Thanks, Wurzel. The Adonis were as good as they get.
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The earliest I've been down there is the end of July, and the Lulworths were a bit fresher, certainly. They have an amazingly long season (starting in May?) - I wonder why?
Thanks, Neil - I know you're fond of this bit of coast too.
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It is odd about the Marbled Whites, as I think they start here at the same time as elsewhere. The Adonis are a bit behind those in the southeast, though.
MORE ADONIS AND A TOUCH OF YELLOW FEVER
Monday
29th August - Bank Holiday Monday, but I was at work until 3. However, that gave me enough time to pop up to Aston Rowant with the dual aim of seeing the Adonis Blues here, and hopefully also seeing some more Clouded Yellows. The visit proved successful on both counts, and one or two other things made it a very good late afternoon.
I walked along the path that cuts across the middle of the northern hillside and was aware that the flowers here were still showing well, with plenty of scabious in particular. There were good numbers of Brown Argus, Common Blues and Meadow Browns, with a few Small Heath, elderly Chalkhills and a single Small Copper too.
There were a few Small Tortoiseshells, all very bright and new, but none of them was Mike's ab.
A bit further on I noticed that Silver-spotted Skippers were on quite a number of the flowerheads, and one or two were really quite new.
As I reached the far side and headed for the gate onto Beacon Hill (where Mike Oxon had reported them), sure enough the Adonis Blues started to appear, with a selection of individuals in good condition.
After some while spent with these, I wandered slowly back along the lower path thinking that once again I had missed out on the Clouded Yellows. However, I was instantly proved wrong when not one but two appeared right in front of me. As is customary, they flew around at speed, enticing me up the slope (not recommended!) and down again. Eventually one decided to nectar on a succession of flowers, and even sat on the ground in front of me (edge on of course...), but at last a decent picture was in the bag. Phew.
Chasing the Blues away may be recommended, but chasing the Yellows - definitely not.
Dave