Tuesday 17 July 2012

White-letters, Chalkhills and a Peacock

White-letter Hairstreak, Satyrium w-album
This morning the cloud covering the sky cleared and blue sky appeared. This was my cue to head to Hollingbury Park, Brighton to find a White-letter Hairstreak. I had seen one last Wednesday and Friday and I needed photos. After an hour of pacing around I turned my attention to beetles, then looked up and saw my quarry nectaring on thistle right in front of me. I pursued it for 90 minutes and just after it flew into the middle of the nettle patch Jamie joined me. The clouds were now covering the sky again. I also saw a worn Red Admiral, Meadow Browns and a Green-veined White.
I then visited Mill Hill. As soon as I dropped onto the lower slopes I saw my first Chalkhill Blue of the year. This was followed by another ten plus a magnificent Peacock, Meadow Browns, Small Heath, Gatekeepers, Green-veined and Large Whites. 
Hollingbury Park
Red Admiral that has seen better days
Red Soldier beetle, Rhagonycha fulva
Red Soldier beetles mating, Rhagonycha fulva
White-letter Hairstreak, Satyrium w-album














Mill Hill:
male Chalkhill Blue, Lysandra coridon
male Chalkhill Blue, Lysandra coridon
male Chalkhill Blue, Lysandra coridon






Mill Hill from the bottom
Peacock, Inachis io
young Rabbit blind with myxomatosis

3 comments:

  1. Great photos Colin,Where in Hollingbury Park did you find the White-letter Hairstreak?
    Regards

    Joaquim Pinho

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Joaquim. It was near the tennis courts GR: TQ31430735. There is a patch of brambles, thistles and nettles in front of the elms. good hunting.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Colin.
    Joaquim

    ReplyDelete

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