North Downs Way - 10-8-2013

Small White



We went for a long walk along the North Downs Way yesterday and as expected for the time of year bird life was very limited and in addition that which was about was more vocal than visual. As this was to be a bit of a trek I only took a pocket Lumix (Panasonic DMC-FS10) which was sufficient for the insect life that would be patient enough to sit still, however please be aware that the quality of most shots were impaired due to having to lean over bushes, shrubs, Thistles and Nettles more often than not whilst balancing on one leg in order to get close enough to take the shot.

Green Veined White (I believe)

Whites were everywhere as usual with Large, Small and Green Veined seen in almost all fields that we passed (see above), in addition Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns and Speckled Woods were found alongside most pathways.

Common Blue (m)

Common Blue (f)

 

Common Blue (f)

It was at a crossroads that we came across the only blues of the day, several Common Blues (above) and my first ever Brown Argus (below)

 

Brown Argus

Whilst trying to get some photos of these I found a Brimstone, this was an excellent find as although they are supposed to be quite common I had never seen one before (lifetime spot no.2)

 

Brimstone (f)

I reluctantly moved on – Butterflies were not the only insects to be found on the walk, Soldier Beetles were to be found on the majority of the Cow Parsley we passed and day moths were quite abundant including many Silver Y’s.

Silver Y Moth

We also found more Ladybirds on the walk than I had seen previously all this year, on just one plant we found this little lot.



7 Spot Ladybird



Fourteen Spot Ladybird

Fourteen Spot Ladybird (I believe)

The strangest (for me) find yesterday was this Scorpion Fly



Scorpion Fly

Walking alongside a field which had been edged with wild flowers I was lucky enough to find a third lifetime butterfly spot – a Painted lady.

Painted Lady



 The last spot of the day was a Small Tortoiseshell (female), sadly too far away for a photograph. Birds noted were Wren, Jackdaw, Magpie, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Herring Gull, Green Woodpecker, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Black Headed Gull and Jay. The last photo of this batch is of a Comma Butterfly, superb camouflage but the white legs give away its position.

Comma Butterfly

As always - please correct me where I have made a mistake - I am no expert and although I do my best my educated guesses are sometimes just that.