tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29069440379512133072024-03-14T05:44:17.003+00:00Wildlife Watching with FAB.All wildlife is precious,
so I endeavour to enjoy
every moment.FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.comBlogger972125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-63014443072459637352019-03-07T18:59:00.007+00:002019-03-07T19:01:02.702+00:00Black-throated Diver.<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple of weeks ago I drove southwards to Mercers Lake, part of the Holmthorpe Sand Pits complex to see if I could catch up with a juvenile <b>Black-throated Diver</b> that had been reported there for some time.</div>
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My initial sighting was very distant and this individual never came closer than 100 yards so all the shots posted have been cropped.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcXnTFBVmUA/XGtARFQpvcI/AAAAAAAAWMc/GHZquNTNLgMIL3InfLb3863gOw8nFM3rACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2988cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1027" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RcXnTFBVmUA/XGtARFQpvcI/AAAAAAAAWMc/GHZquNTNLgMIL3InfLb3863gOw8nFM3rACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2988cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Black-throated Diver</b> [juv] <i>(Gavia arctica)</i></div>
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After two partial circuits of the lake, frequently diving for long periods, it reappeared on the south side and spent some time preening before heading away for another diving session.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnbTSqps41M/XGtBFdukQ2I/AAAAAAAAWMk/JQPB_9frgF8piUv99ZGKqKc1d7cs8WkrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2992cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1025" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnbTSqps41M/XGtBFdukQ2I/AAAAAAAAWMk/JQPB_9frgF8piUv99ZGKqKc1d7cs8WkrACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2992cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A nice addition to my 2019 list. <b><i>FAB.</i></b><br />
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-60945614344740500602018-11-13T23:26:00.000+00:002018-11-14T22:17:39.028+00:00Great White Egret.<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had noted reports of a Great White Egret frequenting Penn Pond in Richmond Park over the past couple of weeks so took the opportunity today to pay a visit. Whilst I had good views through the bins the subject was at extreme range for my lens but here are a few record (cropped) shots.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A nice addition to my Surrey life list. <b><i>FAB.</i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-49229265577256216422018-10-20T01:10:00.002+01:002018-10-20T01:10:34.081+01:00Coastal Surprise.<div style="text-align: justify;">
During a very recent camping holiday in the New Forest we made a visit to Keyhaven Marshes and spent a few hours wandering along the coastal path.</div>
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<b>Pied Wagtail</b></div>
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Numerous individuals were seen feeding and flying around the muddy margins at Keyhaven harbour.</div>
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One of two <b>Northern Wheatear</b> seen along the shoreline feeding up before continuing their southerly migration.</div>
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<b>Little Egrets</b> - Fishing and flying.</div>
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<b>Black-tailed Godwit</b></div>
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The inland pools produced sightings of various waders including Redshank, Greenshank, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and a very brief visit by a Temminck's Stint but the most exciting sighting was of two juvenile Grey Phalarope.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J08Xq4h6wCg/W8E4GDHncFI/AAAAAAAAWCk/BoRjdb-8OwAms30PjmbmBKQibUgZYttvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2833cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1027" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J08Xq4h6wCg/W8E4GDHncFI/AAAAAAAAWCk/BoRjdb-8OwAms30PjmbmBKQibUgZYttvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2833cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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[Juvenile - 1st Winter]<b> Grey Phalarope</b><i> (Phalaropus fulicaius)</i></div>
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This small wader, similar in size to a Dunlin, is listed in most guides as a Red Phalarope but commonly referred to as the Grey. Distinguished from its close relative, the Red-necked, by its slightly thicker bill and pale grey scapulars.</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="https://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a><br />
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<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-25297859451491995202018-08-07T00:39:00.000+01:002018-08-07T00:39:53.543+01:00Transect Update - Weeks 18 and 19.<br />
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On my last two weekly walks I thought the conditions were ideal for butterflies, with temperatures in the mid 20's and plenty of sunshine, but only 10 separate species were logged and in very low numbers. However the photo opportunities for several species; all seen in Section 4, a large open glade; made up for the lack of overall activity.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFdMiPrOE0s/W2jNts_vyUI/AAAAAAAAV2Q/S048MOOl04oNZeGmcWx9T7xg3wOO4xXNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2670cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1026" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFdMiPrOE0s/W2jNts_vyUI/AAAAAAAAV2Q/S048MOOl04oNZeGmcWx9T7xg3wOO4xXNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2670cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
One of seven <b>Purple Hairstreaks</b> recorded over the last two weeks and brings this seasons total up to 96 individual sightings for this species..<br />
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The highest tally of just 10 for an individual species was the diminutive <b>Brown Argus</b></div>
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Flying in the same area as the Brown Argus were several male <b>Common Blues,</b> the first of two new species recorded on the transect since I started in 2015, but I only managed an underwing shot <i>(below)</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFyJlcih8LI/W2jXpl_ijmI/AAAAAAAAV2w/gmNARtKd3Owletp2ZBhFk_uF7vP6R7OwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2345M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1003" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFyJlcih8LI/W2jXpl_ijmI/AAAAAAAAV2w/gmNARtKd3Owletp2ZBhFk_uF7vP6R7OwwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2345M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second new sighting was the <b>Small Copper</b> <i>(below)</i> with 5 individuals counted over the last two weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3boBrCt6GNE/W2jYbfEyKqI/AAAAAAAAV24/mWRxR3irYcYrlgvgHt0PbSw9CcQEWsaDgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2649cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3boBrCt6GNE/W2jYbfEyKqI/AAAAAAAAV24/mWRxR3irYcYrlgvgHt0PbSw9CcQEWsaDgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2649cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little flutter definitely thrives in hot, sunny conditions. In good years three or even four broods might be produced but if the summer weather turns cool and wet the populations crash and can take several years to recover.</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="https://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes.</a>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-44157524218926676372018-08-04T00:11:00.002+01:002018-08-04T00:11:49.952+01:00Our 45th Anniversary.<br />
Gosh, how time flies … 45 years since we said our vows together.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir28Hk_NtjU/W2Reyt8VXmI/AAAAAAAAV1I/0zdJRGhLwd4_JmgP2_gNoeee8XUnQ38IACLcBGAs/s1600/2018_08_04%252BCM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ir28Hk_NtjU/W2Reyt8VXmI/AAAAAAAAV1I/0zdJRGhLwd4_JmgP2_gNoeee8XUnQ38IACLcBGAs/s640/2018_08_04%252BCM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY 45th ANNIVERSARY </span></div>
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And hopefully many, many more to come.</div>
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xxxxx <i><b>FAB</b></i>.</div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-69342791099358276182018-07-31T22:41:00.000+01:002018-07-31T22:41:17.693+01:00There be Dragons here.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dpvbaqrGH4/W1ukgIDDWvI/AAAAAAAAVxw/t8RgiYVgAR0WXuik2Vir8EnBhqR-_hpfACLcBGAs/s1600/2018_07_26%252BThursley%2BCommon_CM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1229" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4dpvbaqrGH4/W1ukgIDDWvI/AAAAAAAAVxw/t8RgiYVgAR0WXuik2Vir8EnBhqR-_hpfACLcBGAs/s640/2018_07_26%252BThursley%2BCommon_CM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Many of my readers will know of my regular visits, throughout the seasons, to the acidic heathland, bog, ponds and woodlands at Thursley Common National Nature Reserve for its wealth of wildlife, notably its special birds and a habitat that also supports over 20 species of Odonata.</div>
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A carved sign alongside the boardwalk depicts some of the delights that can be found here and this post serves to illustrate the dragon species I have seen here during the past month.</div>
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<b>Four-spotted Chaser</b> <i>(Libellula quadrimaculata).</i></div>
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<b>Four-spotted Chaser</b> (Above and below)</div>
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<b>Black-tailed Skimmer</b> (<i>Orthetrum cancellatum)</i> [Male above - Female below]</div>
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<b>Keeled Skimmer</b> <i>(Orthetrum coerulescens)</i> [Male above - Female below]</div>
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<b>Keeled Skimmer</b> - Mating pair.</div>
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<b>Common Darter</b> <i>(Sympetrum striolatum)</i> [Male above - Female below]</div>
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<b>Black Darter</b> <i>(Sympetrum danae)</i> [Male above - Female below]</div>
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The Damsels will feature in a future post.FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-84032160444440853352018-07-27T23:51:00.000+01:002018-07-30T21:06:01.915+01:00Transect Update - Weeks 16 and 17.<br />
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The temperatures during my Week 16 and 17 transect walks varied between 24 and 28 deg.C definitely the hottest and most humid so far this season with the total number of sightings dropping slightly in the higher temperature last week.</div>
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Gatekeepers continued to be the highest recorded species over the last two weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVKytrOBoE/W1uLJIKiswI/AAAAAAAAVwU/NTxYiPJn-Gs03FPPw7q41riyVT3_2qinwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2321cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1021" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OIVKytrOBoE/W1uLJIKiswI/AAAAAAAAVwU/NTxYiPJn-Gs03FPPw7q41riyVT3_2qinwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2321cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Gatekeeper</b></span></td></tr>
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Sightings of all the three Skipper species recorded on the transect has shown a downward trend for the last three years. The reasons could be weather related at the larval stage; the timing when the grass rides are mown plus the ever increasing spread of bracken outcompeting the grasses.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr643nVHWnc/W1uMwlsRE3I/AAAAAAAAVwg/4BsgB9kIRmsqyVTUl6HzXaO2sRTATpuLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2226cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wr643nVHWnc/W1uMwlsRE3I/AAAAAAAAVwg/4BsgB9kIRmsqyVTUl6HzXaO2sRTATpuLwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2226cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Essex Skipper</b></span></td></tr>
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Although the number of Meadow Brown and Ringlet logged during weeks 16 and 17 have fallen they continue to be the top two annual recorded species for this transect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n61ByXHIDBE/W1uOmK6K-6I/AAAAAAAAVw0/I8bnjAT2QrkpHe98l71BqScWZVi91Hb7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2413M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1026" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n61ByXHIDBE/W1uOmK6K-6I/AAAAAAAAVw0/I8bnjAT2QrkpHe98l71BqScWZVi91Hb7gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2413M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ringlet</b></span></td></tr>
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Perhaps not unexpectedly for this oak woodland site the one species that has done exceptionally well this year is the Purple Hairstreak. On the 21 July I recorded 26 and last week I logged 43 with many other sightings away from the transect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asRIK472cGg/W1uRXdid3SI/AAAAAAAAVxA/02Dcd7ELOpoxoixW2yJQrvBNmGtOxTlMQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2257M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1026" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asRIK472cGg/W1uRXdid3SI/AAAAAAAAVxA/02Dcd7ELOpoxoixW2yJQrvBNmGtOxTlMQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2257M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Purple Hairstreak</b></span></td></tr>
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Just one Marbled White seen again in Section 4 last week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYgfzBQJWk/W1uTPZG5y5I/AAAAAAAAVxM/F-B5Nn6lfRkitjixKgAgaXgACmdn5oJ8wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2432M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1025" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYgfzBQJWk/W1uTPZG5y5I/AAAAAAAAVxM/F-B5Nn6lfRkitjixKgAgaXgACmdn5oJ8wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2432M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Marbled White</b></span></td></tr>
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Two other species that has definitely caught my eye this season are the diminutive Brown Argus with nine individuals recorded last week plus six Common Blue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QDpzUap6Co/W1uYW94k_YI/AAAAAAAAVxY/ww8m9JYVvNQXC0x1R2w_yrbGrHRO2lXIQCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_07_22%252BCB%252BTransect_CM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QDpzUap6Co/W1uYW94k_YI/AAAAAAAAVxY/ww8m9JYVvNQXC0x1R2w_yrbGrHRO2lXIQCLcBGAs/s640/2019_07_22%252BCB%252BTransect_CM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Common Blue</b> - Female (left) Male (right)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ubTRkiofek/W1ubend1P_I/AAAAAAAAVxk/iHxcfU74Exk2b8PaDI-1Ly9WSboRf4KHQCLcBGAs/s1600/2019_07_22%252BBrown%2BArgus_CM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1229" height="396" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ubTRkiofek/W1ubend1P_I/AAAAAAAAVxk/iHxcfU74Exk2b8PaDI-1Ly9WSboRf4KHQCLcBGAs/s640/2019_07_22%252BBrown%2BArgus_CM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Brown Argus</span></b></td></tr>
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Over the last 17 weeks I have now recorded 1024 separate sightings of 21 species. This total to date far exceeds any of the previous three years annual counts <b>BUT</b> this does not infer that some of these flutters are doing well just that the recent lengthy period of warmer conditions has brought them out of hiding and made it easier to find and count them.</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i></div>
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<a href="https://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes</a></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-37959057388361396112018-07-25T00:43:00.000+01:002018-07-25T00:43:06.773+01:00Ruddy Darter.<br />
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I took a late morning stroll on Epsom Common yesterday in hot, muggy conditions hoping to grab some more butterfly images but instead came home with something entirely different.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpk3cfg3L4Q/W1ew34QYzrI/AAAAAAAAVt8/WBG7jiDS0T8x7E0zz4UjEuhBWBea3exqACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2447cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="814" height="475" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpk3cfg3L4Q/W1ew34QYzrI/AAAAAAAAVt8/WBG7jiDS0T8x7E0zz4UjEuhBWBea3exqACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2447cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A male <b>Ruddy Darter</b> <i>(Sympetrum sanguineum)</i> decided to land on a strand of the electric fencing, erected to isolate the Belted Galloway that are used for habitat management, without any ill effect. Now if I had touched it there would have been at least a few unforgettable tingles!!</div>
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The male didn't hang around for any close-ups but I found a female that was far more cooperative.</div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-63353555032627194872018-07-21T01:01:00.000+01:002018-07-21T01:01:06.164+01:00Headley Heath Fieldtrip.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Early on Thursday morning I spent a couple of hours wandering across the chalk heath and downland at Headley in the hope of adding a few species to my photo album for this season before joining an pre-planned Butterfly Conservation fieldtrip around this National Trust site.</div>
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Not unsurprisingly the most numerous species were the <b>Gatekeeper </b>(above) and <b>Brown Argus</b> (below) frantically nectaring everywhere I trod.</div>
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Not initially finding any of my target species I decided to sit awhile at a convenient spot and just soak up the atmosphere and monitor the comings and goings and nearby I spotted a couple of moths.</div>
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A <b>Silver-Y</b> and a <b>Common Purple and Gold</b> (Mint Moth).</div>
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As the temperature started to rise there was a marked increase in aerial activity and whilst I had seen <b>Dark Green Fritillary</b> at another site earlier this month I had not previously managed to grab any images so finding a female briefly perched was a bonus. I also saw two others, probably males, flying strongly across the hillside.<br />
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A few minutes later I located the species I was hoping to find, the rare <b>Silver-spotted Skipper</b> <i>(Hesperia comma)</i>.<br />
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At around midday I was joined by the large group of BC members on this section of open hillside where a few more Silver-spotted were seen.</div>
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A male <b>Chalkhill Blue</b> <i>(Lysandra coridon)</i> was another first for me for 2018.</div>
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Above are just a few of the other species logged during our walk, including Silver-washed Fritillary, Marbled White, Speckled Wood, Common Blue and Brimstone.</div>
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The final new sighting was a very drowsy female <b>Purple Emperor</b> (below) who eventually fluttered high into the nearby woodland</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i></div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-71779716670867229922018-07-19T00:09:00.001+01:002018-07-19T00:09:56.690+01:00Beautiful Demoiselle.<br />
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Emerging from late May through to August the <b>Beautiful Demoiselle</b> <i>(Calopteryx virgo)</i> is in my opinion a stunning damselfly.</div>
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The males <i>(above)</i> are generally more obvious in flight or when perched whereas the female<i> (below) </i>tends to hide away but the individual below was very obliging.</div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-74750896365584364642018-07-15T13:57:00.000+01:002018-07-15T13:57:35.421+01:00Small Tortoiseshell.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the last four years my transect walks through the woodland glades on Ashtead Common have produced sightings of 24 different species BUT one butterfly that I have so far failed to record is the <b><span style="font-size: large;">Small Tortoiseshell</span></b> <i>(Aglais urticae)</i>.</div>
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Fortunately I had the opportunity to photograph one individual during a visit to Clandon Wood Burial Reserve at the end of June.</div>
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It spent ages with its wings closed so I had to be patient and wait for those fabulous colours to reappear.</div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-48940997086833881132018-07-14T01:03:00.002+01:002018-07-16T21:27:32.507+01:00Transect Update for Weeks 14 and 15.<div style="text-align: justify;">
My butterfly transect walk for week 14 was undertaken with temperatures around 25 deg.C and just before a short camping holiday in Kent when it soared well above 30 deg.C. On my walk last Monday (Week 15) the temperature was a more comfortable 23 deg.C.</div>
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Week 14 produced the highest count of 11 <b>Large Skipper</b> <i>(above)</i> so far this year.</div>
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Whilst I logged sightings of 9 Small/Essex Skippers I was only able to clearly identify 4 individuals as <b>Essex Skippers</b> <i>(above)</i>.</div>
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As expected the most prominent species seen were <b>Ringlets</b> <i>(above)</i> with a total of 171 recorded over the two visits and Week 15 saw the emergence of the <b>Gatekeepers</b> (below). </div>
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I recorded Large, Small and Green-veined Whites on both walks with the former producing 14 sightings and was also the only species that stopped long enough to be captured by the lens.</div>
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<b>Large White.</b></div>
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I also recorded my highest count of 26 Purple Hairstreaks in Week 14 and the highest overall annual total so far of 39 easily exceeding any of the previous three years records. The White Admiral tally for this season stands at 40 to date and is double the sightings recorded over the last four years, </div>
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Conversely sightings of<b> Silver-washed Fritillar</b>y has so far been much lower than last year.</div>
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Three new species for this season were seen in the last two weeks:<br />
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<b>Holly Blue.</b></div>
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<b>Peacock.</b></div>
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A female <b>Brown Argus</b>. This is only the second time in four years that I have recorded this species on the transect.</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i></div>
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<a href="https://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a><br />
<a href="https://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes</a><br />
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<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-39726675449886156062018-06-29T00:34:00.000+01:002018-06-29T00:34:52.080+01:00Transect Update - Week 13.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once again I chose Sunday 24th to undertake my 'Week 13' transect walk on Ashtead Common under a cloudless sky and a temperature of around 24 deg. C so I was thankful for the overhead green canopy providing some respite from the sun.<br />
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On the quarter mile walk to the start of the transect I always stop at a sunny open spot where there is an area of brambles and this often provides an indication of what I may record on the actual transect.</div>
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On this occasion there were several Meadow Browns, Ringlet, Large Skippers and a single <b>Marbled White</b> <i>(left) </i>made a brief nectar stop. Unfortunately no Marbled Whites turned up during my timed walk. </div>
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One of the resident<b> Common Buzzards</b> made a fly past as I started my timed walk.<br />
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Section 1 produced three new species for this year. First was the<b> Ringlet</b> (above) and ultimately I saw them in all 8 sections recording a total of 58 individuals. Next was a single Purple Hairstreak flying up through one of the oaks.</div>
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At the beginning of Section 3 I found another <b>Purple Hairstreak</b> settled on the bracken and when it turned around I noticed a black addition <i>(see below)</i> to the centre of its underwing. I am guessing this may be some form of tick that has attached itself. Sections 4 and 8 also produced single sightings of this species.</div>
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The third new addition seen in Sections 1 and 3 was the <b>Silver-washed Fritillary</b> and I logged a total of just four males with only one stopping long enough for a photo call.</div>
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As expected the most prominent species was the <b>Meadow Brown</b> again recorded in all sections of the transect with a total of 73 logged.</div>
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<b>White Admiral</b> <i>(above)</i> turned up in 5 out of 8 sections with a total of 10 recorded during my walk. With a cumulative count of 27 individuals on my last two walks makes 2018 the best year for this species.</div>
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Finally the walk produced sightings of 10 species including Small/Essex Skippers, Large Skipper, Large White and Green-veined White with an overall total of 166 individual butterflies recorded.</div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-64361794627527261272018-06-22T00:37:00.000+01:002018-06-25T00:56:58.720+01:00Transect Update - Week 12.<br />
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When I commence my weekly transect there is always a feeling of hope and anticipation about the species that might be seen. Having previously reviewed last years sightings and numbers plus reasonable weather conditions; 20 deg. C but a little cooler in the shade with some cloud cover being pushed along by a fairly brisk westerly wind; there was the prospect of a decent recording session. </div>
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Section 1 produced 5 different species starting with this <b>Large Skipper</b> <i>(above)</i> plus Speckled Wood (2), Meadow Brown (3), Ringlet (2) and White Admiral (6).</div>
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<b>White Admiral </b><i>(above)</i> would eventually feature in 7 out of the 8 sections on the transect producing a total of 14 individuals seen and the highest count for any of the four years I have carried out this survey.</div>
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Flag Pond produced the usual <b>Broad-bodied Chaser</b><i> (above)</i> and <b>Large Red Damselfly</b> <i>(below) </i>with Meadow Brown and Ringlet being the main flutters in this section.</div>
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Section 3 produced five species (previously recorded) but not an anticipated Silver-washed Fritillary, however a pair of <b>White-legged Damselflies</b><i> [male above and female below] </i>put in an appearance.</div>
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Section 4, the largest open area of grassland that is slowly being swamped by bracken, produced one new species, a Small Skipper and a total of 25 Meadow Browns.</div>
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<b>Meadow Browns</b> eventually appeared in every section of the transect with a total of 44 individuals recorded. </div>
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So my initial anticipation was rewarded with 8 species logged including Large White and Green-veined White culminating in an overall total of 77 individual sightings; again the highest 'Week 12' for the past four years.</div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-3227677391928292852018-06-18T22:55:00.000+01:002018-06-18T22:55:45.020+01:00Adonis Blue.<div style="text-align: justify;">
A windy foray across the southern slope of chalk down-land last Friday
produced numerous Meadow Browns and Small Heath, a few tatty Common
Blues plus recently emerged Marble Whites but my ultimate quarry, the Adonis Blue was
very elusive.</div>
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Several other walkers indicated that they had failed to find an Adonis but undaunted I persevered and finally found one very flighty male that eventually alighted on Bird's-foot-trefoil and then partially revealed its distinctive upper wing colours before continuing its aerial foray.</div>
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After another ten minutes of fluttering <span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">around in circles </span>it decided to land again but still only provided a restricted view of its upper wings.</div>
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In a recent post <a href="https://fabearlybirder.blogspot.com/2018/06/thursley-common-residents-and-migrants.html" target="_blank">"Thursley Common-Residents and Migrants"</a> I promised some more images of a migrant falcon that is known for its exceptional aerial acrobatics. </div>
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The <b>Hobby</b> <i>(Falco subbuteo)</i> that regularly catches and eats its insect prey on the wing.<br />
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At a distance it appears sickle-like in flight, often resembling a Swift when gliding with folded wings and can easily reach speeds up to 100 mph. </div>
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Its aerial agility also enables it to catch birds in flight,
particularly hirundines, and I have, over the years, witnessed
individuals chasing and catching both House Martins and Swifts.</div>
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Whilst not as agile as the Hobby, the <b>Common Swift</b> <i>(Apus apus)</i> is thought to be the fastest species in level flight; recorded at 111.6 km/h or 69.3 mph. I captured these images above my parents house earlier this week where for many years three pairs have nested and reared their youngsters.</div>
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Amazing to know that they feed and sleep on the wing and almost never land except at their nest sites. Swifts can't fly in wet weather in the UK so they fly around storms to find dry areas and is thought to be the only UK bird to adopt this method.</div>
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<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-53367682325275449562018-06-13T17:53:00.000+01:002018-06-13T17:53:27.552+01:00Transect Update - Week 11.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_eTHAqTaP0/WyFFdTTGNoI/AAAAAAAAVdg/Jhkh2V57vh8yxsVRiv85kR3NM2-xDnyugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1599M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_eTHAqTaP0/WyFFdTTGNoI/AAAAAAAAVdg/Jhkh2V57vh8yxsVRiv85kR3NM2-xDnyugCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1599M.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
The first two weeks of June are known as the 'June Gap' when spring butterfly species are going over and before the main summer fliers emerge.<br />
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I carried out my 'Week 11' transect walk on Ashtead Common last Sunday and was therefore not surprised that a Brimstone failed to appear but recorded 12 Speckled Wood, the highest weekly count for this species this season so far. </div>
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Three of only four other species logged were all new sightings for this season.</div>
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A female <b>Large Skipper</b>.</div>
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One of nine <b>Meadow Brown</b>.</div>
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<b>White Admiral</b>. Just three individuals logged.</div>
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<b>White Admiral</b> (Underwing pattern)</div>
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A few days later during a stroll on Epsom Common I spotted at least a dozen White Admirals in the space of 30 minutes and also photographed my first <b>Small Heath</b> <i>(below) </i>for the year.<br />
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-32068937936909079462018-06-08T22:07:00.000+01:002018-06-08T22:07:11.100+01:00Thursley Common - Residents and Migrants.<br />
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From late April into May I made several visits to <b>Thursley Common NNR</b> to check out both the resident and migrant species that inhabit this very important lowland site with its mix of heathland, acidic bog, pools and woodland.</div>
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A resident male <b>Stonechat</b> on sentry duty.</div>
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Over the years the population of <b>Dartford Warbler </b><i>(above)</i> has ebbed and flowed due to the occasional severe winters and the devastating fires that have ruined their breeding habitats from time to time. Currently their numbers seem fairly stable and any opportunity to get a shot of an adult in its glorious breeding plumage is a bonus. </div>
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On one early morning visit I was fortunate to come across five <b>Northern Wheatear</b> <i>(above)</i> that had dropped in to refuel on their migratory northward journey from Africa. With the lack of cover I had to be content with a distant shot of just two individuals. </div>
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Hearing the distinctive 'cour-lii' calls of a species that I frequently encounter on the south coast I turned my attention skywards to watch one of a pair of <b>Curlew</b> that regularly inhabit this site from April through to August. </div>
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Moving further across the common to a stand of mixed woodland I found one of several male [Common] <b>Redstart</b> <i>(below)</i> that had just arrived from Africa and were setting up territories in preparation for the slightly later arrival of the females.</div>
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I spent some time in this spot watching the males chase one another and eventually grabbed a shot of one male that came a little closer, perching briefly, before continuing its aerial antics. </div>
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Another Summer visitor from Africa is the <b>Tree Pipit </b><i>(above)</i> typically vocalising from a high open perch.</div>
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Other species seen and or heard have included Blue, Great, Long-tailed and Coal Tits, Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit, Linnet, Skylark, Woodlark, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, Kestrel, Common Buzzard, Hobby plus several views of single and pairs of Cuckoo. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbilTXTn-S0/WxnDHyvr9JI/AAAAAAAAVcs/-kv_Om7uwUIe1NfPT0pM2bsnLEA_6lANgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1417acM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1029" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbilTXTn-S0/WxnDHyvr9JI/AAAAAAAAVcs/-kv_Om7uwUIe1NfPT0pM2bsnLEA_6lANgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1417acM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I often end any visit by returning to the boardwalk overlooking Pudmore Pond in order to catch a glimpse of one of any number of <b>Hobby, </b><i>(above) </i>another migrant from Africa, hawking for their prey. I hope to share more images of this consummate aerial acrobat in a future post. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNW0dCv3InE/WxnDdAu-lyI/AAAAAAAAVc0/00J0InVnSt4qNW-2qgVsh5akpvmrTW2zACLcBGAs/s1600/2018_05_Thursley%2BNNR%252BCM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNW0dCv3InE/WxnDdAu-lyI/AAAAAAAAVc0/00J0InVnSt4qNW-2qgVsh5akpvmrTW2zACLcBGAs/s640/2018_05_Thursley%2BNNR%252BCM1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a><br />
<a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">I'D-Rather-B-Birdin'</a><br />
<a href="http://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank">Nature Notes</a><br />
<a href="http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wild Bird Wednesday</a> <br />
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<br />FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-8637598897230124942018-06-04T15:44:00.001+01:002018-06-04T15:44:56.307+01:00Butterfly Transect Update.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSXlnmO5PYE/WxRt8mpulII/AAAAAAAAVY8/_LLjey3dygol5F2cv7rdgjNSQtlCpWBvwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_05_01%252BTransect_CM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1229" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSXlnmO5PYE/WxRt8mpulII/AAAAAAAAVY8/_LLjey3dygol5F2cv7rdgjNSQtlCpWBvwCLcBGAs/s400/2018_05_01%252BTransect_CM.jpg" width="400" /></a>After quite a long blogging absence I felt it was time to provide an update on my fourth year of undertaking butterfly monitoring on the northern boundary of Ashtead Common NNR, managed by the City of London Corporation. </div>
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The transect, covering a distance of 1770 meters, follows tracks and footpaths through deciduous woodland, with many ancient oaks, and open grassy glades . </div>
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As in previous years the predominant early species on the wing has been the <b>Brimstone</b>.</div>
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The second most common species during the last six visits has been the <b>Speckled Wood</b> with the highest weekly count of nine yesterday.</div>
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At Flag Pond, probably a former clay pit (hence the water colour) linked to the nearby Roman villa complex, I tend to stop for a while to check out the wildlife. On the 4th May I recorded the first <b>Large Red Damselfly</b> and from mid May the numbers of <b>Broad-bodied Chasers</b> has steadily increased with <b>White-legged Damselflies</b> appearing in the grassland nearby. I have also seen Common Blue Damselfly and Beautiful Demoiselle here in the last two weeks.</div>
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While watching the pond life yesterday I heard the begging calls of young <b>Blue Tits </b><i>(below)</i> from a tree behind me and turned round to find four hungry individuals squashed together in the cleft of the tree waiting for the parents to return with food. <i>[Unfortunately I didn't have a long lens with me so these images are heavily cropped].</i></div>
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I have also recorded 22 bird species so far this year whilst walking the transect and two weeks ago heard my first ever Cuckoo calling on the common from woodland south of the Roman earthwork complex.</div>
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Other species of butterfly recorded so far this season, albeit in very low numbers, include Small and Large White, Green-veined White, Comma, Common Blue, Holly Blue and Orange-Tip <i>(below).</i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Orange-Tip</b> (female)</span></td></tr>
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About a hundred yards away from the transect I saw my first Large Skipper of the year yesterday so hopefully they and a few other species will provide some photo opportunities in the coming weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYV-lZ2iRdM/WxVKTvKS8lI/AAAAAAAAVaU/1zYl1lArtXkUz1pvmNtLtxjZzY8_j551gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1569cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1025" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYV-lZ2iRdM/WxVKTvKS8lI/AAAAAAAAVaU/1zYl1lArtXkUz1pvmNtLtxjZzY8_j551gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1569cM.jpeg" width="320" /></a>During yesterdays walk I watched masses of micro-moths, <b>Green Oak Tortrix</b> <i>(Tortrix viridana).</i> On two trees I estimated there were at least 300 fluttering and feeding. One individual dropped onto the bracken below allowing me to grab a quick snap. </div>
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Below are just a few of the wild flowers that have finally emerged in the last two weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41JPVHVrh20/WxR1v0F_sXI/AAAAAAAAVZs/2uOFdw0O7gEiPj9dDt-1s-SQqne3LlHIgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_05_28%252BTransect%252BWild%2BFlowers%252BCM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1280" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41JPVHVrh20/WxR1v0F_sXI/AAAAAAAAVZs/2uOFdw0O7gEiPj9dDt-1s-SQqne3LlHIgCLcBGAs/s640/2018_05_28%252BTransect%252BWild%2BFlowers%252BCM.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41JPVHVrh20/WxR1v0F_sXI/AAAAAAAAVZs/2uOFdw0O7gEiPj9dDt-1s-SQqne3LlHIgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_05_28%252BTransect%252BWild%2BFlowers%252BCM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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<i>Linking to:</i><br />
<a href="https://ramblingwoods.com/" target="_blank"><b>Nature Notes </b></a>FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-463156738158507172018-06-02T00:34:00.000+01:002018-06-02T00:34:29.373+01:00In, Around and Above the Stew Ponds.<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been many months since I posted any information about the bird life on my local patch so here are some images of a few of the 50 or so species I have seen so far this year frequenting the Stew Pond and surrounding area.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxqMjxjaZS8/WxG6rrosDnI/AAAAAAAAVWE/_PEzv5AZOzI-JmiGx0bDZqIUAParthVggCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1217cM.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxqMjxjaZS8/WxG6rrosDnI/AAAAAAAAVWE/_PEzv5AZOzI-JmiGx0bDZqIUAParthVggCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1217cM.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<b>Grey Herons</b> are daily visitors, patiently waiting for a tasty meal to swim within their reach.<br />
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<b>Cormorants</b> turn up fairly regularly to fish the Great Pond often spending a lot of time sitting around doing nothing!</div>
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I have recorded <b>Tufted Ducks</b> annually over the last ten years. Evidence of breeding over that period has been spasmodic and the youngsters rarely survive due to predation ... there are some extremely large fish in the pond!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWNfGKgW1Q/WxG7kGOJofI/AAAAAAAAVWc/OJFiAJVcz1sFzc5BB3D5efMK8p69FaNPwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1102M.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1023" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mJWNfGKgW1Q/WxG7kGOJofI/AAAAAAAAVWc/OJFiAJVcz1sFzc5BB3D5efMK8p69FaNPwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1102M.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Again the <b>Mandarin Duck</b> has been an annual breeding species with sighting from January through to August. Until two years ago it was not uncommon to record up to 15 males courting just one or two females through January into March but I believe increased disturbance from dog walkers has affected this and other species greatly in the last two years. This year I only saw one male on 5 April.</div>
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<b>Egyptian Goose</b> is a very infrequent visitor but a pair turned up on the island on 5 April. Unfortunately the pond plays host to quite a few pairs of breeding Canada Geese who are extremely territorial so other geese species don't tend to hang around for long like pairs of Greylag Geese who dropped in briefly between the 8th and 15th May.<br />
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<b> Common Buzzard</b> nests locally so it is not unusual to see at least one or two flying around.<br />
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A selection of migrant warblers can be found in the surrounding area including good numbers of <b>Chiffchaff</b>. Others include Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and I have recorded Willow Warbler on the common for the last 6 years during April into early May but they don't seem to stay. Just one male seen and heard singing close to the Stew Pond on 1 May this year.</div>
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The <b>Jay</b> is not the most common corvid locally but certainly the most colourful. Typically very wary of humans this individual was very confiding ... for a few minutes.</div>
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<i>Linking to:</i></div>
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<a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters</a></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-29175713120161579062018-05-28T00:35:00.000+01:002018-05-28T00:35:03.845+01:00Four Spotted Chaser.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgsvBpZrp4c/Wws4TMKbZmI/AAAAAAAAVQo/md5TL4gW2z8Ux5etpfTX-Xit22FVAU7mgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1385cM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1019" height="482" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgsvBpZrp4c/Wws4TMKbZmI/AAAAAAAAVQo/md5TL4gW2z8Ux5etpfTX-Xit22FVAU7mgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1385cM.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">During a visit to <a href="https://fabearlybirder.blogspot.co.uk/p/birding-locations.html" target="_blank">Thursley Common N.N.R.</a> last week I came across this fairly confiding immature male <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Four Spotted Chaser </b></span></span><i>(Libellula quadrimaculata)</i> well away from any water on the edge of a wood next to the heath<i>.</i></div>
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Later on around the acidic pools, their typical habitat, I watched several males aggressively chasing one another in territorial flight and managed to capture one taking a very brief rest.</div>
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I saw several other species of Damselfly so I will definitely be revisiting in the near future. <i><b>FAB.</b></i></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-21553641915332987152018-05-25T15:45:00.000+01:002018-05-26T22:51:31.278+01:00Farlington Marshes - Winter Birding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier this year I made three visits to Farlington Marshes, one of my favourite sites on the south coast, to enjoy the spectacle of winter birding.</div>
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One of the main attractions being the thousands of <b>Dark-bellied Brent Geese</b> that migrate southwards from their arctic breeding grounds in late September to spend the winter months in and around Langstone Harbour. </div>
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The reserve and surrounding harbour attracts large numbers of waders, including Dunlin, Knot, Grey Plover and <b>Oystercatchers</b> <i>(above)</i> plus Ringed Plover, Turnstone and <b>Black-tailed Godwit</b> <i>(below)</i> in their drab grey winter plumage.</div>
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Wildfowl increase through the winter months with particularly high numbers of <b>Teal and Northern Pintail</b> <i>(above)</i> plus <b>Shelduck</b> <i>(below).</i></div>
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During these winter visits I have logged 64 species including Avocet, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Water Rail, Water Pipit, Short-eared Owl, Bearded Reedling and one of several <b>Spoonbill </b>(below) that irregularly visit this site.</div>
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I will be revisiting this area throughout the year and hope to share the diversity of species that can be seen here. <i><b>FAB.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Linking to:</b></i><br />
<a href="https://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>Saturday's Critters</b></i></a><br />
<i><b><a href="http://id-rather-b-birdin.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">I'D-Rather-B-Birdin' </a></b></i></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-76823955850064441402017-07-27T00:01:00.000+01:002017-07-27T19:12:09.446+01:00Lowland Heath Specialities.<div style="text-align: justify;">
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During a butterfly foray on <b>Chobham Common</b> last weekend despite being plagued by inclement weather I managed to get a few images of some of the special species that can be found on this very important lowland heath habitat.</div>
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A female <b>Common Darter</b> <i>(Sympetrum striolatum).</i></div>
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<b>Small Red</b> Damselfly <i>(Ceriagrion tenellum).</i></div>
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<b>Emerald Damselfly</b> [female] <i>(Lestes sponsa).</i></div>
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<b>Emerald Damselfly</b> [male] <i>(Lestes sponsa).</i></div>
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A male <b>Keeled Skimmer</b><i> (Orthetrum coerulescens).</i></div>
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Other species seen were Common Blue and Azure Damselflies. </div>
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Due to the intermittent rain showers only a few butterfly species clearly seen by me were Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Large Skipper and Brimstone plus probably one of the most cryptically camouflaged species, the <b>Grayling</b>.</div>
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<b>Grayling</b> <i>(<span class="zero-f">Hipparchia Semele).</span></i></div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-3637931554147103842017-07-22T00:03:00.001+01:002017-07-22T00:03:26.962+01:00Flutters on Headley Heath.<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Thursday, together with 15 other enthusiasts, I took part in a butterfly walk at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/headley-heath" target="_blank">Headley Heath</a> with its mixed habitats of heathland, chalk downland and mixed woodland. During the first hour there was very little 'flutter' activity due to the blustery wind and light rain showers but from mid-day onwards things brightened up and we eventually logged 22 species.</div>
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Once again the new macro lens was in action and here are just a few of the species I photographed.</div>
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<b>Chalkhill Blue</b> (male).</div>
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<b>Silver-Y Moth.</b></div>
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<b>Small Copper</b> (male).</div>
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While there were a few Common Blues on the wing once the sky brightened up it was very pleasing to find a <b>Brown Argus</b>, initially perched with closed wings and then it decided to show its upper wing surfaces.<br />
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Just before we stopped to consume packed lunches one person spotted and photographed a <b>White-letter Hairstreak</b> but it promptly flew away. After lunch we staked out the location and eventually relocated this fairly worn individual.</div>
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Several Silver-spotted Skippers<b> were seen and I managed a clearer shot than my previous effort earlier in</b> the week at Juniper Bottom.</div>
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Unfortunately the woodland failed to produce a sighting of a Purple Emperor BUT we saw plenty of <b>Purple Hairstreaks</b><i> (see below)<b>.</b></i></div>
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Initial views were individuals flitting around the Oaks, often at very low level and then one tame individual perched on our leader's finger for its photo call!</div>
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Linking to: </div>
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<a href="http://viewingnaturewitheileen.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Saturday's Critters.</a></div>
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FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2906944037951213307.post-23969451338412294822017-07-20T00:57:00.001+01:002017-07-20T00:57:38.497+01:00Getting to grips with new gear.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xep9ve_Kc/WW_dT8C7_sI/AAAAAAAAU8U/FK-HnWrnTpg_O45DRHkaz1C2YhK9iBiwwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1340S.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xep9ve_Kc/WW_dT8C7_sI/AAAAAAAAU8U/FK-HnWrnTpg_O45DRHkaz1C2YhK9iBiwwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1340S.JPG" width="320" /></a>At long last I finally decided it was time to upgrade from my trusty Canon 450D that has served me well for many years to something with a great deal more fire power and also add a macro lens to my tool box. </div>
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So earlier this week I paid an early morning visit to the lower chalk downland slopes at Juniper Bottom together with my new 80D and a 100mm f2.8L Macro lens in anticipation of finding some 'flutters' to photograph.</div>
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Whilst the temperature was a reasonable 19 deg.C there was a blustery wind and nothing appeared to be on the wing until I spotted a lonely <b>male Marbled White</b> hunkered down in the grass.</div>
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Over the following twenty minutes it constantly flitted around the hillside rarely stopping to perch for a second or two but finally came to rest long enough to test the new set up.</div>
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As the morning wore on I found a few other species.</div>
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A male <b>Common Blue</b>.</div>
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And fairly close by was a <b>female Common Blue</b> <i>(below).</i></div>
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When the sun disappeared behind the clouds I turned my attention to the varied selection of wild flowers scattered over the grassland.</div>
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Attaching an extension tube to the macro lens gave me an opportunity to test its use with some close-ups of <b>Knapweed</b> bracts <i>(below).</i></div>
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A <b>male Small Skipper</b>.</div>
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A chance find was this <b>Silver-Spotted Skipper</b> hiding close to my feet and I only managed one shot before it flew away never to be seen again!</div>
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There were plenty of <b>Six-spot Burnets</b> all over the grassland.</div>
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One species I was hopeful of seeing was the <b>Dark Green Fritillary</b><i><b> </b>(below).</i> I followed several up and down the slope for what seemed ages before getting just one shot of this individual as it perched briefly.</div>
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Having reviewed all the images taken during this test excursion I am very pleased with the outcome and performance of the new gear ... just need to get used to the different button layout on the 80D and maybe read the instruction manual. <b><i>FAB.</i></b></div>
FABhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16185823702988992159noreply@blogger.com13