A great day out at a new site.

Saturday 6th July 2024.

The Car Park at Standing Hat Inclosure. A good many potholes here that were full of water.

After last night's strong winds and squally heavy rain, I got up early again where I got myself ready to pick the guys up and then take a trip into the New Forest this morning. But first, I took my dogs for a walk and then afterwards, made my way to pick up Geoff. There were still very dark clouds going over the Solent when I looked south down my road and the wind was very blustery, but the weather forecast said that it was going to be dry and sunny, though still a bit windy later today. I didn't put my Moth Box on overnight due to the inclement weather, but fortunately, Andy did and he had some lovely moths to look at too.

Andy’s Moth Box:

Two smart moths that were both new for the year: above, Coronet and below, a Common Footman.

There were an additional three more moth species added to my year list here this morning that kicked off nicely with a Coronet sitting on one of the egg trays. Within the Moth Box, we found a Common Footman and a September Thorn, both smart moths. Though there were only 10 moths of 8 species, there was most certainly some quality there. The moths present this morning included the following:

• Riband Wave
• Common Footman
• September Thorn
• Heart & Dart 2
• Red-barred Tortrix
• Codling Moth
• Rosy Tabby 2
• Garden Grass-veneer

The September Thorn that was seen this morning.

Standing Hat & Pignal Inclosure, nr Brockenhurst, New Forest:

Above, a rather bland looking Meadow Brown in the Car Park and below, one of many Large Skipper butterflies seen.

Above, Emma found this gorgeous Purple Hairstreak close to the main footpath and below, good numbers of Ringlets were seen today.

We met up with Matt & Emma Parkes again in the Car Park at Standing Hat; which was a new site for us to explore, though Matt and Emma saw the Pearl-bordered Fritillaries there earlier this year. But our target species was the ‘Valezina’ race of Silver-washed Fritillary and this site was well known for them. So, during our four hours there, we came across a wealth of superb wildlife and not just butterflies either.

Above, we found many Wood Ant nests in the woodland and below, the Toad we found under a log.

Above, one of several Gatekeeper butterflies seen today. Below, a female Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly.

Above. Matt and myself in the Inclosure and below, Matt, Geoff and Andy checking out the insect life.

Kicking off with the Birds, again there was a good variety of birds present that included good numbers of Marsh, Coal, Blue and Long-tailed Tits seen. A pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers showed well in the woodland and overhead, we had brief views of both Common Crossbills and Siskins. A Redstart was heard calling near the car park, but no sightings and a probable Willow Warbler was seen high up in a Conifer. Common Buzzards could be heard calling deep in the woodland and occasionally, we had sightings of at least three birds during our walk around the rides. Both Firecrest and Treecreeper were heard, but no sightings of either species today.

Above and below, a male Great Spotted Woodpecker searching for food in the woodland. 

Above, another Large Skipper butterfly and below, up to four Silver-washed Fritillaries were seen today. This individual was side by side with a Tapered Drone Fly.

Standing Hat Inclosure was a rather small area by the Car Park, but it was Pignal Inclosure we strolled around. The weather was occasionally very sunny which really brought out the butterflies and dragonflies, but now and then, there were a lot of high but heavy dark clouds rolling over in the blustery wind and we were then caught in a few heavy showers. But overall, the afternoon was sunny and there we had some excellent sightings of some nice butterflies. These included at least four Silver-washed Fritillaries, Meadow Browns, both Large and Small Skippers, Ringlets, Purple Hairstreaks and best of all, our first Gatekeeper and Silver-studded Blue butterflies of the year (for Geoff, Andy and myself).

Above, the stunning Tiger Hoverfly and below, a male Keeled Skimmer dragonfly.

Above and below, my first Silver-studded Blue butterfly of the year.

There was a good variety of Dragonflies on the wing too and that included a superb male Keeled Skimmer; my first for many a year. Other dragonflies included Common Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer and an Emperor Dragonfly. At least three Hoverfly species were noted that included Tapered Drone Fly, Tiger Hoverfly and a Syrphus species that enjoyed the bramble flowers. Wood Ant nests were throughout the woodland and were just fascinating to watch. We found a log which Matt and I carefully turned over for a possible Snake and actually found a Toad instead! On the way back, close to the Car Park, we found a White Admiral flying around the ride and briefly settled in one of the trees to round off a superb walk around this excellent site. 

One of the many Wood Ant nests we found today.

My first Toadflax Brocade moth.

Friday 5th July 2024.

This is my first ever Toadflax Brocade moth which was totally unexpected in such poor weather this morning.

Despite squally rain showers this morning, especially at 5.30am this morning when I ventured outside to check my moth box, meant that I was in for a soaking on my first shift this morning at Pembroke Road. Grumble! In fact, I only checked the top of the moth box first thing and with just a few moths present that I could see, I did pot one interesting moth that was resting on the rain guard. It actually turned out to be a stunner, my first ever Toadflax Brocade! To be honest, I thought they were bigger than this individual I had this morning, but there was no doubt on its ID. They are a very uncommon moth in Hampshire, but do turn up annually in small numbers.

Two more micro moths climbed onboard my year list this morning including (above) a Dark-spotted Moss Moth and below, Brown Bark Moth.

Two more ‘year-ticks’ were present this morning, both micro moths: Brown Bark Moth and Dark-spotted Moss Moth and my second Blair’s Mocha of the year in my garden (I did have one in Andy’s garden earlier this year). So, just 22 moths of 17 species this morning, but I was more than happy with the Toadflax Brocade; a moth I have been hoping to see one day.

Another Blair's Mocha moth for the year.

The moths recorded this morning included the following:

• Dark Arches
• TOADFLAX BROCADE (LIFER)
• White-point
• Bright-line Brown-eye 2
• L-album Wainscot 2
• Blair’s Mocha
• Riband Wave
• Pale Mottled Willow 2
• Lackey
• Light Brown Apple Moth
• Garden Grass-veneer
• Garden Grey
• Barred Marble 2
• Brown Bark Moth (NFY)
• Dark-spotted Moss-moth (NFY)
• Apple Leaf Miner
• Box-tree Moth 2

A regular moth now in my garden, the White-point moth.

On my first shift this morning, there were just 7 bird species seen in the rain and wind, but it did include the usual four species of Gull seen flying overhead: Mediterranean, Great Black-backed, Herring and Black-headed Gulls.

Another reasonable haul of moths.

Tuesday 2nd July 2024.

Clancy's Rustic. They used to be a very rare moth in my garden, but now I get them annually and in reasonable numbers too. 

A fair selection of moths to kick off the month of July were present this morning in and around my Moth Box, that included yet another four new species for the year; two ‘macro’ moths Clancy’s Rustic and Marbled Beauty and two ‘micro’ moths, Meal Moth and the now newly named Black-banded Masoner (I believe it used to be called Sussex Dowd last year!). My second Small Ranunculus of the year (the last one was at the beginning of last month) and also my second Common Rustic as well. There was an odd Heart & Dart present on one of the outside egg trays which I thought at first, was something completely different. However, like butterflies, you can still get aberrant individuals out there. Among the 64 moths of 25 species, the moths recorded this morning were as follows:

• Riband Wave 6
• Lime-speck Pug 3
• Heart & Dart 4
• Pale Mottled Willow 2
• Common Pug 3
• Bright-line Brown-eye 2
• Dark Arches 4
• L-album Wainscot 3
• Lackey 6
• Willow Beauty 3
• White Ermine 2
• Garden Carpet 2
• Small Ranunculus
• Common Rustic
• Marbled Beauty (New For Year)
• Clancy’s Rustic (NFY)
• Black-banded Masoner (NFY)
• Meal Moth (NFY)
• Garden Grey 4
• Apple Leaf Miner
• Garden Grass-veneer 2
• Box-tree Moth 5
• Bee Moth 
• Ruddy Streak
• Blushed Knot-horn 4

Above, the Black-banded Masoner and below, the Meal Moth.

Above, the nicely marked Marbled Beauty moth, which is a regular annual moth to my garden.

A quiet day around Pembroke Road, Old Portsmouth today with just 13 species of birds recorded during my both shifts here. A couple of Med Gulls were seen (virtually daily now) as was a pair of Swifts, but no raptors today. A Red Admiral butterfly flew around the front gardens until flying off over the houses. Between my shifts, I visited my father up in Lovedean and while watching the Robins going in and out of their nest close to my fathers Conservatory, I saw a distant Red Kite drifting high over the houses.

Above, Emma Parkes took these lovely photos (above) when at Woolmer Pond with us last Saturday. From top to bottom: Hobby, Damselflies on the Pond and the male Redstart. Below, one of the adult Roseate Terns feeding its chicks on Squid at Normandy Marshes. Photo by Steve Laycock. 

Weevils & Butterflies.

Monday 1st July 2024.

The Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil.

It was back to work this morning after a busy weekend and it was back to counting the species again at Pembroke Road. Thirteen species were noted on my first shift that included a fine adult Mediterranean Gull drifting slowly over Governor’s Green heading west. Up to three Swifts flew low overhead, which, incidentally, I have not seen any large flocks over Old Portsmouth of late. Whereas, there are well over double-figures flying around my road in Southsea. Of interest, I found a small Weevil species that looked interesting that had landed in the boot of my car. Doing a bit of research, I found out that it was actually a Green Immigrant Leaf Weevil and like a lot of Weevils, they are considered pests. Below, are some of the film footage of some of the superb butterflies we saw last Saturday in Abbots Wood.

Above, one of the Purple Emperor butterflies seen in Abbots Wood. Below, one of many Silver-washed Fritillaries also in Abbots Wood.

Above, White Admirals also showed superbly throughout our time there.

On this afternoon’s shift at Pembroke Road, a further three more species were added to my day total that included a female Sparrowhawk gliding over Governor’s Green; putting up a small flock of Pigeons as it passed over the field. A Wren was heard singing somewhere near the footpath by the Bowling Green and a Great Black-backed Gull drifted over too. Three Med Gulls sailed low overhead and headed west to round off the day here. The Moth Box is going on tonight and hopefully, will produce some nice moths. We shall see.

Purple Emperors take the prize.

Saturday 29th June 2024.

The magnificent Purple Emperor at Abbots Wood today.

The battle plan today was to meet up with Emma & Matt Parkes at the Fareham Leisure Centre where they would take Geoff, Andy and myself to Funtley Pastures nearby to hopefully see yesterday's Serin that turned up close to a fellow birder's garden. However, the Serin wasn’t to be as it sadly must have disappeared overnight, leaving behind some rather frustrated birders. Though it didn't turn out too bad at Funtley Pastures. I knew the weather was going to be warm today and so togged up with plenty of sun-cream, we had a superb day at various locations.

Yesterday's male Serin never showed this morning. Photo by Andy Friend.

The Moth Boxes:

Above, Hawthorn Moth and below, Dotted Masoner. Both of these micro moths were new for the year.

First of all, it was the Moths to check out and among the 31 moths of 21 species, there were two more moths that were new for the year. They were both ‘micro’ moths, a Hawthorn Moth and two Dotted Masoner’s (Blastobasis vittata). My second Double-striped Tabby of the week was present and among the larger moths, a decent Common Emerald was present as well as my second Lackey moth of the year.

• Lackey
• Garden Carpet 2
• Riband Wave 3
• Lime-speck Pug
• Willow Beauty 5
  
• White Ermine
• Common Emerald
• Dark Arches 2
• L-album Wainscot
• Common Pug
• Small Fruit Moth
• Common Plume 2
• Garden Grass-veneer 2
• Barred Marble
• Hawthorn Moth (NFY)
• Dotted Masoner 2 (NFY)
• Beautiful Plume
• Blushed Knot-horn
• Netted Tortrix
• Narrow-winged Grey
• Double-striped Tabby

Back over Andy’s Moth Box, there were three more moths new for the year, Dwarf Cream Wave, Small Magpie Moth and the micro moth, White-banded Grass-moth. Two Rosy Tabby’s were present among the 15 moths of 12 species as well as my second Treble Brown Spot of the year. 

Above, Small Magpie Moth and below, White-banded Grass-moth. Both new species for the year at Andy's house.

Above, one of two Small Cream Wave moths.

• Willow Beauty
• Dwarf Cream Wave 2 (NFY)
• Treble Brown Spot
• Bright-line Brown-eye
• Bee Moth
• Brown House Moth
• Rosy Tabby 2
• Blushed Knot-horn
• Small Magpie Moth (NFY)
• Narrow-winged Grey
• White-banded Grass-Moth (NFY)
• Common Plume 2

Funtley Pastures, Funtley:

Above, a Roesel's Bush-cricket nymph. Below, an Essex Skipper butterfly.

Above, a superb Marbled White butterfly and below, Emma found these Purple Hairstreak's nearby.

Though it was disappointing that there was no sign of the Serin, there were sightings of Blackcap, House Martins, Swallows and a few Bullfinches while we waited patiently. But it was the insects that were grabbing our attention. After sightings of a few Grasshoppers (Roesel’s Bush Cricket and Common Green Grasshopper, which were found by Geoff), we enjoyed the likes of Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Large Skipper, Large White and our first Ringlets of the year. Then Emma had found a couple of Purple Hairstreaks flying high by an Oak tree in the warm sunshine and eventually, one dropped low enough to grab some very decent photos; my first of the year. Then the question was, where next? After a brief discussion, Matt suggested Abbots Wood, near Farnham, which was just inside the Hampshire border, to look for the infamous Purple Emperors. So off we went northbound.   

Abbots Wood, near Farnham:

Above, Ringlets were abundant along the main footpath and below, White Admirals were just as abundant. I have never seen so many.

Above, another White Admiral at rest and below, a Large Skipper perched on a Nettle.

Above, a few vocal Nuthatches were seen in the woodland and below, Foxgloves adorned the footpath.

Above, his female Kestrel soared low over the woodland.

Not only did we have a fair selection of birds within this wood, which incidentally, was a new site for Geoff, Andy and myself; but the butterflies (and dragonflies) were superb. Last year, in Whiteley Woods, we saw our first ever Purple Emperor butterflies; though the ones we saw were flying high up in the treetops. So when we came across a group of butterfly enthusiasts looking excited by taking photographs of something interesting on the footpath; it only turned out to be a superb male Purple Emperor feasting on some dog poo and totally oblivious of all the attention it was receiving. The insects performed superbly for all of us present and remained there for at least 15 minutes before flying into a nearby tree and then up into the nearby Oak canopies nearby. More were seen later during the day including a few females flying high over the footpath and clearings. As well as the Purple Emperors, White Admirals were also in good numbers and showed extremely well as did the Silver-washed Fritillaries. I have to say, I have never seen so many of the two latter species in my lifetime. These were joined by a few Red Admirals, Ringlets, Meadow Browns and good numbers of both Small and Large Skippers.

Above, the top six photos above was of the showy Purple Emperor that drew in a sizable appreciative crowd along the main footpath.

Above, a lone Pyramidal Orchid by the main footpath.

Above and below, this female Sparrowhawk showed well above our heads while we had lunch.

Above and below, the gorgeous Silver-washed Fritillary. These would fly right through you if they could!

Above, this White Admiral decided to sit on the main footpath. Below, one of the many juvenile Long-tailed Tits in the woodland.

Above, a Common Lizard ran over the main footpath and briefly settled on the grass.

Above and below, this stunning female Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly perched nicely near the footpath.

Above, the Red-necked Footman was unexpected and well found by Matt.

Overhead, both Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were seen soaring low over the woodland and when we arrived at the car park, there was a displaying Buzzard calling. Blackcaps, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and a large number of juvenile Long-tailed Tits were seen in the trees; always something to look at despite the warm temperatures. There was a good variety of insects on show, as well as the butterflies, that included our first Brown Hawker dragonfly of the year plus sightings of Beautiful Demoiselle Damselflies and a gorgeous female Black-tailed Skimmer. Matt found an interesting moth of which I misidentified at first and further research revealed it was a nice Red-necked Footman; my first of the year. I have to say, though I have never been to Abbot Wood; it is most certainly a wood I will be coming back to again in the future. Nearby Alice Holt Forest clearly is exploiting people with very high car park prices and though they have Purple Emperors within this woodland; I know where I will be going again. 

Woolmer Pond & Forest, nr Bordon:

Above and below, Azure Damselflies at Woolmer Pond.

Above, a Mullein plant growing along the perimeter fence and below, a superb Four-spotted Chaser dragonfly.

Above, a male Common Darter.

We were thinking of trying our luck for the ‘dodgy’ Ruddy Shelduck on Petersfield Pond, but when Matt and Emma mentioned Woolmer Pond, a place they have not tried before; I really fancied the idea and so that was to be our last destination today and boy, did it produce some nice sightings. The Pond and perimeter footpath was awash with Damselflies and Dragonflies where the main Dragonflies seen were both Azure and Common Blue Damselflies, Four-spotted Chasers, Black-tailed Skimmers, Emperor Dragonflies and Common Darters. But best of all were our first Emerald Damselflies of the year…..beautiful creatures. Even a few nice moths were seen that included a Brown Silver-lines, White-banded Grass-moth and there were quite a few Garden Grass-veneers that were flying about our feet! Common Blue butterflies were in good numbers and on the wing here too.

Above, Hobbies at Woolmer Pond performed superbly for us.

Above, a male Redstart by the Forest and below, a Garden Grass-veneer moth.

Above, a stunning Emerald Damselfly was my first for the year at this reliable site. Below, my second White-banded Grass-moth of the day.

Above, several Common Blue butterflies were seen by the Pond.

But it was the birds that were quite impressive; notably the Hobbies. They really performed superbly for us with at least three birds seen (and altogether once upon a time) overhead and very close to us too. Simply breathtaking! The Pond itself was rather quiet, though we did see a few Tufted Duck on the water and over the Pond, both Swallow and Sand Martin were seen hawking for insects. A few Stonechats were seen on our walk up to the Forest and while I was checking out a moth, the guys saw a family group of Stonechats along the path through the Forest. Both Tree Pipit and Woodlark were heard, but not seen, but best of all was a singing male Redstart as we entered the footpath by the Forest. A Garden Warbler was heard singing from the Cottage garden and while we walked back round the perimeter of the Pond on the way back to the car, a few Red Kites and Common Buzzards were seen soaring overhead. By now, it had clouded over but it was still warm.

A cracking day again with superb company and that sighting of the Purple Emperor on the footpath at Abbots Wood and the Hobbies picking off Dragonflies at Woolmer Pond will live in my memory for a long, long time. Yes, what a day.