Tuesday 4th April 2023

Species: Brimstone (4) Comma (1) Peacock (2) Small Tortoiseshell (1)

Comma - Tucking Mill 04-04-2023

It was a cool morning after a frosty night for this trip down to Tucking Mill. I walked down steps from Combe Down and then down the slope towards Horsecombe Vale. I saw no butterflies until I got to the far end of the valley were I saw a Small Tortoiseshell. 

Dark-edged Bee-fly - Horsecombe Vale 04-04-2023

I worked my way back along the valley. The sun was getting to work and I saw my first bee fly of the year. As it settled I could see it was a Dark-edged Bee-fly. A little further along a Peacock butterfly could be seen flying through the trees. 

Embankment - Tucking Mill 04-04-2023

I walked to the cycle path and headed up onto the grassy embankment that adjoins the fields owned by Wessex Water. The fields are known to harbour a number of interesting species and is maintained by the utility company to encourage wildlife. 

The embankment side of the fence is not maintained unless by Sustrans Volunteers. So during the winter, after consulting with the Wessex Water ecologist, we raked as much of the dead, matted grass to reveal the smaller plants below. This should provide a similar habitat both sides of the fence.

Grass snake - Tucking Mill 04-04-2023

As I passed along the embankment, a movement caught my eye. A Grass Snake slithered off one of the old reptile mats and into the undergrowth. This was only the second time I have seen a Grass snake in this location.


Violets- Tucking Mill 04-04-2023

A male Brimstone flew past me as I walked the fence line. I also noted that a number of the smaller plants were beginning to show. Amongst them were patches of  flowering Dog Violets..

Heading back up the path towards the fields, a second Brimstone flew busily past. None of the Brimstones I saw were prepared to pause for a picture.

The fields were quiet and butterfly free. Heading back to climb the steps up to Summer Lane I was distracted by the shadow of a butterfly flying above my head. Looking up, I realised I was walking under a large Sallow in full flower. A Comma butterfly was enjoying the nectar and fluttering between the flowers. (Picture at top).




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