Friday 11th August 2023

Species: Large White (1) Green-veined White (1) Small Skipper (1) Brown Argus (5) Common Blue (6) Gatekeeper (11) Small White (1) Comma (3) Silver-washed Fritillary (6) Meadow Brown (8) Speckled Wood (4) Red Admiral (10) Brimstone (8) Peacock (4) Holly Blue (2)

Brown Argus - Tucking Mill 11-08-2023

The 11th August was a mostly cloudy but warm day. The temperature was cooling slightly from a high of around 23c when I arrived at Tucking Mill just before 3pm.

My first butterfly was a Red Admiral which I glimpsed as I approached the Viaduct. 

Holly Blue  - Tucking Mill 11-08-2023

A Holly Blue was feeding on flowers growing along the edge of the viaduct. These little butterflies with their powdery blue undersides have been doing well over the past couple of years, and have been a fairly common sight in both the countryside and urban areas.

Silver-washed Fritillary - Midford 11-08-2023

After a short pause on the Tucking Mill viaduct, I cycled directly to Midford and on to the other side of the Midford Viaduct. Through the gate and onto the permissive path, I stopped by the Buddleias that grow next to the path. It was alive with Brimstone, Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma and Red Admiral butterflies. 


Tucking Mill Embankment - 11-08-2023

I headed back along to the Tucking Mill cutting to take a look on the embankment there. The cloudy conditions meant there were few butterflies but the grassland area was in full flower. 

Slow Worm - Tucking Mill 11-08-2023

The Slow Worms were, as usual, under the reptile mat. I see them there on most of my visits. The  colourful embankment matched the adjoining fields which were stacked with the flower stems of Devils-bit Scabious.

Jersey Tiger Moth - Tucking Mill 11-08-2023

I went for a walk around the lake, and onwards along the path that crosses the fields alongside the cycle path.  I noticed a Jersey Tiger moth nectaring near the lake. This is day-flying moth that I first saw in Bath a couple of years ago. It's spread northwards from its stronghold in south Devon is well documented and they are becoming a more common sight in the Bath area.

Common Blue - Tucking Mill 11-08-2023

With the cloudy conditions lifting, there were a few butterflies on the wing in the fields including Brown Argus (Top), Common Blue and single Small Skipper. 

Horsecombe Vale was quiet but there was a single male Silver-washed Fritillary patrolling the clearings there.

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