Wyre and Brimstone ! ( and a patch lifer )

Saturday had started well with a couple of Early Greys in the trap.

Early Grey

Perfect spring morning in the Wyre, hard to know where to look. Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Butterflies and Bumble Bee's all vying for attention.Here's a bit of Willow Warbler video..

Buff tailed Bumblebee, Wyre

The butterflies were as keen as me, out nice and early. I had only just clapped eyes on my first Comma of the year when a yellow flash diverted my attention, a Brimstone ! For the next 10 minutes I trailed it  at distance as he headed up and down the track, finally pushing on a few hundred yards. Eventually he settled and allowed me a chance to get a few snaps.

Brimstone , Wyre

 

Peacock, Wyre

 

I left him resting and moved on. A Male and Female Redstart was really nice to observe for a few minutes. No sign of Large Reds at the pool yet, but my first Tree Pipit of the year showed really well singing on treetop then gave a little display flight, dropping down in front of me

Tree Pipit

The Woodpeckers were drumming and calling with gusto, and 3 Blackcaps ( 2♂) were very lively down by the bridge at the Car Park end of Dowles.

First Blackcaps of the year t

On the patch on the way home, via Chaddersly wood, Peacocks and Small Tortoiseshells were in good numbers. a heady total of four butterfly species in one day ! Red Tailed Bumble Bee was a new patch tick. This, Buff Tailed and Tree Bumblebee have now been recordedt here too this year.

Comma, Chaddersly

You wait all year to see 1, then 2 come along together !

 

On Sunday the wind was stronger and cooler, with cloud cover. Consequently my hopes for a good invert session were dashed. There was not much happening bird wise either, and my weekend seemed to be going out on a flat note, save for seeing the Swallow numbers building. That was until I rechecked the paddocks, and found my first ever patch Yellow Wagtail ! It hung around for 15 minutes before heading NW. Superb !

Yellow Wagtail..get in !