Two Tunnels Butterfly Count

Species: Speckled Wood (1) Common Blue (3) Gatekeeper (2) Large White (1) Small White (1) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Peacock (3) Meadow Brown (8) Red Admiral (3) Comma (4) Brimstone (2) Silver-washed Fritillary (4) Common Blue - Tucking Mill 22-08-2021 A later afternoon cycle ride on the 22nd August resulted in a much longer list of species than previously. I counted 13 species and 33 individuals. The weather was fine, sunny and warm (20c) when I arrived at 3.15pm. I decided to check the cycle path between the end of the Combe Down tunnel and Midford, straying over the viaduct at Midford up to the start of the 'permissive' section of the route. Common Darter Dragonfly - Tucking Mill 22-08-2021 I also, as is often the case, detour off the the cycle path onto the footpaths that crisscross the surrounding countryside near Tucking Mill and Horsecombe Vale. My first encounter was not a butterfly but a dragonfly. A rather elderly, female Common darter. This would set a theme for the da...

Species: Peacock (1) Silver-washed Fritillary (4) Meadow Brown (7) Small White (1) Red Admiral (5) Comma (2) Green-veined White (2) Speckled Wood (7) Comma butterfly - Tucking Mill 14-08-2021 The weather was warm and sunny with broken cloud for my second run along the cycle-path to Tucking Mill. The temperature reached 22c that day. Red Admiral - Tucking Mill 14-08-2021 The Red Admiral must be mentioned as the 'star' butterfly that day. A total of 5 were to be seen at various points along and around the cycle-path, many in good condition. Sliver-washed Fritillary - Tucking Mill 14-08-2021 The Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies came in a close second. I saw four individuals on and around the cycle-path. Many are now in a faded and battered state and I am sad I missed there peak during my absence.