Undertook a walk around Hillditch Pool and the SE side of the Common today. On arrival at Hillditch I was greeted by the wonderful sound of a Cuckoo calling. On speaking to some of the Common regulars it had been present since Saturday. On the Common there were Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Common Whitethroats singing seemingly everywhere.
Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Black-headed Cardinal Beetle was a new invert for the year list and Gorse Shieldbug was also recorded. A Common Lizard was seen scurrying off into the undergrowth.
Black-headed Cardinal Beetle (Pyrochroa coccinea)
During the walk I bumped into my friends Toni and Pete who were visiting the Common for the first time after reading about it on the blog. They were both really pleased to see a pair of Green Woodpeckers and also a ♂ Emperor moth responding to the pheromone lure.
Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
Tuesday 2nd May 2017:
A brief visit to Hillditch today was fairly unproductive but for a 14-spot Ladybird and 2 Bloody-nosed Beetle larvae.
14-spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata)
Bloody-nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa) larva
Thursday 4th May 2017:
Today's warm sunny weather bought out increased numbers of Odonata with 4 Large Red Damselflies recorded at Hillditch Pool. The following butterflies were also observed: 1 Holly Blue, 2 Orange Tip, 2 Peacock and 6 Small Tortoiseshell.
Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)
Peacock (Aglais io)
An interesting post Jason with super images.
ReplyDeleteI had a Large Red Damselfly in my kitchen a week ago! I safely released it into my garden!
Thanks Pam. I would love to get a Large Red in my garden!
ReplyDelete