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Tuesday 30 August 2016

A Final Flurry of Flutters

We are fortunate to observe several really colourful Butterfly species in UK.
This is likely to be one of the last butterfly posts of the year.

Peacock
A lot of fuss is made about the Purple Emperor, but surely there is no more colourful species than the Peacock. Dependent on the available light you also get a variation in colouring.







Comma






Red Admiral











The other day I was complaining that I had not seen many Common Blue Butterflies about.
In the last week they have suddenly put in an appearance, which is better late than never.







Large White



Small Tortoiseshell










Thursday 25 August 2016

Whinchat et al

Its the time of year now that we look out for our Summer visitor species that drop in for a refuel on their way South to warmer climes. One of the places I look is the Parkland that I regularly walk where there are several good spots to search the bushes and small trees for migrants.  One has to get lucky though as a visit to an area one day will produce nothing and the following day there will be several species.

Over a period of two days I checked around the favourite locations and also went in search of species identified by other local Birders. Below are the results of my efforts.

Firstly a bird I haven't seen for a long time, the Whinchat.
Not great photographs unfortunately as I was looking into the Sun's direction and through various tall grasses etc.




Another species that we usually get a visit from at this time, the Spotted Flycatcher.
This one is courtesy of my 'Spotter' on that occasion Paul G. (Thanks Paul)




Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs are always going to turn up in some numbers, but again they were there one day and not the next.















Below is a Garden Warbler. (I think)



I think the one below is a Reed Warbler, but I could be wrong as you know.




Below is a Greenfinch and of course one of our resident species.