Wednesday 2 October. At last the sun had returned, so I was Sussex bound today. It was too cold for butterflies when I arrived, so I took a walk on Shoreham beach to see the lizards, which were basking on the walls here.
A short walk at nearby Mill Hill produced not a single butterfly, so it was now time to head for now famous Whitehawk mast. Here, after getting to know the site, I came across a good gathering of people, including some familiar faces! So I knew I was in the right spot. Neil had already seen a Long-tailed Blue, and eventually we re-found it, a cracking fresh male. It didn’t hang about long, but I think everyone got some shots.
It was discouragingly cold on the windy hill top, so, after an hour with no sightings, apart from a Speckled Wood, we gradually departed, and I headed back to Mill Hill, choosing the more sheltered lower slope this time. This was more productive, and much warmer too! Two, possibly three Walls were present.
Several other species were seen, including a Clouded Yellow, but they were mostly showing their age. Here is one of several Meadow Browns.
Day list includes, Small White, Clouded Yellow, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Common Blue, Adonis Blue, Red Admiral,Speckled Wood, Wall and Meadow Brown.