Two Tunnels Butterfly Count

Butterfly Species: Green-veined White (6) Brimstone (2) Speckled Wood (6) Marsh Fritillary (2) Cow Parsley in full bloom With sunny weather and temperatures in the low 20Cs, there were plenty of butterflies on the wing. Just three species were identified but many more unidentified 'whites' were seen. These were likely to have been mainly Green-veined Whites rather than Small White given their flight pattern and size. The first part of the route between Tucking Mill and Midford is now much shadier with the canopy now starting to close over the path. There were however many (10+) Demoiselle Damselflies along this stretch, many more than a week earlier. Also noted along this stretch were two Marsh Fritillary over-flying the grassy embankment from the field beyond. The fields around Tucking Mill are a known locality for this rare and protected species after the laval nests were discovered by an ecologist working for Wessex Water the year before. After passing over the...

Butterfly Species: Small White (1) Brimstone (2) Orange Tip (1) Large White (2) Green-Veined White (2) Quite a low total today (8) mainly due to the weather. Although the temperature was around 17c, high cloud diffused the sun and reduced butterfly activity. What was a surprise was the absence of Speckled Wood given the high numbers a week earlier. I would expect to see these to be flying in diffused sunlight. The only new species seen on the cycle-path was a day flying moth, The Orange Underwing (Archieris Parthenias). Two of these were seen flying quite low over a grassy bank towards the Wellow end of the path. Slightly off the path, two Dingy Skippers were spotted in a field a metre or so from the boundary fence. The field is close to Tucking Mill and is owned by Wessex Water. It adjoins the top of the embankment and the habitat is similar the path side of the fence. There is potential that this species could also be found on the path in this area. The Hawthorn blos...

Butterfly Species: Peacock (1) Small White (2) Green-Veined-White (2) Brimstone (3) Large White (3) Speckled Wood (8) Orange Tip (5) Demoiselle Damselfly A cooler day (15c) and consequently fewer butterflies on the wing with a total of 18 counted. Again this number does not include a number of 'Whites' which were not easily identified in flight. Along one stretch of shady path approaching the Wellow Trekking Centre, there were a large number (10+) of  Demoiselle Damselflies. This is a stretch of path where a small spring runs alongside for 100m or so. This watercourse is now nearly completely obscured by vegetation. Cycle Path nearing Wellow Trekking Centre Near Midford Castle, it was a treat to see a number of small and medium sized Wych Elms in fruit. Wych Elm near Midford Castle

Butterfly Species: Brimstone (8) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Speckled Wood (13) Orange Tip (9) Holly Blue (1) Small White (2) Peacock (1) Green-Veined White (1) Cycle Path - Approaching Midford Station The warmest day so far and not surprisingly the highest numbers of butterflies recorded to date (36).The top three species being Speckled Wood, Orange Tip and Brimstone in that order. The flora has changed subtly with Wild Garlic (Ransoms) now predominating  in many places. Checking the Garlic Mustard flower heads revealed several eggs of the Orange Tip butterfly. Orange Tip Egg on Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Green-veined, Small and Large Whites were also on the wing. As these species are very similar and very restless in the heat, it was difficult to positively identify them in flight. Consequently, I have probably under-recorded these species. Demoiselle Damselfly Other sightings include a brief glimpse of this Demoiselle Damselfly. It is either a Beautif...