Friday 28th April 2023

 Species: Brimstone (8) Comma (3) Holly Blue (5) Orange Tip (5) Peacock (15)

Brimstone on Bluebell - Horsecombe Vale 28-04-2023

The day was fine with the sun shining between periods of cloud. The temperature was a tad warmer than my last visit at 14c.

I cycled out to Midford to start my survey and it was there I saw several of the eight Brimstone butterflies I would see that day. Spring flowers were more evident despite the cool temperatures during April.

As I cycled back past Midford Station, I caught sight of a Brimstone feeding off the bluebells that line the path at this time of the year. (See top).

Violets - Tucking Mill 28-04-2023

Making my way back towards Tucking Mill, I stopped to see if there was any activity on the grassy embankment. Violets were beginning to show through the grass, but there were no butterflies and few other insects. 


Further along the top of the embankment, the reptile mat revealed two Slow Worms. I have become to expect to see at least one each time I inspect it.

Holly Blue - Tucking Mill 28-04-2023

I made my way down off the cycle track and headed for Horsecombe Vale. It was here I saw the first of five Holly Blue butterflies I would see that day. Holly Blues seem to be having a good start to the year. 

Horsecombe Vale itself was buzzing with wildlife. Two more Holly Blues were fluttering low over the earth path, settling occasionally to sample the soil for minerals.

Peacocks - Tucking Mill 28-04-2023

Further along I saw a mated pair of Peacocks, which is something I can't recall seeing before. I saw no less than fifteen that day. 

Comma - Horsecombe Vale 28-04-2023

Towards the end of the track a single Comma was perched on a fence post, darting off occasionally to challenge any other insects that flew past.

Eurydema-oleracea (Brassica Shieldbugs) - Horsecombe Vale 28-04-2023

On the way back, I noticed a Garlic Mustard plant that was covered with unusual looking shield bugs. These proved to be Eurydema-oleracea, sometimes called Cabbage Bugs or Brassica Shieldbugs. 

Small White - Tucking Mill 28-04-2023

Finally, I visited the grassy fields above the Combe Down tunnel entrance where the only butterfly I saw was a female Small White.





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