Gatekeepers at Pagham Harbour

Gatekeeper

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Yesterday afternoon we visited the western side of Pagham Harbour. The activity area by the reserve car park had many Gatekeepers fluttering about, the first I have seen this year. They were settling in the grass so it was not easy to get a clear shot. We walked along the dyke and enjoyed lovely views in the late afternoon light. We were surprised to  more Gatekeepers on the windy path, plus a Red Admiral, a worn Comma and some Whites whose specific identity I could not determine. A kestrel hovered above the path near the road, then suddenly hovered very low and swooped on unsuspecting prey.

wood statue near visitor centre

Gatekeeper

Kestrel

Kestrel hovering low

Comma

Common Darter

dandelion seed head

Gatekeeper takoff

Teasel

Gatekeeper

damselfly