AUGUST 2020 in the North of England
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2021 7:57 pm
The relative freedom to travel that the summer brought meant I was able to spend some time in August visiting Yorkshire and other parts of the north of England. One of the joys of these visits is encountering good numbers of Small Tortoiseshells in almost every location.
More August to come, at more southern sites.
Dave
The reliable site for Small Coppers, Calley Heath, didn't fail... ...and also produced the best Painted Lady I saw all year... ...plus some nice Commas feeding up pre-hibernation. A visit to Kiplingcotes on 6th gave me a notable sighting in an Essex Skipper - they have only just arrived here as they spread slowly northwards. Another annual event is the sight of Red Admirals indulging themselves on the windfall Victoria plums in my sister's garden.
My visit at the start of August coincided with the start of the major heatwave at home down south, and conditions were thankfully much more comfortable up there. In fact I had to keep a close eye on the forecast for the next part of my trip, which was to visit Smardale Gill for the first time to see England's best colony of Scotch Argus. Luckily, the prognostications became increasingly favourable as the 9th approached, and the day itself was largely sunny, pleasantly warm and with light winds. Scotch Argus were everywhere. I followed by dropping into Arnside en route to my overnight hotel in Lancaster, and then again the following morning. However, the Scotch Argus here were disappointing in comparison... ...though I did spot a late Grayling, of the smaller variety found here which may be closely linked to the subspecies found on the Great Orme in North Wales.. Gatekeepers were the only other species of note.
I headed back south on 10th, and watched the temperature rise steadily from a pleasant 22 up on the Knott to around 37 at Heathrow. However, I had made plans - knowing my upstairs maisonette would be like an oven at night, I had booked into local hotels for the next three nights. Air-conditioned decent sleep awaited, and at a reasonable cost too, as the downswing in air travel had triggered a big reduction in room rates. All within walking distance of home too.More August to come, at more southern sites.
Dave