Emerging Butterflies

Two emerging butterflies observed this week.

The Comma

Can be observed at any time of the year, even on a warm day in winter.

A resident species in England and Wales, it emerges from hibernation in March. The next generation arrives in June/July. Another brood can be seen in late September.

The Red Admiral.

Primarily a migrant species arriving in UK in Spring. It migrates Northwards from Africa and through Europe. There is a small resident number of this species in England, but in May there is an influx from Europe.

 

A Walk Around Radipole Lake

Another walk around Radipole Lake Reserve, Weymouth revealed some butterfly activity as the temperature is a little warmer now.

Peacock

Large White

A distant shot between the reeds of my first Reed Warbler of the year. 

I heard several singing amongst the reeds around the reserve.

Much frantic Shoveler Duck activity was observed on the large lake.

Males and females were flying around landing and taking off again.

Males would then chase each other around and around. 

I don't believe they actually peck each other with those massive beaks.

Marsh Marigold

Mute Swans were also chasing each about in territorial disputes,

which is their main activity at the moment.

Wren

More Shoveler Duck activity.

Another colourful duck, the Shelduck.

This pair were bathing and preening. 

Radipole has usually one or two Shelduck around the reserve.

Cetti's Warbler

A welcome encounter with that often heard, but rarely seen Warbler.

Walking around Radipole this week I located six different birds in their territories.

Cetti's don't just call, they shout at you with their loud piercing voice as you pass by their location.

A Spring Walk

A Spring Walk. 

(One doesn't have to say Lockdown Walk anymore)

Various Spring flowers are showing now along the country walks that I conduct.

Primroses are looking a bit old though and will soon be gone.

Greater Stitchwort are absolutely everywhere along the banks of the footpaths.

Periwinkle appear anywhere and look completely out of place sometimes.

Although I haven't visited any recognised Bluebell Woods this year, there are some beginning to bud along the country public footpaths. I found these to photograph at a place I usually expect to see them. 

Just grass.

Willow Palm really shows out now in full bloom.

Blackthorn bushes are also in full bloom.

About two and a half miles out in the Dorset countryside I was pleased to find this scene below.

There must be some willing models here for a photo shoot I thought.

Wheat (below) growing well already especially after the rain and then warmer weather combined.

This female Chaffinch was nest building in the ivy that was growing around  a large tree trunk.

The first Small White butterfly (First brood) I have found this Spring that was actually pitched.

Bluetit.

Peacock butterflies having emerged from hibernation are becoming a regular site now.

This male Chaffinch stood out amongst the Blackthorn blooms.

Work on the farm never stops and disc harrowing and ploughing are the current activity.