Wychwood Moths - missed August

Been away in Florida for over three weeks so nothing to report from Wychwood Moths in August although my first night back trapping on 27th produced some year ticks as expected, one of which was a nice fresh Red Underwing. Did not note any significant moths during my time away but had 80+ bird species including 4 world ticks and some superb views of many impressive varieties. Also a selection of large butties including Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Monarch, Queen, Giant Swallowtail and White Peacock. Just a few images to whet the appetite or provide a reminder for anybody that has been to this area themselves.

Limpkin with apple snail, Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, FL. Plenty of these about early mornings. An adult Snail Kite was also present in this area on most visits.

Sandhill Crane with juvenile, Kissimmee, FL. A yard bird, and Wal-Mart car park etc... Small family groups all over the area and some good roosts near the lake.

American Black Vulture with roadkill for lunch, Kissimmee, FL.

Potential Human lunch, Kissimmee, FL

Wood Stork, Kissimmee, FL. Plenty of these about on lakes and roadsides. Also within some of the parks including the sea lion enclosure at Sea World.

White Peacock. A numerous butterfly, this one found its way inside the villa.

Warden and Galley Hills, Luton

The southern end of this site is only about a mile from my house and the area is a frequent option for a short walk on a fine summer afternoon or a more thorough exploration during bird migration periods. This Sunday was the first time for a couple of weeks where weather conditions have looked good for butterflies so I got out for a couple of hours while it was still warm. The meadow at the south-western corner of the site was dominated by two species, Chalkhill Blue and Six-spot Burnet which both would have counted into three figures. The butties in particular were very active and not easy to capture an image.

Two weeks previously I had seen a Dark Green Fritillary at the northern end near Little Galley Hill, a site first for me. Hopefully they will set up a colony as the habitat is much the same as Sharpenhoe Clappers where this butty is numerous only two miles away.

Six-spot Burnet

Dark Green Fritillary

Chalkhill Blue

Chicksands Wood Butties

The "Chicksands Wood" season has started and today I took my first walk around the wood in search of the specialist butterflies. Unfortunately I missed out on Purple Emperor by less than a minute by choosing to walk towards the distant group who waved at me rather than running. I'll be back soon for another go though. Managed to grab a couple of pleasing images of others though, notably Purple Hairstreak, White Admiral and Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth.

Purple Hairstreak

White Admiral

Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet