Fore Wood & Marline Valley - 31st March

Another cool sunny day and so a good chance to check out Fore Wood RSPB, near Crowhurst, which is one of my favourite stomping grounds. During July and August this is a great place to see White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary and Purple Hairstreak. Upon arrival it was clear that the RSPB were in the process of carrying out renovation of the footpaths and some of the rides so it looked like there may be some restrictions regarding access in 2021. Today I found my first Peacock of the year together with several Dark-edged Bee Flies and a 7 Spot Ladybird. The Dog Violets were in full flower and are amongst the first to appear in spring in the woodland. On the way back to Bexhill I dropped in to Marline Valley and found a single Comma.

Peacock

7 Spot Ladybird

Dark-edged Bee Fly

Dog Violet

Lichen

Comma

Beachy Head, Rowland Wood & Combe Haven CP - 30th March

A cool but very sunny early Spring day seemed like an ideal occasion to venture out into East Sussex among some of the usual haunts. First up Beachy Head where there was the expected Stonechat, a Raven near the cliff edge and a Kestrel hovering. Next up was Rowland Wood where I saw my first Brimstone of the year and managed to get a photo. Finally a quick walk around Combe Haven CP produced singles of Comma and Small Tortoiseshell. Given the relative scarcity of the latter now in Sussex this was a good find.

Raven

Kestrel

Seven Sisters viewed from Beachy Head

female Stonechat

male Brimstone

Comma

Comma

Small Tortoiseshell

Didsbury & River Mersey - 16th to 25th March

Daily walks during the week of 16th-24th March along the River Mersey, via Fog Lane Park, produced more Small Tortoiseshells (on the 17th & 24th) and a single Comma (24th). Bird interest was provided by some Goosanders, a Common Buzzard, Grey Wagtails and a Mute Swan. On the 25th I saw the Dipper at Cheadle Bridge and just about managed to get a record shot before it flew off.

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell

Comma

Common Buzzard

Dipper

male Goosander

Grey Wagtail

Mute Swan

Didsbury - 1st March

Despite my best efforts I failed, by one day, to find a butterfly in March in South Manchester. Finally a cool but sunny day brought out from hibernation two Small Tortoiseshells and a single Comma. The Small Tortoiseshells looked in remarkably good condition and can now be found reliably in a small section of Fog Lane Park in Didsbury. So at least now the 2021 butterfly season is well and truly up and running!

Comma

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell

Small Tortoiseshell