Saturday 2nd September 2023

Species: Brown Argus (2) Common Blue (2) Meadow Brown (2) Red Admiral (6) Small White (1) Speckled Wood (5)

Brown Argus - Tucking Mill 02-09-2023

The afternoon of the 2nd September was warm and sunny with the temperature peaking at 22c. I first headed towards the grassy embankment, just south of the Tucking Mill viaduct.

Spotted Flycatcher - Tucking Mill 02-09-2023

There were few butterflies on the embankment itself but my attention was drawn by a small bird fliting in and out of a Elder tree. It appeared to be a Spotted Flycatcher.

Devil's Bit Scabious - Tucking Mill 02-09-2023

The field on the other side of the fence was thick with flowering Devil's Bit Scabious. I see this plant growing in various locations in the valley, but this year is is proving abundant.

Common Darter Dragonfly - Horsecombe Vale 02-09-2023

In Horsecombe Vale there were a few Red Admiral butterflies and quite a few Common Darter dragonflies. At this time of year, in an early September afternoon, the woods are mostly shady with just a few pockets of sun filtering through.

Speckled Wood - Horsecombe Vale 02-09-2023

Speckled Wood butterflies were still on the wing in the valley with a total of five counted.

Meadow Brown - Tucking Mill 02-09-2023

There were fewer Meadow Brown butterflies to be seen on this trip with just two counted.

Brown Argus - Tucking Mill 02-09-2023

It was late afternoon by the time I got to the fields that adjoin to the east of the cycle-path. However there were still a couple of Brown Argus and Common Blue butterflies to be seen.