This was my 3rd visit to Chambers Farm Wood although to see all the butterflies of interest you’d probably have to visit 3 times at year, my last being July 2021. May the target is Marsh Fritillary which would be a new species for me. These were abundant in the meadows, an area I hadn’t visited before.
Actually at this time I was expecting little else I hadn’t already seen on walks from home in East Yorkshire [see here for some I saw last month] so Dingy Skipper was a nice find.
There were still plenty of commoner species to photograph.
In fact I did better with moths adding 2 species. Starting with Broad-bordered Bee Hawkmoth on Red Valerian in the carpark, although it initially avoided our camera but was more cooperative later. View my video on facebook.
Next was Latticed Heath in the meadows.
Cochylimorpha straminea wasn’t a straight forward identification but back home I found seen at least two previously in East Yorkshire at Hornsea Mere and High Eske YWT.
Also had Mother Shipton, a scarce species but one I have seen occasionally at Kiplingcotes Chalk Pit YWT [see here].
And Mint Moth-Pyrausta aurata by the carpark.
Although not yet prime time we had a few dragonflies with Large Red and Azure Damselflies and a Broad-bodied Chaser in the butterfly garden.
And Hairy Dragonfly by the meadows.
Had a few beetles with Wasp Beetle by the carpark and Rhagium mordax in the woods.
Another insect seen was Bee Fly, similar in feeding style and appearance to the Hawkmoth that shared the Red Valerian by the carpark.
Although more regular visitors may know better the site isn’t particularly interesting for birds with the same species I would encounter walking the dog but it was nice to hear Willow Warbler which is declining in my area. May be better in winter?
We missed several notices along the track in but although no issue on Tuesday I have heard since that the road is now closed.
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