Sunday 22nd August 2021

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 day, as in late August many of the butterflies still on the wing will be starting to look rather faded and tatty.

Comma - Horsecombe Vale 22-08-2021

Along the footpath between the Tucking Mill viaduct and Horsecombe Vale, there was a single Speckled Wood and a couple of Comma butterflies. This wooded valley is starting to see the signs of the ravages of Ash die-back disease. The Ash trees across this valley are numerous and unhealthy looking.

Speckled Wood - Horsecombe Vale 22-08-2021

I crossed the fields where earlier in the season Grizzled and Dingy Skipper butterflies can be seen. These are long gone now and the hillside is looking brown and dry, but in one of the fields a worn looking Common Blue was nectaring on the yellow Ragwort flowers. (Pictured top)

Silver-washed Fritillary - Midford 22-08-2021

Returning to the cycle path and my bike, I take a short trip along to the Midford Viaduct. Here there are several Buddleia bushes growing at the side of the path and this is often a good place to spot butterflies  nectaring in the late afternoon. Today, Red Admirals and a lone Small Tortoiseshell. 

Further along, through the first of several gates along this stretch, are some more Buddleias where Silver-washed Fritillary butterflies tend to congregate. By now, these shrubs were well shaded but still attracted several, rather tatty 'Silver-washed'.


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