Re: millerd
Posted: Mon May 13, 2024 6:40 pm
Friday 10th May was another sunny warm one, and anticipating this I set off southward early in the morning, reaching Fairmile Bottom at the foot of the steep slope with Rewell Wood at the top. I parked so as to be able to traverse the whole slope before tackling the upward path and take in any butterflies that might be down there. Rather disappointingly, I saw only a handful of Brimstones - and nothing else.
After the steep (but luckily short) climb, I headed along one of the major paths, looking out for areas that were at the level of regrowth after coppicing that suits the requirements of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. I found such an area, but it was a while before I saw any Fritillaries - I don't have the knowledge of the species' habits to spot them before they wake up for the day. Suddenly, around half nine, things came to life and Pearls appeared in all directions. They were very active in the continuous warm sunshine, and even when they did stop to nectar they often sought out bugle flowers that were wholly or partly shaded. I saw a lot of butterflies, but photographed very few of them!
Here are some I did manage to immortalise... Also seen were several Green Hairstreaks and a Grizzled Skipper. On the way back down to the car there were more Brimstones... ...but once again nothing notable along Fairmile Bottom.
With the whole afternoon to play with (though with an eye to possible Friday traffic later) I thought about where to visit on the way home. It turns out that the nearest thing to a straight line route near enough intersects Chiddingfold - so that's where I aimed for.
Dave
After the steep (but luckily short) climb, I headed along one of the major paths, looking out for areas that were at the level of regrowth after coppicing that suits the requirements of the Pearl-bordered Fritillary. I found such an area, but it was a while before I saw any Fritillaries - I don't have the knowledge of the species' habits to spot them before they wake up for the day. Suddenly, around half nine, things came to life and Pearls appeared in all directions. They were very active in the continuous warm sunshine, and even when they did stop to nectar they often sought out bugle flowers that were wholly or partly shaded. I saw a lot of butterflies, but photographed very few of them!
Here are some I did manage to immortalise... Also seen were several Green Hairstreaks and a Grizzled Skipper. On the way back down to the car there were more Brimstones... ...but once again nothing notable along Fairmile Bottom.
With the whole afternoon to play with (though with an eye to possible Friday traffic later) I thought about where to visit on the way home. It turns out that the nearest thing to a straight line route near enough intersects Chiddingfold - so that's where I aimed for.
Dave