Cotley Hill Butterflies

Date: 08/05/2017

Location: Cotley Hill

Weather: Blue Skies, 15c
Butterfly Species: 
Green Hairstreak, Dingy Skipper, Grizzled Skipper, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Marsh Fritillary, Red Admiral, Peacock, Green Veined White, Small White, Orange Tip, Small Blue, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, Holly Blue, Brimstone

Observation:
With my Butterfly season in full swing another trip to Cotley was required hoping for Marsh Fritillary or Small Blue.
On arriving only a couple of cars in car park so boots on and headed on to hillside Orange Tips & Peacock on path up through and a couple of Common Lizard scurrying from path into undergrowth. Plenty of Green Hairstreaks I'd estimate at 20+ 

 Dingy Skippers also into the 20's 

A few less Grizzled Skippers. 

Good Numbers of Brown Argus also 20+

Followed on around to Horse Chestnut tree also a good spot and lots of Small Heath chasing each other. Met Andy (Plant Man) and got some great info for my other trips, Scotland & the Lakes, Spot on cheers! 
He also mentioned he'd saw Small Blue's further round so headed that way. After a few minutes of looking Species number 18 perched up on forget-me-not!

Only saw one so headed on back around scanning grass and bushes suddenly a Small Copper appeared. Species number 19 only let me get a few snaps and disappeared at speed as they do.

Yellowhammer 

And Linnet calling from trees also, mustn't forget the birds!

Time ticking on thought 
I'd quickly check other side of hill another Butterflyer stood checking something out Marsh Fritillary he said! I chatted keeping my eyes peeled when he said "Its behind you!"

20 Species! Very happy. 
Got a few nice snaps of this stunning Butterfly before it was time to go.
Such a Great place and 16 species seen today.
My target was 20 Species before I head off to Mallorca 10 days to go and 
20 hit..............what next?

Thanks For Looking! 

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