The Quest for the Rings

No wildlife today, but some panoramas from yesterday’s walk from home around Cissbury, Chanctonbury and Lancing Rings, a total of 17.5 miles.  Highlights, other, than superb views, included an incredible number of Wall butterflies on Steep Down, as well as at least 30 Corn Buntings there (presumably a post-breeding gathering) and the biggest rarity: RAIN!

It was quite entertaining to watch either side of the downs getting heavily rained on while I only had a few spots throughout the afternoon.

Back to birding

It’s always a bit quiet bird-wise in June and July, but this weekend has seen a return to birding, with a Red-backed Shrike, handily placed for our lunch appointment and today a walk around Pagham Harbour.  In truth, this was more walk than birding, but we did get a nice red Curlew Sandpiper  and a few other waders.  They were too far away for decent pictures, though.  On the home front, the moth numbers are rising.

Cricket, lovely cricket

Our garden is home to a few species of Bush-cricket and over the last week we have added another in the form of Roesel’s Bush-cricket, which has taken to climbing on our doors and windows.

Also at home, the latest moth trap yielded an Oak Nycteoline, not the first we have had, but the first that has hung around long enough to be photographed.  Meanwhile on the Downs the Dark-green Fritilaries are out.

Flaming July

The heatwave continues and it’s quiet on the birding front, but the mothing is beginning to pick up a bit and the butterflies are more plentiful.  Attached are a few moths of recent traps, including a Bordered Sallow, a new moth for us, and a Silver-washed Fritillary from today’s walk.