The wind abated overnight and made a lot of difference in
butterfly numbers even though the temperature remained only in the mid-teens.
Common Blue was by the visitor center, Draycote Water by 8am
but the only bird life noted was Mistle Thrush, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat.
After the ‘Diner’ we visited Stockton Cutting and Tasker
Meadows managing first for the year Small Blue and Large Skipper plus 6 Large
White, Peacock, 3 Dingy and 5 Grizzled Skipper, 3 Small Heath and 15 Common Blue
while moths were represented by 2 Cinnabar, Burnet Companion and Evergestis
pallidata. A few Common Spotter and Butterfly Orchids were out along with a
single Early Purple Orchid. Unfortunately the sun did not encourage the
dragonflies out so made do with a few Common Blue and White-legged Damselflies.
Nuthatch heard.
Apart from the usual warblers at Napton Reservoir we added Brimstone
and Orange-tip butterflies to the day list.
This Red-necked Footman was an unusual find in Ryton Woods
being out in broad daylight.
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| Red-necked Footman by Terry Southgate |
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