid 80’s, no doubt it will be more of the same today. A tad cooler this morning, but it was OK for t-shirt and shorts to go rummaging around trying to find the moths outside the moth box before the Sparrows do (though I had to shoo them off several times despite putting food out for them!).
Above, the beautiful Swallow-tailed Moth was new for the year as was this (below), the micro moth Aleimma loaflingiana.
Other moths new for the year included a Treble Brown Spot and an early Lesser Yellow Underwing (of which, I caught in a moth pot then released it and promptly caught by a Sparrow in mid-flight!!!). Even micros got in on the act with a Cherry-bark Tortrix, Aleimma loeflingiana, Crassa unitella and a Red-barred Tortrix; four rather attractive little moths. Up to 11 Willow Beauty’s were counted, the most numerous this morning.
Two new micro moths for the year included this (above) Crassa unitella and below, Red-barred Tortrix.
Moths present this morning included the following:
1 Peppered Moth (NFY)
4 Lime-speck Pug
2 Common Pug
1 Double-striped Pug
1 Small Dusty Wave
11 Willow Beauty
4 White Ermine
1 Treble Brown Spot (NFY)
1 Brimstone Moth
7 Heart & Dart
1 Common Marbled Carpet
3 Dark Arches
2 Shuttle-shaped Dart
2 Garden Carpet
1 Lesser Yellow Underwing (NFY)
1 Pale Mottled Willow
5 Riband Wave
1 Swallow-tailed Moth (NFY)
1 Bright-line Brown-eye
1 Marbled Minor
1 White-point
4 Ephestia woodiella
1 Bee Moth
2 Anania coronata
1 Mompha subbistrigella
1 Tachystola acroxantha
2 Green Oak Tortrix
5 Light Brown Apple Moth
2 Bud Moth
1 Mint Moth
2 Box Tree Moth
2 Garden Grass Veneer
1 Cherry-bark Tortrix (NFY)
2 Apple Leaf Miner
1 Aleimma loeflingiana (NFY)
1 Crassa unitella (NFY)
1 Red-barred Tortrix NFY)
Birding buddy Andy Fisher went for the singing Quail last night and although the bird never showed or called, he saw a cracking Tawny Owl on the way back home, perched up on a telegraph pole. While waiting for the Quail (which was calling yesterday evening around the fields of Soberton, he also saw a Kestrel, 140 Mediterranean Gulls, male Sparrowhawk carrying prey, a Hobby and a probable Corn Bunting.
The Tawny Owl Andy filmed on his mobile on his way back from Soberton last night.
It was yet another very warm day with temperatures getting up to the mid-seventies and of course, I am always keeping an eye out for anything interesting throughout the day. During my first shift this morning, a Red Admiral was fluttering around where I was working and what with the Field Poppies, Tall Rocket and Mallow growing in a fenced off area and nearby, Valerian growing on a brick wall; which was sure enough going to attract many a Butterfly or Bee. A few Swifts drifted quietly overhead in the blue sky and an adult Blue Tit was teaching its youngsters on how to pick off insects in the Holm Oak trees. But, apart from a pair of Blackbirds feeding out in the playing field, it was fairly quiet.
Field Poppies and Tall Rocket growing near where I work today.
After my first shift, I met up with a pal of mine, Gary, then we both headed off for a Coffee and a chat over Gunwharf. Enjoying our coffees and a good conversation, I pointed out a Little Egret flying south low over the harbour; though I don't think he even knew that such a species existed! Ho hum! Nothing like a bit of bird identification.
Not the best photo in the world, but this is a Cherry Bark Tortrix that was in my moth box this morning; my first of the year.
This evening, I got to work watering the plants in the back garden before Wednesday’s edition of Springwatch started. I flushed a few moths that survived the Sparrows onslaught this morning that included a Willow Beauty and while enjoying watching the House Sparrows make the most of the Suet Pellets put out for them and the Starlings, all the alarm calls went off as a female Sparrowhawk came cruising in low over the garden and then headed off north. In the early evening light, I think I saw every marking of this beautiful hawk including its beady yellow eye and I am sure it saw me well enough as it didn't stop to say hello!
Two minutes of the local Swifts sailing over my house tonight.
After Springwatch, I went out into the garden again and watched the local Swifts go about their socialising overhead. I could hear them screaming outside as I was watching my programme, which encouraged me to film the birds from my mobile camera. Chris Packham tonight, told the viewers that the Swift numbers have plummeted over the past 5 years, but there are some hearty souls doing their best in making nest boxes for the birds as their old homes are disappearing fast.
It is always pleasing to get a Buff-tip moth in the moth box.
After another warm, humid night (we escaped the thunderstorms again!) the moth trap produced another reasonable haul of moths and added another 7 new moths to my year list. A total of 59 moths of 28 species were recorded, though some did fly off before I could get to ID them and again, I had to keep an eye on the ever hungry Sparrows that literally stood right next to me at times trying to pinch a moth or two!
Above, a Toadflax Pug was a good record for my garden and below, the infamous Box-tree Moth.
A bit overcast this morning and again, still quite warm with no wind to speak of as I got to work trying to find the moths out of the moth box first and then delve into the moth box. Pick of the bunch has to go to the Buff-tip, which never ceases to amaze me on what an attractive and most unusual looking moth they are. A Toadflax Pug was nothing to be sniffed at and quite a catch for my garden with only a handful recorded in my garden over the many years I have been doing this.
Above, Riband Wave and below, Anania coronata.
Both Riband Wave and the dreaded Box-tree Moth (both species get well into double figures during the summer) are back as were the Bee Moths, with the latter hosting both a male and three female individuals. Two more ‘year-ticks’, the large macro Dark Arches and the micro moth Anania coronata were the other two added to my ever growing year list. Immigrant moths included a White-point, Silver Y and a Diamond-back Moth. Already, I can confirm that I have seen 108 species of moth in the UK so far this year, though my goal is to get up to 200 for the year. Today looks set to be a mixture of sunshine and possible showers (even thunderstorms) and with this Iberian Plume (I rather call it the Spanish Plume) coming up from the South, hopefully it should push in both migrant birds and moth
Two Dark Arches were present this morning to add to my year list.
Moths present this morning included the following:
3 Riband Wave (NFY)
1 Buff-tip (NFY)
1 Toadflax Pug (NFY)
4 Lime-speck Pug
1 Double-striped Pug
8 Willow Beauty
7 White Ermine
2 Dark Arches (NFY)
2 Pale Mottled Willow
2 Bright-line Brown-eye
1 Silver Y
1 White-point
3 Garden Carpet
2 Common Marbled Carpet
2 Brimstone Moth
1 Marbled Minor
5 Bee Moth (NFY)
2 Apple Leaf Miner
3 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Brown House Moth
2 Ephestia woodiella
1 Anania coronata (NFY)
1 Hawthorn Moth
2 Tachystola acroxantha
1 Diamond-back Moth
1 Beautiful Plume
1 Box-tree Moth (NFY)
1 Platyedra subcinerea
I didn't do any birding as such yesterday as my two step-children, Hannah and Russell, were absailing down the Spinnaker Tower; a Christmas present bought for them from their father and it was nice to be altogether watching the guys. Rather them than me! While I was there, as usual, I always keep my eyes open for anything of note as I spotted a Grey Heron flying over Portsmouth Harbour and an adult Mediterranean Gull flying low looking for something to eat! By the Harbour entrance, a large gathering of Gulls and a few Common Terns were present fishing for what was probably a shoal of fish going through.
Russell (left) and Hannah (right) climbing down the Spinnaker Tower yesterday.
A much better return of moths this morning than of late that included 7 new moths for the year, a Harlequin Ladybird and a Marmalade Hoverfly within the moth box! A total 54 Moths of 24 species were recorded and after the very warm evening we had last night, I was hoping for a good array of moths and was dutifully rewarded.
Above, Garden Grass-Veneer and below, Eudonia mercurella. Both new for the year.
A dark form of Marbled Minor was sitting on the wall near the box with two Willow Beauties nearby and on one of the kitchen windows, my first Green Oak Tortrix of the year was sitting. In fact, a further 3 more were within the moth box; the most I have ever had in one morning here in my garden. An L-album Wainscot and several species of micro moth were also new for the year that included a Bud Moth, Eudonia mercurella, Garden Grass-Veneer and Swammerdamia pyrella while a few immigrant moths that included 2 Diamond-back Moths, 2 White-points and a Silver Y was nothing to be scoffed at. The most numerous moth were the Heart & Darts with at least 7 recorded this morning. I shall probably put the moth box on again tonight seeing it is still quite warm today.
Above, an L-album Wainscot and below, a Bud Moth; again, new for the year.
Above, one of four Green Oak Tortrix in and around my moth box this morning.
Moths present this morning included the following:
4 Willow Beauty
3 Marbled Minor (NFY)
7 Heart & Dart
2 White-point
2 Vine’s Rustic
1 L-album Wainscot (NFY)
2 Garden Carpet
1 Cabbage Moth
1 Pale Mottled Willow
1 Silver Y
2 White Ermine
1 Green Pug
5 Green Oak Tortrix (NFY)
4 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Bryotropha affinis
1 Bud Moth (NFY)
1 Ephestia woodiella
1 Eudonia mercurella (NFY)
3 Garden Grass-Veneer (NFY)
2 Diamond-back Moth
4 Apple Leaf Miner
2 Brown House Moth
2 Tachystola acroxantha
1 Swammerdamia pyrella (NFY)
1 Hawthorn Moth
1 Mompha subbistrigella
Meanwhile, back at Andy FIsher’s house, his moth box was also providing some nice moths that included the following:
1 Green Pug
1 Large Yellow Underwing
9 Heart & Dart
1 Heart & Club (NFY)
1 Setaceous Hebrew Character NFY)
1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
2 Common Marbled Carpet
1 Maiden’s Blush
1 Willow Beauty
1 Setaceous Hebrew Character (NFY)
1 Shuttle-shaped Dart
2 Common Marbled Carpet
2 White-shouldered House Moth
2 Tachystola acroxantha
1 Garden Grass Veneer
2 Light Brown Apple Moth
1 Meal Moth (NFY)
1 Eudonia angustea
1 Green Oak Tortrix
My first Heart & Club moth for a number of years was by Andy's moth box this morning.
Again, a reasonable haul of moths within Andy’s garden with at least 31 moths of 19 species recorded including my first Heart & Club, Setaceous Hebrew Character and Meal Moth of the year. A Maiden’s Blush perched on top of the moth box and up to 9 Heart & Dart was impressive too.
Above, The Boys are back in town! Geoff, Andy and myself at Martin Down. Below, just one of the amazing views you get on top of the mounds overlooking Martin Down.
Above, this singing & displaying Common Whitethroat greeted us within Martin Down north Car Park. Below, a probable Roesel's Bush Cricket nymph.
Now, our destination today was to be Martin Down, on the Hampshire / Dorset border where we were hoping that a good selection of moths, butterflies, birds and plants would be on view and thankfully for us, we had a cracking day here. Birding pal, Geoff Farwell, joined us again and proved very useful in identifying a lot of the plants on show, being an experienced botanist as well as a birder. Andy was his usual crazy self and what with the heat itself, it really did test our resolve as we covered quite a few miles walking around the 350 hectare site.
Above, Yellow Rattle plants were abundant here. Below, a Common Heath moth was seen near the main entrance.
Above, we came across a lot of Grizzled Skippers on our walk as well as Six-spotted Burnet Moths (below).
Yes, the weather was very kind to us, for with the threat of possible thunderstorms today and stifling heat at times, I had thankfully brought plenty of water along with me and also lunch from an early morning visit to the local shops. We arrived around 9am at the site and almost immediately, got stuck into the Common Whitethroats displaying in the car parks and also the plants and insects here too. A probable Summer Chafer beetle flew over and Geoff was pointing out a common plant here - Dropworts. They were growing quite tall here but the area isn't grazed by the sheep whereas out on the Downs itself, they are rather short.
Above, another butterfly that was numerous here was the Small Heath. Below, this smart male Yellowhammer showed well by the main footpath.
Above, the sound of Skylarks dominated the reserve and this individual kindly settled close to the main footpath. Below, several Red Kites gracefully sailed over the Reserve.
By the car park, up to 4 Lesser Whitethroats were seen earlier this year, but we saw or heard none today; nor did we see either Turtle Dove and Marsh Fritillaries today, but despite that disappointment, we saw so much today that I put that thought right at the back of my mind. There were several people already here that included many Botanists, Butterfly enthusiasts and even a few people out on a walk with their dogs; but best of all, they all behaved themselves and to be honest, to be in a place with so much wildlife, was simply magic. I even said to Geoff that it was like one of those ‘Mindful moments’ that Springwatch has been showing for 90 seconds, but this was for how long you wanted it. Amazing.
Above, Andy on top of the mound overlooking the Reserve. Below, a male Stonechat showing well below the mound.
Above, Geoff on top of the mound and below, a Small Blue butterfly actually landed on Andy's hand!
Of course, I took lots of photos and so I shall probably let the photos do the talking this time. But first, I shall quickly write about the birds seen. Starting with raptors, a Hobby was seen by just me, which flew into a small group of trees. We were sat on top of the old Firing range hills overlooking the brambles and fields towards the north Car Park. I spotted it flying low over the fields, coming from the south and landed quickly within the trees and out of view. Fortunately for the other two guys, we saw another one flying near the Service Station in Fordingbridge on the way back home. Red Kites were also in good numbers, though Common Buzzards were in short supply, with just the one seen all day.
Above, this Satin Grass-Veneer moth was abundant throughout the grassy areas here. Below, a Corn Bunting singing by the main footpath.
Above, many Common Spotted Orchids were present and below, Geoff studying the leaves of a plant.
Both Corn Buntings and Yellowhammers were in very good numbers and both species were showing extremely well at times along the footpaths. Skylarks were simply everywhere and while we sat down and took a refreshment break, all you could hear were Skylarks singing close by. No cars, no planes and barking dogs; just the beautiful song of the Skylark. Breathtaking. Several pairs of Stonechats were seen on our walk around the reserve including one male bird that looked a little odd. Judge for yourself on the photos, but the large white rump and large white markings on the secondaries had me scratching my head. After studying the photos later, I concluded that the bird looked good for a 'Continental' Stonechat. I saw at least three Grey Partridges today, though the sightings were very brief as they flew off as quickly as they were found. A good addition to our day list though was a female Bullfinch seen near the old Firing Range and also good numbers of Linnets were seen throughout our day here.
Above, this Corn Bunting was very close to the main footpath and below, the probable male 'Continental' Stonechat in the eastern end of the Reserve. The bird was paired up with a female nearby. Check out the pale rump.
Above, only the second time I have ever seen Butterfly Orchids and they were abundant in one particular area of the Reserve. Below, this gorgeous male Adonis Blue butterfly was one of many we saw near the Butterfly Orchids.
Another good find was a singing male Tree Pipit in the northern end of the Reserve, the first of this species I have ever seen here. Even a Willow Warbler was found nearby; a species that seems to be declining rapidly here in the south, singing on top of bushes with a Chiffchaff also seen here. A good variety of birds here, especially the Corn Buntings where sightings of this lovely bird easily must have been in double figures. a Cuckoo was heard calling somewhere in the distance, but we never got a glimpse of the bird.
Above, this Tree Pipit was singing well near where the Butterfly Orchids were and below, the only Small Copper butterfly we saw today.
Above, we found a couple of Cinnabar Moths along the footpath and below, a worn male Brown Argus.
And now to Moths and Butterflies. Regarding the moths, I actually got a ‘Lifer’ today. It came in the form of our first ever Forester Moth, which is a beautiful shimmering green micro moth that we found near the Firing Range area. Other moths included many Satin Grass-Veneer, Cinnabar Moth, Six-spotted Burnet Moth and also Common Heath. Up to 10 species of Butterfly were seen that included good numbers of Adonis Blue, Small Blue and Common Blue, but also Grizzled Skipper, Small Heath and Brimstone.
Above, Broom Rape growing by a Greater Knapweed plant. Below, my first ever Forester Moth perched on a Common Spotted Orchid.
Above, another photo of a Corn Bunting on the Reserve and below, a Large Skipper butterfly.
As mentioned earlier, the plants were abundant and varied and with Geoff’s expertise, we got to see the likes of Rough Hawkbit, Yellow Rattle, Fairy Flax, Mouse-eared Hawkweed, Rock Rose and Gromwell. This place is famous for its Orchids and today, we had four species under our belt that included Common Spotted Orchid, Fragrant Orchid, Pyramidal Orchid and best of all, when we eventually found them, a good number of Butterfly Orchids. Simply wow! I have not seen this species for around 20+ years and we found loads of them. Not only the flowers, but also the different grasses that were on show as Geoff started revealing their names and also why they are growing here. One species, notably, Upright Brome, was becoming an invasive species due to the pesticides running down from the neighbouring fields. We did see a tractor spraying insecticides over the field, which most certainly displeased Geoff. Other Grass species seen included Crested Hairgrass and Hairy Tare, while some of the large bushes present included Small-flowered Sweet Briar and Dog Rose. There were a lot more plants on show including Meadow Buttercup, Greater Knapweed and others, as Geoff pointed out many more on our lovely walk here.
Plenty of wildlife at Martin Down.
Common Green Grasshopper at Martin Down
Sweating buckets, it was bittersweet in getting back into the car to enjoy the comforts of Air Conditioning, but leaving this amazing place was a bitter pill to swallow. I would love to do a late evening visit here, but it is a long distance away from my house. Maybe one day.
Update: I just identified a micro moth that we found today at Martin Down and discovered it was a 'lifer'. A Twin-barred Knot-horn (Homoeosoma sinuella) was flying about in the tall grass and I managed to pot it and take a few photos of the said moth.
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