2023 Highlights
Cistus Forester moth - Tucking Mill 27-05-2023 2023 Highlights 2023 was generally a good year for butterflies. The weather was significantly wetter than the exceptionally hot and sunny year of 2022 and I was interested to see whether this has had an impact on butterfly populations locally. Butterfly wise, there were few surprises and no new species to add to the list. However, the year has thrown up some interesting non-butterfly sightings. Mason bee (Osmia bicolor) - Tucking Mill 07-05-2023 On the May 7th I spotted a bee methodically building a stack of grass stems. This turn out to be a Red-tailed Mason bee (Osmia bicolor). They are species of bee that nests in empty snail shells and then covers the shell with grass. It is classified as a "Nationally Notable" species and certainly one I have not seen before. Cistus Forester moth - Tucking Mill 27-05-2023 Another surprise came on the 27th May . Amongst the Dingy and Grizzled skipper butterflies I saw a small metallic...