Orley Common (1st August 2007)

[Andrew Cunningham]

Hi all,

I paid a visit to Orley Common in Devon hoping to see Brown Hairstreak.

Unfortunately, I failed in that regard. Nothing doing on all the Blackthorns there but there were some nice butterflies.

Two Silver-washed Fritillaries, a few Speckled Woods, several Gatekeepers, masses of Meadow Browns, a Small Skipper, Large Whites, Small Whites, four Holly Blues, five Peacocks, one Red Admiral and two Green-veined Whites. Also a small pyrausta moth that I have yet to ID.

Not that many birds though.

Do any southwest based members have any advice on finding Brown Hairstreak in Devon or Somerset?

Regards,
Andrew.