Saturday 30th July 2022

Species: Brimstone (1) Comma (7) Common Blue (2) Gatekeeper (8) Green-veined White (5) Meadow Brown (12) Peacock (6) Red Admiral (3) Silver-washed Fritillary (6) Small White (2) Brimstone (2)

Peacock - Tucking Mill 30-07-2022

A short visit on the 30th July was my first for a while. The previous weeks had seen temperatures soar to record levels, so I was interested to see what impact there had been on the butterfly population.

Meadow Brown- Tucking Mill 30-07-2022

The temperature had fallen to around 22c as I headed out towards Midford. I noticed a good number of Meadow Brown butterflies along with a similar number of Gatekeepers. A comma could be seen perched on a bramble leaf, one of seven I was to see that day.

Comma- Tucking Mill 30-07-2022

Further along the path towards Midford , I paused to see if I could spot any White-letter Hairstreaks in the canopy of some tall Wych Elm trees. None were seen.

Red Admiral - Midford 30-07-2022

As I approached the Midford Viaduct a  Red Admiral flew past me and settled on a fence post. The Sun had faded behind clouds by then, so I guess the post was a nice warm spot to spread its wings and recharge.

Brimstone - Midford 30-07-2022

Continuing over the Midford Viaduct, I cycle up to the gate to the next section of cycle path to Wellow. This gate marks the start of a 'permissive' section where the landowner has agreed to the cycle path continuing over their land. Just past this gate on the right, is a great spot for seeing Silver-washed Fritillary at this time of year. 

Start of the permissive path - Midford 30-07-2022

The picture above shows a wooded and shady habitat, with the path creating a 'glade' through the middle. In actual fact, the woodland here is approximately 30m wide and extends for around 500m along the path. This appears to be sufficient for the Silver-washed Fritillaries to thrive. I often count five or more swooping around the Buddleias that grow here. 

Silver-washed Fritillary - Midford 30-07-2022

Today was no exception with no less than six, rather faded and battered individuals feeding here. My attention was also drawn to a pristine male Brimstone butterfly also gorging on the nectar. 

Green-veined White - Midford 30-07-2022

This is also a good spot for Green-veined White butterflies. Although they can be seen almost anywhere, they thrive best in warm, damp and sheltered conditions. This stretch of path has all these features and consequently the majority of 'white' butterflies I see here are Green-veined.

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