Tag Archives: Small Tortoiseshell

Sand Martin – 25th March

March 25, 2016Recent wildlife sightings2016, 25th March, Brimstone, Chiffchaff, Comma, Peacock, Sand Martin, Small TortoiseshellPete Smith

This morning there were six Sand Martins along the river by the railway bridge. One Chiffchaff was singing and lots of butterflies were out including six Small Tortoiseshells, four Peacocks, four Brimstones and two Commas. PS.

Curlew – 6th April

April 6, 2015Recent wildlife sightings2015, 6th April, Blackcap, Brimstone, Comma, Curlew, Haven, Orange Tip., Peacock, Sand Martin, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, Small TortoiseshellPete Smith

The sun brought out the butterflies this morning with 11 Brimstones, 5 Peacocks, 2 Small Tortoiseshells, 1 Comma and 1 Orange-tip being seen. A Curlew called as it flew over and three Sand Martins were seen near the river, also a Blackcap sang briefly near the Haven. On the Slurry Lagoon two Shelduck were present first thing. PS.

Common Blue Butterflies – 2nd June

June 2, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 2nd June, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Orange Tip., Small Copper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small WhitePete Smith

The first Common Blues of the season were seen this morning with twelve males being seen. Quite a relief after last year’s dismal showing. Also seen was a Small Copper, several Orange Tips and Small and Green-veined Whites, and a Small Tortoiseshell. PS.

Hobby – 23rd April

April 23, 2013Recent wildlife sightings2013, 23rd April, Brimstone, Comma, Common Sandpiper, Green-veined White, Hobby, Large Gravel Pit, Little Ringed Plover, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Wader Scrape, Whimbrel, Yellow WagtailPete Smith

Early this afternoon a Hobby was seen hawking butterflies around the Large Gravel Pit and a Whimbrel settled briefly on the Wader Scrape. RW.

There were also at least five Little Ringed Plover and a Common Sandpiper on the Wader Scrape and two Common Sandpipers and two Yellow Wagtails on the river bank. Twelve Peacocks, three Green-veined Whites, three Commas, three Small Tortoiseshells and two Brimstones were also seen. PS.

Also early afternoon four Yellow Wagtails were on the Wader Scrape. JMD.

Migrants Return – 3rd April

April 3, 2011Recent wildlife sightings2011, 3rd April, birds, butterflies, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Comma, Common Tern, Deep Pit, Peacock, Red Admiral, Reed Warbler, Sand Martin, Shelduck, Slurry Lagoon, Small Tortoiseshell, Wheatear, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Yellow WagtailAlan.Edge

During the last few days many migrant species have been returning to the lagoons and helped to provide a quite exciting morning’s watching in very pleasant bright weather this morning. Amongst others, the Sand Martins are now present in considerable numbers on the river bank. Willow Warblers were noted in several locations, as were Chiffchaffs and one or two Blackcaps. A single Reed Warbler was heard in the Deep Pit and a Whitethroat in the brambles on the Slurry Lagoon. The highlight of the morning was a Wheatear, which perched very close on fence posts, and the close second was the appearance of three Buzzards, which displayed well, including an aerial fight. The Cetti’s Warbler was in good voice also.

Meanwhile two Common Terns were struggling with Black-headed Gulls for space on the tern platform.

Butterflies, including Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Comma, and Red Admiral were noted and the Blackthorn Blossom was a sight to see (and smell). A Yellow Wagtail was also seen over the Large Gravel Pit and six Shelduck flew into the Slurry Lagoon.

PS/NM/RW/AR/ DG/LD/AE

Ruff – 4th October

October 4, 2010Recent wildlife sightings2010, 4th October, Common Snipe, Holly Blue, Migrant Hawker, Ruff, Slurry Lagoon, Small TortoiseshellJacqueline

What a difference a day makes – it was glorious at the Lagoons this afternoon. The warm sunshine encouraged some insect activity with at least six Migrant Hawkers and one or two butterflies including a Holly Blue and two Small Tortoiseshells. The geese had departed into the surrounding fields and the river so it was easier to view the Slurry and two Ruff were spotted among the Lapwings and Black-headed Gulls and nine Common Snipe were enjoying the sun at the reed edges. JMD.

Ringlet – 24th June

June 24, 2010Recent wildlife sightingsGrasshopper Warbler, Large Skipper, Latticed Heath, Meadow Brown, Pochard, Ringlet, Small TortoiseshellPete Smith

Two Ringlets, two Meadow Browns, two Small Tortoiseshells, a Large Skipper and several Latticed Heaths were flying early on this morning. On the Slurry Lagoon a second brood of three Pochard ducklings had taken to the water. Two Grasshopper Warblers were singing by the Gravel Pits. PS.