Thursday 24th March 2022

 Species: Comma (3) Orange Tip (1) Peacock (6) Small Tortoiseshell (2)

Small tortoiseshell - Tucking Mill 24-03-2022

The sunny and warm spell of weather had continued for some days as I set off along the cycle-path for my first 'butterfly' trip of the year. I had visited the area on the 18th March when the weather conditions were far less favourable for butterflies. Today was different. The weather was fine and sunny with the temperature reaching around 17c.

Comma - Midford 24-03-2022

I had seen butterflies before today. I had seen Brimstone, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies whilst out walking the dog. I hadn't up this point seen a Comma. This was to change as I paused on the path just south of Midford. A Comma found me, rather than the other way around. After flitting around near to where I stood, it settled for a while on my hand before flying off to sit above the path on an overhanging branch.

Comma - Tucking Mill 24-03-2022

This Comma was one of three I saw at different places on my walk. After visiting the Midford end of the path, I rode back to Tucking Mill, left my bike and took to the footpaths. I walked through the woods near the lake and across the fields that followed. It was as I was leaving the woods a male Orange Tip flew past me in the opposite direction disappearing into the woods without pausing. This was the first of the year for me.

Peacock - Tucking Mill 24-03-2022

Having crossed the mouth of the tunnel, I headed up along Horsecombe Vale. This is a Wooded valley, now partially cleared due to Ash Dieback disease. It was during this stage of the walk I spotted both Small Tortoiseshell and Peacock butterflies, mostly settled on the bare ground to soak up the most of the spring warmth.

Buzzard - Tucking Mill 24-03-2022

I headed back to my bike and started my return journey. As I approached the entrance to the tunnel, a Buzzard glided through the trees and perched in an Ash tree. We contemplated each other for a minute or two before it flapped its wings and disappeared into the woods.


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