12 July 2016

13 Species of Butterfly, Plus Close-Up Little Owl!

Date: 11/07/2016
Location: Patch - Newton St Loe
Weather: Cloudy + Windy At Times
Other Species: 
Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Skylark, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, Barn Swallow, House Martin, Swift, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Little Owl - 35 species
Butterflies:
Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Marbled White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Red Admiral, GateKeeper, Green Veined White, Comma

Observation: 
A wet weekend for me so Monday morning and no rain I had to go for a wander round patch! Opened front door and Male Bullfinch looking splendid on tree. Out through Bath Lodges and it was very quiet not much until fields although a few butterflies despite weather. On fields usual stuff Whitethroat still dwindling numbers only 1 bird heard. Village normal's here as well .


Then crossing Bath Spa Drive and on to Butterfly Alley! 
I know it finally lives up to its name a single Essex Skipper!! 


Not sure a fly species answers on a postcard please! 
But the Essex Skipper first of the year on patch.


On to Lakes lots Mallards, seem to be doing very well this year, normal Coots and Moorhen also Mute Swan still with 7 Cygnets although they were on Lower Lake today but moved up to Upper while I was munching my Apple. Carried on, no Spotted Flycatcher today but Bonus! As I was going through kissing gate turned around to close gate and.......


A Juvenile Little Owl! 
Never seen them here before but made my day as he sat about 2 meters from me! 
A real surprise.


Look at those feet, amazing very large for such a small chap.


Carried on around towards Park View Farm still smiling and heard a familiar noise a Greater Spotted Woodpecker appeared from around pole, and Blue Skies now! Whoohoo


Down past Pennsylvania Farm not much on his feeders but a few House Sparrows, Then at bottom of lane a Gatekeeper also a first of year and taking Butterfly patch list this year to 21.
 2 more to see, Small Copper and Clouded Yellow on patch. Finished walk with 13 species of butterfly and 35 birds. Plus some cracking shots of our Little Owl!


Thanks For Looking !
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