Saturday 11th September

Species: Small Copper (1) Green-veined White (1) Painted Lady (1) Small Tortoiseshell (1) Red Admiral (3) Meadow Brown (1) Speckled Wood (2)

Green-veined White - Midford 11-09-21

Another late afternoon visit on the 11th and fewer butterflies on the wing. The sun is lower in the sky now and the cycle path is much shadier than during a midsummer afternoon. The weather was fine though with the temperature hovering around 18c.

Painted Lady - Midford 11-09-21

I decided to head towards the Buddleia bushes that grow on the viaduct at Midford. These shrubs usually attract butterflies, and at this time of day the viaduct is still in direct sunshine. This proved a good move as there were Green-veined Whites, Small Tortoiseshell and a fresh looking Painted Lady.

Small Copper - Tucking Mill 11-09-21

Returning to Tucking Mill and departing from the cycle path, I headed for the grassy slopes that adjoin the path. Here I spotted a lone Small Copper. This is a species I only occasionally see even though the warm, dry habitat appears ideal. 

Bumblebee on Scabious - Tucking Mill 11-09-21



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