Wednesday 30 May 2012

It wasn't quite as hot and sunny for this afternoons patch visit, but warm enough for some Butterflies in the sunnier periods. I split my time this afternoon between the Tree Nursery whilst the sun was out, and sky watching at Migrant Alley when it went in again  :-)

Four raptor species were recorded during the sky watch, BUZZARD, SPARROWHAWK, KESTREL and a HOBBY, but the one I wanted, the Peregrine wasn't seen, I haven't added it to the months list yet, frustrating, as it was on the scaffolding around the village tower this morning when I passed on the way to work. Two Gull species went over - LESSER BLACK BACKED and HERRING GULL, and plenty of SWIFTS and SWALLOWS were hawking for insects, it was nice to see a party of six HOUSE MARTINS with them at one point. Out on the sheep pasture 19 GREYLAG GEESE were grazing, there were a mix of 76 Greylag and CANADA GEESE there this morning, plus the feral BARNACLE GOOSE. The paddocks had a mix flock of GOLDFINCH and LINNET, the ever present WOODPIGEONS and Corvids were also there, plus three STOCK DOVES dropped in with them for a short time.

Back in the Tree Nursery, birds were few, just the GREEN WOODPECKER and WHITETHROAT of note, so I chased a few butterflies about for some photo's :-
The Male Common Blue's were found first
Male Common Blue
Also this Female Common Blue
Female Common Blue
It didn't take long before the first Brown Argus was spotted
Then a pair were found mating
The pair in the previous photo were joined by another, but didn't get a look in  :-)
Just one Small Copper was found today
On the way home, this recently fledged MAGPIE was seen in a large garden

9 comments:

ShySongbird said...

Lovely flutter photos again Warren. I think my favourites are the second and the one with three Common Blues. I can't see any sign of marks on them today...maybe the muddy footprints dried out ;-)

Jason K said...

Fluttertastic selection of photos Warren. I love the shot where the 3rd Brown Argus isn't getting a lookin with the already mating female!

ShySongbird said...

Great news Warren! The ridiculous Buzzard persecution plans have been dropped after public outcry..people power!!! :-)

ShySongbird said...

Whoops! I should have said I liked the photo of the 3 Brown Argus.

Marc Heath said...

Another good selection Warren. I finally managed a few half decent efforts myself today. Keep. The sun coming.

kirstallcreatures said...

Great Common Blue & Brown Argus pics, I'm going to have to do a bit of research to find my own Brown Argus this year.

Warren Baker said...

Songbird, I knew what you meant :-) Thats fantastic news about the Buzzard, lets hope they stick to it!

Caroline Gill said...

Utterly stunning!

Rohrerbot said...

Your shots are great....love the Magpie and butterflies! I'm back....just catching up with everyone. Hope you are well.