Usual Newchurch Common on Big Pool meadows today. Warm but not direct sunshine very often.
Best was a Purple Hairstreak again, but stayed high so no pics yet! Cracking male Brimstone and a nice Holly Blue. Usual others making up 13 species: Small Copper, Small Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Comma, Large White, Small White & Green-veined White.
Odonata: Common Darter, Brown Hawker, C.Blue Damselfly and Blue-t Damselfly.
Another Dingy Skipper moth and several Shaded Broad-bars.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jul 28 3:36 PM, 2020
Doc Brewster wrote:
..... odonata species, apart from an immature male Black Darter which was north of Big Pool, over 2 miles from heathland, in long grass, a real surprise.
Just processing my pictures and the Black Darter was a female, since I use these reports to write the annual wildlife report I thought that I'd better correct it.
24th July 2020: Whilst I'm amending sightings - I had the small yellow fungus Pale StagshornCalocera pallidospathulataon a dead branch on Abbot's Moss. Kindly IDed by Fungal Punk Dave, the NW fungus expert and wildlife guru
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 29th of July 2020 10:50:25 AM
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jul 26 11:03 PM, 2020
A magic afternoon on my Newchurch Common patch today. I spent the whole time in the meadow east of Big Pool. Cloudy most of the time but not cold.
After checking over a hundred Small Skippers over the past two weeks I finally found what I had been looking for in the shape of an Essex Skipper. This species has only reached Cheshire in the past year or so and this year has been especially good for sightings. Still, they need finding, so I was very chuffed to find just the one today, photographed too for proof, showing its 'dipped in ink' antennae! My first July 2020 Brimstone was also seen, a female. Fourteen butterfly species were seen. In addition to the 2 mentioned I also saw Small Copper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock (inc 6 together!), Small White, Green-veined White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Speckled Wood.
Another fabulous find and a first on patch was an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar. Two Dingy Footman moths were seen, new for 2020.
Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were the only odonata species, apart from an immature male Black Darter which was north of Big Pool, over 2 miles from heathland, in long grass, a real surprise.
A couple of Tachina fera flies were seen too, again new for the year. Another smaller Tachinid was new for me totally, Cistogaster globosa, a strange looking beast, IDed from the pic I took!
All in all a fab day
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 27th of July 2020 04:34:50 PM
My Newchurch Common patch walk was mainly on the mosslands today, overcast most of the time.
Again a highlight was another Grass Snake sighting, probably my usual male given its location on Abbot's Moss. Plenty of snake food in the shape of Common Toadlets too.
A new dragonfly and very welcome after none last year was at least 5 Black Darters, some teneral and all pretty recently emerged. Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were also seen.
Only 4 butterfly species, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Large White and lots of Small Whites.
Beautiful Yellow Underwing was again seen but couldn't be photographed and several Common Carpets were flying. A Sericomyia silentis hoverfly was seen looking very wasp-like. The Mirid Bug Grypocoris stysi was new for the year. Red-tailed Bumblebees were photographe
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 24th of July 2020 11:03:04 PM
Not a walk on patch officially but took the horses out over to the main Newchurch Common track and had a 3ft long female Grass Snake move slowly across the road in front of us right next to the entrance barrier where we always park cars to access the site. This was only 6 days after my last sighting of this species over on Abbot's Moss and my third Grass Snake sighting here on my Newchurch Patch this summer, really chuffed
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 22nd of July 2020 08:56:14 PM
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jul 20 8:30 PM, 2020
19th July 2020 (Sunday):
Late post.
Two visits in the sunshine paid dividends for invertebrates. My first Common Darter of the year was near Big Pool, a female sunning in the meadow near Beach Peg. My first ever Common Sexton Beetle was in the same meadow, spotted in flight at first and then photographed after landing.
13 Species of butterfly, the species being those seen on the lats few visits but Purple Hairstreak was again the star of the show, but being high in the crown of an oak it was impossible to photograph. SixCommas were seen.
John Williams said
Mon Jul 20 4:39 PM, 2020
Brockholes LWT reserve. 10.00-13.30
The sun did'nt appear until noon, only then did the insect life emerge.
Butterflies : 1 Peacock, 2 Large Skippers, 2 Speckled Woods, 8 Gatekeepers, 1 Green Veined White, 3 Small Whites.
Meadow Browns plentiful in the meadows with lesser numbers of Ringlets and Large Whites.
Dragonflies : 1 Brown and 1 Southern Hawkers. Common Blue Damselflies plentiful across the meadows.
3 tiny Common Toads were seen on the footpaths.
John Williams said
Fri Jul 17 8:48 PM, 2020
Big Moor (Derbyshire) 10.30-15.30
3 Common Lizards.
The best insect find was a large Emperor Moth caterpillar.
Small Heath butterflies were plentiful across the moor, whilst Ringlets were numerous around the grassy areas.
A few Large White butterflies were seen, mainly around the boggy areas of moorland, whilst a single Small Tortoiseshell was also seen.
Also 1 Green Tiger Beetle.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jul 17 3:15 PM, 2020
A full morning starting before the sun had really got to full strength. Sunny intervals but very warm when the sun was out.
All sightings were in the meadow east of Big Pool. A fabulous tally of 15 butterfly species, my best this year! Star butterflies were 2 Purple Hairstreaks on an oak close to my previous sighting but a different one, 2 Holly Blues and 1 Small Copper too. In addition: 14 Small Skippers, 20+Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, a Speckled Wood, a Ringlet, a SmallTortoiseshell,4 Red Admirals, 10 Peacocks, 6 Commas, LargeWhite , Small White and Green-veined White.
Just 4 odonata species: Southern Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
The meadow was teeming with over 20 Shaded Broad-bar moths and 1 Silver-Y was seen.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jul 16 10:42 PM, 2020
Mainly non-birds at Newchurch patch today. Overcast but not cold.
Highlight was a basking Grass Snake on Abbot's Moss, from the size of it it may well have been the probable male that I had a month ago here. Another big highlight was again on Abbot's Moss and was the scarce moth Four-dotted Footman. I've had this on the moss before but not last year.
Other highlights, on the edge of Shemmy Moss was the comb-footed spider, Common Candy-striped Spider (Enoplognatha ovata) which was a first for the patch. A very approachable and photogenic female Four-spotted Chaser Dragonfly was on Abbot's Moss (photographed on my iPhone - attached).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 17th of July 2020 03:00:34 PM
Two hour walk, late morning, around Newtimber Hill which is just east of Poynings Village. The Devils Dyke walk we did on Monday was south west of the same village and the two walks can be combined as one, assuming you can manage the distance.
Dull, cloudy and around 18 degrees with rain in the air on two or three occasions. Not good. A few hardy Marbled White were flying, a single Small Heath was new for the trip and later on, when it hinted at sunshine for five minutes, a single Common Blue was seen with Peacock and a few Meadow Brown.
A pretty poor return but its a lovely spot with extensive areas which look particularly good for Blues and Skippers. Were returning home tomorrow so definitely a case of what could have been with more favourable weather.
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Jul 14 5:32 PM, 2020
An hour or so at Oaken Wood, Butterfly Conservation Reserve, Surrey this afternoon in warmish but cloudy weather.
Wood White Small White Small Skipper Large Skipper Meadow Brown Gatekeeper Peacock Speckled Wood Marbled White Ringlet
After a forecast of sunny and sunnyish weather all week, it has now changed to cloudy for today and at least until Thursday which is disappointing. Some decent glades and rides in the woodland here but not too much flying because of the weather. There were two or three Wood White (lifer) seen at one good spot. The wood is good for White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary but when your luck is out, its out.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jul 13 4:14 PM, 2020
Fifteen species of Butterfly in the South Downs this morning, mainly at Devils Dyke, a few miles north of Brighton. The three species that I wanted to see as they would have been lifers, didnt show, namely Brown Argus, Chalkhill Blue and Silver-spotted Skipper. In addition, we are inbetween flying times for Adonis Blue.
Small Skipper Brimstone Large White Small White Green Veined White Common Blue Red Admiral Painted Lady Small Tortoiseshell Peacock Dark Green Fritillary Speckled Wood Marbled White Gatekeeper Meadow Brown
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jul 12 6:38 PM, 2020
Another visit to Newchurch, again spent in the meadow east of Big Pool. Hot & sunny.
Another good butterfly day with 12 species rather than the 13 of 2 days ago. Best of the bunch was a 2nd brood Holly Blue. Also 15 Small Skippers, a Gatekeeper, Meadow Browns, Speckled Wood, Ringlets, Comma, Red Admirals, lots of Small Tortoiseshells, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White. Despite perfect conditions no Purple Hairstreaks in the main oak and not in any other oak that I checked, strange!
Odanata were Brown Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly.
Green Leaf-hopper (Cicadella viridis) was new for the year as was Common Red Sioldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva). Plenty of Common Wasps (Vespavulgaris).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 12th of July 2020 08:05:02 PM
John Williams said
Sun Jul 12 1:50 PM, 2020
Houghton Green Pool (Cheshire) 09.00-10.30
This site is now very much overgrown, with just a small pool shallow at the centre, surrounded by willow and birch scrub.
Butterflies : 3 Small Skippers, 4 Red Admirals (On Buddleia), 1 Peacock (My first since the huge hatch in early spring), 3 Small Tortoiseshells,
1 Small White plus lots of Large Whites and Meadow Browns.
1 Brown and 2 Southern Hawker dragonflies.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jul 10 10:47 PM, 2020
A very sunny afternoon at Newchurch Common, a bit blowy, but fab for inverts again. All in the meadow east of Big Pool.
A new butterfly for the year, Gatekeeper, but just the one! A great 12 more species of butterfly recorded today, namely Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, 2 Small Copper, 10 Small Skippers and a PurpleHairstreak.
A new dragonfly for the year in the form of a female Ruddy Darter. Also on the wing lots of Brown Hawkers. Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies also seen.
Shaded Broad-bar moths were plentiful too.
John Williams said
Mon Jul 6 7:48 PM, 2020
10.00-14.00 Newmanns Flash & Marbury Country Park
Butterflies : 6 Red Admirals, 1 Small Skipper and lots of Meadow Browns.
Dragonflies : 3 Brown Hawkers and 2 Southern Hawkers.
Just 1 damselfly was seen, a female Common Blue by the Coward reedbed screen.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jul 2 10:02 PM, 2020
A brief afternoon visit to Newchurch Common to try to get pics of the Purple Hairstreaks found yesterday but strangely despite being sunny none were seen. It was a bit breezy though and the tree that they were in was thrashing about at canopy level at times, probably the reason for the no-show. However I did see my first Small Skippers of the year there with at least 4 including a mating pair. Also seen were Large Skipper, lots of Ringlets, Commas and Red Admirals, also Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Small White. At least 4 Silver-Y moths and a Shaded Broad-bar were seen.
Up to 5 Brown Hawkers were in the meadows east of Big Pool and lots of Common Blue Damselflies were still in the long grass.
John Williams said
Thu Jul 2 9:25 PM, 2020
Burtonwood (Cheshire)
Afternoon walk across the farmland bordered by Alder Lane/Sankey Brook and Tanhouse Lane.
Butterflies : 1 Gatekeeper (My first this year), 1 Painted Lady, 5 Small Tortoiseshells and 2 Small Whites.
An abundance of Meadow Browns along the field margins and Large Whites galore.
Also a nettle patch covered in Peacock butterfly caterpillars.
Oddly, given the amount of butterflies around, no dragonflies or damselflies were seen.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Jul 1 10:27 PM, 2020
A walk this afternoon in unpromising conditions proved to be very very succesful!
Best sighting was my first Purple Hairstreaks of the year. At least two were in a dwarf oak species and so great views were had, first with bins and then with a scope. These were in addition to another 9 butterfly species, namely Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet (lots again), MeadowBrown, Speckled Wood, SmallWhite, Large White and Green-veined White. A Silver-Y moth was also seen.
Two nice odonata were Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker. Also seen were Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly.
A Green Capsid Bug (Lygoceoris pabulinus) was new for the patch, several being on a thistle east of Big Pool. Lots of species I record frequently too, like Tree Bumblebee,White-tailed Bumblebee, Early Bumblebee and Honey Bee, as well as Scorpion Fly, Marmalade Hoverfly and The Footballer Hoverfly. The nettles and thistles were full of 7-Spot Ladybirds, nice to see such good numbers of this species.
A single Toadlet was seen!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 2nd of July 2020 03:34:41 PM
John Williams said
Tue Jun 30 8:19 PM, 2020
Bickerton Hill (Cheshire) 09.30-14.30
Butterflies : 1 Small Copper, 5 Red Admirals, 4 Commas, 4 Small Tortoiseshells and 8 Meadow Browns.
Moths : 4 Common Heaths, 1 Silver Y and a single 4-dotted Footman.
The only dragonfly seen on the heath was a single Southern Hawker, and not a single damselfly was noticed throughout.
4 Green Tiger Beetles and an abundance of Common Field Grasshoppers were also on the dry heathland.
John Williams said
Tue Jun 23 9:59 PM, 2020
Brockholes NR (Preston) 09.00-13.00
Butterflies : Small Tortoiseshells in profusion throughout, Meadow Browns too around the meadows, whilst lots of Ringlets
were in the grassy area between Number One Pit and the M6. Also 4 Red Admirals around the bramble patches and 6 Speckled Woods
in the shady areas. A couple of Large Skippers were by Red Scar Wood whilst a single Comma was by the site entrance.
Odonata : A single male Black Tailed Skimmer on the path by Number One Pit, 3 Brown Hawkers were around the site, Common
Blue Damselflies were in profusion throughout and a single Azure Damselfly showed well near the Ribbleton Pool.
During the 30 minutes or so I scanned the flowering bramble patch at Eastern end of Red Scar Wood for White Letter Hairstreak
butterflies (I did'nt manage to find any), a Scorpion Fly and a "Volucella inanis" type hoverfly appeared.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jun 22 10:23 PM, 2020
Another afternoon vist to Newchurch Common, concentrating on the 'meadows' east of Big Pool. Sunny and warm.
Several butterflies were seen: Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and over 20 Ringlets. A new dragonfly was seen, a Brown Hawker, also seen were Red-eyed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
The first Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth was seen for 2020. Two nice hoverflies were recorded, the hornet-mimic Volucella zonariaand the Bumblebee-mimic Volucella bombylans. The former was a new species on patch.
Several Common Spotted Orchids were found in a new area for them.
EDIT: A late addition is an ID from close up photos of a 2-3mm long black parasitic wasp. It is a Chalcid Wasp sp. Monodontomerus obscurus, new for my recording area! Pic attached to help anyone finding a tiny black parasitic wasp and needing a starting point!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 23rd of June 2020 03:12:27 PM
Hot and sunny and not a lot to report from my Newchurch Patch.
My first Emerald Damselfly was on Abbot's Moss where also on the wing were Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly. On Small Pool the heavy rain had decimated numbers of Red-eyed Damselflies with only one seen.
Butterflies were few, with only Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Large Skipper seen.
A few 7-Spot Ladybirds had emerged.
John Williams said
Wed Jun 17 8:57 PM, 2020
Bickerton Hill (Cheshire) 15.00-17.30
Butterflies : 7 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Red Admirals and 3 Meadow Browns.
Also 5 Common Heath moths.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Jun 16 10:50 PM, 2020
A walk at Newchurch Common, post morning rain and pre eveniing thunderstorms. Warm and overcast.
Star find was a smallish, possibly male, Grass Snake on Abbot's Moss, my first of the year but they are annual for me on my patch! A Common Lizard in the same area made it a two reptile day.
The next good find was a moth species. A male and a female Clouded Buff were flying on Abbot's Moss, a localised species and a heathland specialist. Other moths also here were Latticed Heath, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Silver-Y, Common Heath, Common Carpet, Cinnabar and Brown Silver-line. Butterflies seen were Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper.
Lots of Four-spotted Chasers were on Abbot's Moss as well as Common Blue Damselflies. A Marmalade hoverfly was photographed near Small Pool. A Common Field Grasshopper purple morph was on Abbot's Moss.
Nota bad haul for a dull, unpromising looking day!
Jeff Gorse said
Tue Jun 16 6:52 PM, 2020
Before the storm at Wybunbury Moss NR near Nantwich this morning - star find a glow-worm larva meandering along the boardwalk - also plentiful common lizard
5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Wall Brown butterflies were seen along the path above
the sea bird colony. A couple of 6 Spot Burnet Moths were noted there too.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jun 12 10:45 PM, 2020
On a cold, wet day at Newchurch the inverts were actually easier to photograph!
I had my first Ringlet butterfly of 2020, east of Big Pool, also here were Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Red-tailed Bumblebee, 7-Spot Ladybird, 14-Spot Ladybird and Scorpion Flies were seen.
I recorded my first Nursery Web Spider, with an egg sac. A Helophilus hybridus hoverfly was of note.
John O'Neill said
Fri Jun 12 9:21 PM, 2020
Bold Heath
Clockface Rd
Roadside sloping grassy verge on drive up to Swinton Commercials
After last year's fantastic display, far fewer Bee Orchids flowering this Summer. Only 4 spikes found. All nicely out decent sized plants.
Much heavier and more extensive mowing compared to 2019. Marsh Orchids also affected....leaves managed to come up but virtually no flower spikes.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Jun 4 10:41 PM, 2020
A walk on Newchurch Common patch in colder wetter conditions still turned up a few invert sightings.
A Downy Emerald was flying along a ride on the edge of Shemmy Moss, even landing occasionally. Azure Damselflies were the only other odonata seen.
A Speckled Wood butterfly and Silver-ground Carpet moth were again seen. A new moth was Nemophora degeerella, Yellow-barred Longhorn moth, on nettles as usual. In the same nettle beds were Tipula fascipennis, an orange coloured Cranefly and Scorpion Flies.
It was a good bee walk with Early Bumblebee, Tree Bumblebee, White-tailed Bumblebee and Common Carder Bee all seen. On Small Pool Whirligig Beetles and Pond Skaters (Gerris lacustris) were seen. A new beetle for patch ever was seen on the edge of Shemmy Moss, a False Blister Beetle species closely related to Swollen-thighed Beetle, namely Oedemera lurida.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jun 1 6:42 PM, 2020
Quite early today at Newchurch Common but it was still hot and sunny. All sightings were in the meadow east of Big Pool.
The first 3 Meadow Browns for the patch this year were added. Also seen were 4 Large Skippers, 8 Small Tortoiseshells, Speckled Woods, Green-veined White and Large White.
Three Downy Emeralds were seen, and just Red-eyed, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies were recorded.
A Yellow Shell moth was new for the year, as was Red-tailed Bumblebee and 14-spot Ladybird. A Robber Fly (Machimus cingulatus) was photographed with prey! A Volucella bombylans hoverfly was seen.
John Williams said
Mon Jun 1 4:05 PM, 2020
Silver Lane Pools Risley (Cheshire)
Butterflies : 6 Meadow Browns, 3 Speckled Woods, 4 Large Skippers, 6 Common Blues and 4 Small Tortoiseshells.
Moths : 1 Bloodvein and 1 Silver Ground Carpet.
Lots of Common Blue damselflies.
Doc Brewster said
Sat May 30 9:57 PM, 2020
A morning walk on Newchurch Common, concentrating on the Mosslands.
The highlight was a brand new moth species, dayflying on Abbot's Moss on the heather, Beautiful Yellow Underwing. Lots of Common Heaths were here too.
In total 2-3 Downy Emeralds were seen, 1-2 on Gull Pool and one patrolling the edge of Shemmy Moss. A Four-spotted Chaser was also on Gull Pool.
The orb weaver spider Metellina mengaii was found in woodlands by Small Pool.
Doc Brewster said
Fri May 29 9:38 PM, 2020
An afternoon walk in hot sun again at Newchurch Common. Done mainly for inverts but disappointing.
Butterflies seen were female Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Small White. Lots of Azure Damselflies were near Gull Pool and the Mosslands (they are absent around Big and Small Pools!). A Four-spotted Chaser and 2 Downy Emeralds were all by Shemmy Moss. Common Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet and Brown Silver-line were the moth species recorded.
Tree Bumblebees were possibly the first of the year here as was Early Bumblebee. A Harvestman species Phalangium opiliowas also seen.
Doc Brewster said
Thu May 28 9:00 PM, 2020
Hot and sunny again this afternoon at Newchurch Common.
A new butterfly was added to the yearlist in the shape of a Large Skipper in the meadows east of Big Pool. In the same area Common Blue and Brimstone were seen. Large White, Small White and Speckled Wood were all also seen.
A new dragonfly was also added again, this time a recently emerged Black-tailed Skimmer was sunning on a bramble patch east of Big Pool. At least 3 Downy Emeralds were flying as well as a Four-spotted Chaser. The usual 4 species of damselfly were seen.
A male Field Cuckoo Bee was found, the first time I have recorded this species here. The hoverflies Helophilus hybridus and Eristalis pertinaxwere seen.
Doc Brewster said
Wed May 27 9:58 PM, 2020
Another afternoon visit to Newchurch Common in bright, hot sunshine. Best news was not many cars or people. Probably due to the fishermen being back, so that has its good side too!
A small jack Pike, about 5 inches long, was gliding slowly beneath the surface of Big Pool. A large dead Common Carp was found, probably upwards of 20lbs in weight.
A new butterfly for the year on my patch was a Red Admiral near the Big Pool island cut in the nettle beds.. In the sun it was so active it never stopped! Lots more Common Blues were on the wing east of Big Pool too, at least 4 were seen. Two Large Whites were again seen, as well as Small White and Speckled Wood. A Straw Dot was a new moth for the year and lots of Silver-ground Carpets were flying.
A new odonata species was also seen, again near Big Pool island Cut, a Southern Hawker. Also seen today were 2 Downy Emeralds, a Broad-bodied Chaser and a Four-spotted Chaser. Damselflies seen were Blue-tailed D, Large Red D, Common Blue D and Red-eyed D!
A new Hoverfly was added for the year - Eristalis horticola. Another new species was a mating pair of the brightly striped Sawfly Tenthredo arcuata. A Seven-spot Ladybird was on brambles.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 28th of May 2020 08:40:55 PM
Doc Brewster said
Mon May 25 10:22 PM, 2020
Another trip to Newchurch Common expectant of inverts due to the hot, sunny weather.
My first Common Blue of the year was near Big Pool with another 2 Large Whites also seen after the first four days ago. My first Blue-tailed Damselflies were also seen. Two Downy Emeralds were in one of my three locations too. A few Cinnabars were the only moths seen. A new insect for me on my patch was Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle.
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 24 9:48 PM, 2020
A trip onto my Newchurch Common and adjacent mosslands patch today in the sun.
Highlight was a Common Lizard on Abbot's Moss, this had evidence of a re-grown tail. Two newly emerged Four-spotted Chasers were also on Abbot's Moss. The Gull Pool area was the hotspot for Azure Damselflies whilst Common Blue Damselflies and Large Red Damselflies were widespread. Lots of Red-eyed Damselfies were on Small Pool and emerging there.
The only butterflies were Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small White and Green-veined White. Moths seen were Silver-ground Carpet on the edge of Shemmy Moss (new for the year), Grass Wave on Abbot's Moss (new for the year), Brown Silver-line and Cinnabar.
Nice fly records were Dagger Fly and Scorpion Fly. also had a new hoverfly for me ever - Sericomyia lappona.
Andy Bissitt said
Fri May 22 10:29 PM, 2020
Andy Bissitt wrote:
Best U.K. day I've had for a while:-
a.m. Neumann's Flash. 1 dingy skipper posed briefly (another in flight only), 6+ common blue, 2 holly blue, c5 small heath, 2+ brimstone, peacock, orange tip, speckled wood, large white. 1 male banded demoiselle. 1 mother shipton moth, 1 agapanthia villosoviridescens.
p.m. Vale Royal locks. c6 Hairy dragonflies, sev. red-eyed damselflies (inc pair in cop), Comma, green-veined white, small white. Best by a mile though was a GRASS SNAKE swimming across the Weaver (not the main river). I usually say my address is Greater Manchester but, for the purposes of this sighting, I'm going to say I reside in Cheshire so I can say I've seen a snake in my adopted County. Superb. Who needs foreign holidays?
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 08:19:29 PM
Hope you don't mind me jumping to the front of the queue again to bring this photo of the snake from Wednesday. Quality irrelevant!
A morning trip on my patch, mainly on the Whitegate Way and Shemmy Moss.
My first Large White of the year here was on the edge of Shemmy Moss, Small White being the only other butterfly seen. A few moths were recorded, Common Carpet, Brown Silver-line and the micro Bitter-cress Smudge (Eidophasia messingiella) were all near Shemmy Moss. Two Downy Emeralds were by Shemmy Moss still. A few Azure Damselflies and a few Large Red Damselflies were seen. Nettle Weevil and Scorpion Fly were recorded by Shemmy Moss, as well as White-lipped Snail.
Andy Bissitt said
Wed May 20 8:17 PM, 2020
Best U.K. day I've had for a while:-
a.m. Neumann's Flash. 1 dingy skipper posed briefly (another in flight only), 6+ common blue, 2 holly blue, c5 small heath, 2+ brimstone, peacock, orange tip, speckled wood, large white. 1 male banded demoiselle. 1 mother shipton moth, 1 agapanthia villosoviridescens.
p.m. Vale Royal locks. c6 Hairy dragonflies, sev. red-eyed damselflies (inc pair in cop), Comma, green-veined white, small white. Best by a mile though was a GRASS SNAKE swimming across the Weaver (not the main river). I usually say my address is Greater Manchester but, for the purposes of this sighting, I'm going to say I reside in Cheshire so I can say I've seen a snake in my adopted County. Superb. Who needs foreign holidays?
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 08:19:29 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed May 20 3:06 PM, 2020
A good warm sunny morning on my Newchurch Common recording area.
The first 4 Downy Emerald Dragonflies were seen, the first on Gull Pool from the Whitegate Way bench (best place to go if you 'twitch' them), next one patrolling the edges of Shemmy Moss and then 2 over water in a private area. Another new dragonfly species for the year was a Four-spotted Chaser over Big Pool wher I also had a Broad-bodied Chaser. A new damsel was added with Azure Damselflies by Gull Pool, the other ones already out, Common Blue Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly were all abundant.
Two Green Hairstreaks were still flying, I was pleased to find them for 2 visiting wildlife pals who wanted to see them. Also seen were Small White and Peacock butterflies. Cinnabar moths were on the wing as was Pyrausta purpuralis.
Common Twayblade plants are now getting towards being fully grown specimens in their usual woodland area.
John Williams said
Mon May 18 11:54 PM, 2020
Newmanns Flash (AM)
The only insect of note was a single "Oedemira noblis" type beetle on a dandelion in the NW corner of the flash.
Doc Brewster said
Mon May 18 6:54 PM, 2020
Not too sunny at Newchurch Common this afternoon but had my first Red-eyed Damselflies of the year on Small Pool. Also saw Large Red and Common Blue Damselflies. The only butterfly was a Small White. A Marmalade Hoverfly was photographed.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 18th of May 2020 06:55:06 PM
Doc Brewster said
Fri May 15 7:03 PM, 2020
A short walk around Big Pool, Newchurch Common this afternoon, not really sunny and warm enough for hordes of inverts but recorded a few new ones.
My first Small Copper butterflies of the year were seen, at least 2 being noted. The only other butterfly was a female Orange-tip. The only odonata were Common Blue Damselflies, at least 15 being seen. Two beetle species were recorded, the Soldier Beetle Cantharis pellucida and female Swollen-thighed Beetles Oedemera nobilis. A Red & Black Froghopper (cercopis vulnerata) was seen. Two fly secies were recorded, a Daggerfly Empis tessellata and a Flesh Fly species (Sarcophaga sp).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 15th of May 2020 07:04:41 PM
John Williams said
Wed May 13 9:56 PM, 2020
Moore Nature Reserve (AM)
A single Common Blue Damselfly was by Pumphouse Pool.
The only butterflies noted were a single Speckled Wood and 2 Green Veined Whites.
A "Athous haemorrhoidalis" type beetle was seen resting on a nettle leaf.
Doc Brewster said
Fri May 8 10:27 PM, 2020
A return to Newchurch Common today (reason for my not going is in the bird thread!). Bright & sunny & very warm today.
A good odonata day with my first Broad-bodied Chaser of the year, in Big Pool Meadow on a bramble patch. Also the first Banded Demoiselle, a female in Big Pool island cut, their usual place. Lots of teneral and adult Common Blue Damselflies on the wing too, my first of these of the year as well. A pair of Large Red Damselflies was seen mating on Big Pool.
No new butterflies for the year but Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small White all seen.
Common Toad tadpoles were everywhere in the margins of Big Pool.
John Williams said
Sun Apr 26 1:06 PM, 2020
Morning walk around farmland NE of Burtonwood Services on the M62.
A group of "Adela reaumurella" moths were engaged in display/mating flights around a young oak.
A Common Green Shieldbug was at the base of the same tree.
Also noticed nearby was a female "Andrena haemorrhoa" type bee.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Apr 19 9:39 PM, 2020
On my atypical Sunday visit to Newchucrh Patch the sun shone and it was very, very warm!
My first Green-veined White was near Big Pool, all other butterflies having been seen previously, but agood tally with Speckled Wood, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Orange-tip and Green Hairstreak (3 on Shemmy Moss) making it an 8 butterfly species day. After the first sighting last Friday I had 3 newly emerged Large RedDamselflies today, all on the area on Shemmy Moss where I had seen the first. A White-tailed Bumblebee was seen.
Usual Newchurch Common on Big Pool meadows today. Warm but not direct sunshine very often.
Best was a Purple Hairstreak again, but stayed high so no pics yet! Cracking male Brimstone and a nice Holly Blue. Usual others making up 13 species: Small Copper, Small Skipper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Comma, Large White, Small White & Green-veined White.
Odonata: Common Darter, Brown Hawker, C.Blue Damselfly and Blue-t Damselfly.
Another Dingy Skipper moth and several Shaded Broad-bars.
Just processing my pictures and the Black Darter was a female, since I use these reports to write the annual wildlife report I thought that I'd better correct it.
24th July 2020: Whilst I'm amending sightings - I had the small yellow fungus Pale Stagshorn Calocera pallidospathulata on a dead branch on Abbot's Moss. Kindly IDed by Fungal Punk Dave, the NW fungus expert and wildlife guru
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 29th of July 2020 10:50:25 AM
A magic afternoon on my Newchurch Common patch today. I spent the whole time in the meadow east of Big Pool. Cloudy most of the time but not cold.
After checking over a hundred Small Skippers over the past two weeks I finally found what I had been looking for in the shape of an Essex Skipper. This species has only reached Cheshire in the past year or so and this year has been especially good for sightings. Still, they need finding, so I was very chuffed to find just the one today, photographed too for proof, showing its 'dipped in ink' antennae! My first July 2020 Brimstone was also seen, a female. Fourteen butterfly species were seen. In addition to the 2 mentioned I also saw Small Copper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock (inc 6 together!), Small White, Green-veined White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Ringlet and Speckled Wood.
Another fabulous find and a first on patch was an Elephant Hawkmoth caterpillar. Two Dingy Footman moths were seen, new for 2020.
Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were the only odonata species, apart from an immature male Black Darter which was north of Big Pool, over 2 miles from heathland, in long grass, a real surprise.
A couple of Tachina fera flies were seen too, again new for the year. Another smaller Tachinid was new for me totally, Cistogaster globosa, a strange looking beast, IDed from the pic I took!
All in all a fab day
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 27th of July 2020 04:34:50 PM
My Newchurch Common patch walk was mainly on the mosslands today, overcast most of the time.
Again a highlight was another Grass Snake sighting, probably my usual male given its location on Abbot's Moss. Plenty of snake food in the shape of Common Toadlets too.
A new dragonfly and very welcome after none last year was at least 5 Black Darters, some teneral and all pretty recently emerged. Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were also seen.
Only 4 butterfly species, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Large White and lots of Small Whites.
Beautiful Yellow Underwing was again seen but couldn't be photographed and several Common Carpets were flying. A Sericomyia silentis hoverfly was seen looking very wasp-like. The Mirid Bug Grypocoris stysi was new for the year. Red-tailed Bumblebees were photographe
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 24th of July 2020 11:03:04 PM
Not a walk on patch officially but took the horses out over to the main Newchurch Common track and had a 3ft long female Grass Snake move slowly across the road in front of us right next to the entrance barrier where we always park cars to access the site. This was only 6 days after my last sighting of this species over on Abbot's Moss and my third Grass Snake sighting here on my Newchurch Patch this summer, really chuffed
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 22nd of July 2020 08:56:14 PM
19th July 2020 (Sunday):
Late post.
Two visits in the sunshine paid dividends for invertebrates. My first Common Darter of the year was near Big Pool, a female sunning in the meadow near Beach Peg. My first ever Common Sexton Beetle was in the same meadow, spotted in flight at first and then photographed after landing.
13 Species of butterfly, the species being those seen on the lats few visits but Purple Hairstreak was again the star of the show, but being high in the crown of an oak it was impossible to photograph. Six Commas were seen.
The sun did'nt appear until noon, only then did the insect life emerge.
Butterflies : 1 Peacock, 2 Large Skippers, 2 Speckled Woods, 8 Gatekeepers, 1 Green Veined White, 3 Small Whites.
Meadow Browns plentiful in the meadows with lesser numbers of Ringlets and Large Whites.
Dragonflies : 1 Brown and 1 Southern Hawkers. Common Blue Damselflies plentiful across the meadows.
3 tiny Common Toads were seen on the footpaths.
3 Common Lizards.
The best insect find was a large Emperor Moth caterpillar.
Small Heath butterflies were plentiful across the moor, whilst Ringlets were numerous around the grassy areas.
A few Large White butterflies were seen, mainly around the boggy areas of moorland, whilst a single Small Tortoiseshell was also seen.
Also 1 Green Tiger Beetle.
A full morning starting before the sun had really got to full strength. Sunny intervals but very warm when the sun was out.
All sightings were in the meadow east of Big Pool. A fabulous tally of 15 butterfly species, my best this year! Star butterflies were 2 Purple Hairstreaks on an oak close to my previous sighting but a different one, 2 Holly Blues and 1 Small Copper too. In addition: 14 Small Skippers, 20+Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, a Speckled Wood, a Ringlet, a Small Tortoiseshell, 4 Red Admirals, 10 Peacocks, 6 Commas, Large White , Small White and Green-veined White.
Just 4 odonata species: Southern Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
The meadow was teeming with over 20 Shaded Broad-bar moths and 1 Silver-Y was seen.
Mainly non-birds at Newchurch patch today. Overcast but not cold.
Highlight was a basking Grass Snake on Abbot's Moss, from the size of it it may well have been the probable male that I had a month ago here. Another big highlight was again on Abbot's Moss and was the scarce moth Four-dotted Footman. I've had this on the moss before but not last year.
Other highlights, on the edge of Shemmy Moss was the comb-footed spider, Common Candy-striped Spider (Enoplognatha ovata) which was a first for the patch. A very approachable and photogenic female Four-spotted Chaser Dragonfly was on Abbot's Moss (photographed on my iPhone - attached).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 17th of July 2020 03:00:34 PM
Dull, cloudy and around 18 degrees with rain in the air on two or three occasions. Not good. A few hardy Marbled White were flying, a single Small Heath was new for the trip and later on, when it hinted at sunshine for five minutes, a single Common Blue was seen with Peacock and a few Meadow Brown.
A pretty poor return but its a lovely spot with extensive areas which look particularly good for Blues and Skippers. Were returning home tomorrow so definitely a case of what could have been with more favourable weather.
Wood White
Small White
Small Skipper
Large Skipper
Meadow Brown
Gatekeeper
Peacock
Speckled Wood
Marbled White
Ringlet
After a forecast of sunny and sunnyish weather all week, it has now changed to cloudy for today and at least until Thursday which is disappointing. Some decent glades and rides in the woodland here but not too much flying because of the weather. There were two or three Wood White (lifer) seen at one good spot. The wood is good for White Admiral, Purple Emperor and Silver-washed Fritillary but when your luck is out, its out.
Small Skipper
Brimstone
Large White
Small White
Green Veined White
Common Blue
Red Admiral
Painted Lady
Small Tortoiseshell
Peacock
Dark Green Fritillary
Speckled Wood
Marbled White
Gatekeeper
Meadow Brown
Another visit to Newchurch, again spent in the meadow east of Big Pool. Hot & sunny.
Another good butterfly day with 12 species rather than the 13 of 2 days ago. Best of the bunch was a 2nd brood Holly Blue. Also 15 Small Skippers, a Gatekeeper, Meadow Browns, Speckled Wood, Ringlets, Comma, Red Admirals, lots of Small Tortoiseshells, Large White, Small White and Green-veined White. Despite perfect conditions no Purple Hairstreaks in the main oak and not in any other oak that I checked, strange!
Odanata were Brown Hawker, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Common Blue Damselfly.
Green Leaf-hopper (Cicadella viridis) was new for the year as was Common Red Sioldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva). Plenty of Common Wasps (Vespa vulgaris).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 12th of July 2020 08:05:02 PM
This site is now very much overgrown, with just a small pool shallow at the centre, surrounded by willow and birch scrub.
Butterflies : 3 Small Skippers, 4 Red Admirals (On Buddleia), 1 Peacock (My first since the huge hatch in early spring), 3 Small Tortoiseshells,
1 Small White plus lots of Large Whites and Meadow Browns.
1 Brown and 2 Southern Hawker dragonflies.
A very sunny afternoon at Newchurch Common, a bit blowy, but fab for inverts again. All in the meadow east of Big Pool.
A new butterfly for the year, Gatekeeper, but just the one! A great 12 more species of butterfly recorded today, namely Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, 2 Small Copper, 10 Small Skippers and a Purple Hairstreak.
A new dragonfly for the year in the form of a female Ruddy Darter. Also on the wing lots of Brown Hawkers. Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies also seen.
Shaded Broad-bar moths were plentiful too.
Butterflies : 6 Red Admirals, 1 Small Skipper and lots of Meadow Browns.
Dragonflies : 3 Brown Hawkers and 2 Southern Hawkers.
Just 1 damselfly was seen, a female Common Blue by the Coward reedbed screen.
A brief afternoon visit to Newchurch Common to try to get pics of the Purple Hairstreaks found yesterday but strangely despite being sunny none were seen. It was a bit breezy though and the tree that they were in was thrashing about at canopy level at times, probably the reason for the no-show. However I did see my first Small Skippers of the year there with at least 4 including a mating pair. Also seen were Large Skipper, lots of Ringlets, Commas and Red Admirals, also Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Small White. At least 4 Silver-Y moths and a Shaded Broad-bar were seen.
Up to 5 Brown Hawkers were in the meadows east of Big Pool and lots of Common Blue Damselflies were still in the long grass.
Afternoon walk across the farmland bordered by Alder Lane/Sankey Brook and Tanhouse Lane.
Butterflies : 1 Gatekeeper (My first this year), 1 Painted Lady, 5 Small Tortoiseshells and 2 Small Whites.
An abundance of Meadow Browns along the field margins and Large Whites galore.
Also a nettle patch covered in Peacock butterfly caterpillars.
Oddly, given the amount of butterflies around, no dragonflies or damselflies were seen.
A walk this afternoon in unpromising conditions proved to be very very succesful!
Best sighting was my first Purple Hairstreaks of the year. At least two were in a dwarf oak species and so great views were had, first with bins and then with a scope. These were in addition to another 9 butterfly species, namely Comma, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlet (lots again), Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Small White, Large White and Green-veined White. A Silver-Y moth was also seen.
Two nice odonata were Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker. Also seen were Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly.
A Green Capsid Bug (Lygoceoris pabulinus) was new for the patch, several being on a thistle east of Big Pool. Lots of species I record frequently too, like Tree Bumblebee, White-tailed Bumblebee, Early Bumblebee and Honey Bee, as well as Scorpion Fly, Marmalade Hoverfly and The Footballer Hoverfly. The nettles and thistles were full of 7-Spot Ladybirds, nice to see such good numbers of this species.
A single Toadlet was seen!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 2nd of July 2020 03:34:41 PM
Butterflies : 1 Small Copper, 5 Red Admirals, 4 Commas, 4 Small Tortoiseshells and 8 Meadow Browns.
Moths : 4 Common Heaths, 1 Silver Y and a single 4-dotted Footman.
The only dragonfly seen on the heath was a single Southern Hawker, and not a single damselfly was noticed throughout.
4 Green Tiger Beetles and an abundance of Common Field Grasshoppers were also on the dry heathland.
Butterflies : Small Tortoiseshells in profusion throughout, Meadow Browns too around the meadows, whilst lots of Ringlets
were in the grassy area between Number One Pit and the M6. Also 4 Red Admirals around the bramble patches and 6 Speckled Woods
in the shady areas. A couple of Large Skippers were by Red Scar Wood whilst a single Comma was by the site entrance.
Odonata : A single male Black Tailed Skimmer on the path by Number One Pit, 3 Brown Hawkers were around the site, Common
Blue Damselflies were in profusion throughout and a single Azure Damselfly showed well near the Ribbleton Pool.
During the 30 minutes or so I scanned the flowering bramble patch at Eastern end of Red Scar Wood for White Letter Hairstreak
butterflies (I did'nt manage to find any), a Scorpion Fly and a "Volucella inanis" type hoverfly appeared.
Another afternoon vist to Newchurch Common, concentrating on the 'meadows' east of Big Pool. Sunny and warm.
Several butterflies were seen: Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and over 20 Ringlets. A new dragonfly was seen, a Brown Hawker, also seen were Red-eyed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
The first Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet Moth was seen for 2020. Two nice hoverflies were recorded, the hornet-mimic Volucella zonaria and the Bumblebee-mimic Volucella bombylans. The former was a new species on patch.
Several Common Spotted Orchids were found in a new area for them.
EDIT: A late addition is an ID from close up photos of a 2-3mm long black parasitic wasp. It is a Chalcid Wasp sp. Monodontomerus obscurus, new for my recording area! Pic attached to help anyone finding a tiny black parasitic wasp and needing a starting point!
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 23rd of June 2020 03:12:27 PM
Hot and sunny and not a lot to report from my Newchurch Patch.
My first Emerald Damselfly was on Abbot's Moss where also on the wing were Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly. On Small Pool the heavy rain had decimated numbers of Red-eyed Damselflies with only one seen.
Butterflies were few, with only Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Large Skipper seen.
A few 7-Spot Ladybirds had emerged.
Butterflies : 7 Small Tortoiseshells, 2 Red Admirals and 3 Meadow Browns.
Also 5 Common Heath moths.
A walk at Newchurch Common, post morning rain and pre eveniing thunderstorms. Warm and overcast.
Star find was a smallish, possibly male, Grass Snake on Abbot's Moss, my first of the year but they are annual for me on my patch! A Common Lizard in the same area made it a two reptile day.
The next good find was a moth species. A male and a female Clouded Buff were flying on Abbot's Moss, a localised species and a heathland specialist. Other moths also here were Latticed Heath, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Silver-Y, Common Heath, Common Carpet, Cinnabar and Brown Silver-line. Butterflies seen were Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper.
Lots of Four-spotted Chasers were on Abbot's Moss as well as Common Blue Damselflies. A Marmalade hoverfly was photographed near Small Pool. A Common Field Grasshopper purple morph was on Abbot's Moss.
Nota bad haul for a dull, unpromising looking day!
Before the storm at Wybunbury Moss NR near Nantwich this morning - star find a glow-worm larva meandering along the boardwalk - also plentiful common lizard
5 Small Tortoiseshell, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Wall Brown butterflies were seen along the path above
the sea bird colony. A couple of 6 Spot Burnet Moths were noted there too.
On a cold, wet day at Newchurch the inverts were actually easier to photograph!
I had my first Ringlet butterfly of 2020, east of Big Pool, also here were Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Common Blue Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Red-tailed Bumblebee, 7-Spot Ladybird, 14-Spot Ladybird and Scorpion Flies were seen.
I recorded my first Nursery Web Spider, with an egg sac. A Helophilus hybridus hoverfly was of note.
Clockface Rd
Roadside sloping grassy verge on drive up to Swinton Commercials
After last year's fantastic display, far fewer Bee Orchids flowering this Summer. Only 4 spikes found. All nicely out decent sized plants.
Much heavier and more extensive mowing compared to 2019. Marsh Orchids also affected....leaves managed to come up but virtually no flower spikes.
A walk on Newchurch Common patch in colder wetter conditions still turned up a few invert sightings.
A Downy Emerald was flying along a ride on the edge of Shemmy Moss, even landing occasionally. Azure Damselflies were the only other odonata seen.
A Speckled Wood butterfly and Silver-ground Carpet moth were again seen. A new moth was Nemophora degeerella, Yellow-barred Longhorn moth, on nettles as usual. In the same nettle beds were Tipula fascipennis, an orange coloured Cranefly and Scorpion Flies.
It was a good bee walk with Early Bumblebee, Tree Bumblebee, White-tailed Bumblebee and Common Carder Bee all seen. On Small Pool Whirligig Beetles and Pond Skaters (Gerris lacustris) were seen. A new beetle for patch ever was seen on the edge of Shemmy Moss, a False Blister Beetle species closely related to Swollen-thighed Beetle, namely Oedemera lurida.
Quite early today at Newchurch Common but it was still hot and sunny. All sightings were in the meadow east of Big Pool.
The first 3 Meadow Browns for the patch this year were added. Also seen were 4 Large Skippers, 8 Small Tortoiseshells, Speckled Woods, Green-veined White and Large White.
Three Downy Emeralds were seen, and just Red-eyed, Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies were recorded.
A Yellow Shell moth was new for the year, as was Red-tailed Bumblebee and 14-spot Ladybird. A Robber Fly (Machimus cingulatus) was photographed with prey! A Volucella bombylans hoverfly was seen.
Butterflies : 6 Meadow Browns, 3 Speckled Woods, 4 Large Skippers, 6 Common Blues and 4 Small Tortoiseshells.
Moths : 1 Bloodvein and 1 Silver Ground Carpet.
Lots of Common Blue damselflies.
A morning walk on Newchurch Common, concentrating on the Mosslands.
The highlight was a brand new moth species, dayflying on Abbot's Moss on the heather, Beautiful Yellow Underwing. Lots of Common Heaths were here too.
In total 2-3 Downy Emeralds were seen, 1-2 on Gull Pool and one patrolling the edge of Shemmy Moss. A Four-spotted Chaser was also on Gull Pool.
The orb weaver spider Metellina mengaii was found in woodlands by Small Pool.
An afternoon walk in hot sun again at Newchurch Common. Done mainly for inverts but disappointing.
Butterflies seen were female Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Small White. Lots of Azure Damselflies were near Gull Pool and the Mosslands (they are absent around Big and Small Pools!). A Four-spotted Chaser and 2 Downy Emeralds were all by Shemmy Moss. Common Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet and Brown Silver-line were the moth species recorded.
Tree Bumblebees were possibly the first of the year here as was Early Bumblebee. A Harvestman species Phalangium opilio was also seen.
Hot and sunny again this afternoon at Newchurch Common.
A new butterfly was added to the yearlist in the shape of a Large Skipper in the meadows east of Big Pool. In the same area Common Blue and Brimstone were seen. Large White, Small White and Speckled Wood were all also seen.
A new dragonfly was also added again, this time a recently emerged Black-tailed Skimmer was sunning on a bramble patch east of Big Pool. At least 3 Downy Emeralds were flying as well as a Four-spotted Chaser. The usual 4 species of damselfly were seen.
A male Field Cuckoo Bee was found, the first time I have recorded this species here. The hoverflies Helophilus hybridus and Eristalis pertinax were seen.
Another afternoon visit to Newchurch Common in bright, hot sunshine. Best news was not many cars or people. Probably due to the fishermen being back, so that has its good side too!
A small jack Pike, about 5 inches long, was gliding slowly beneath the surface of Big Pool. A large dead Common Carp was found, probably upwards of 20lbs in weight.
A new butterfly for the year on my patch was a Red Admiral near the Big Pool island cut in the nettle beds.. In the sun it was so active it never stopped! Lots more Common Blues were on the wing east of Big Pool too, at least 4 were seen. Two Large Whites were again seen, as well as Small White and Speckled Wood. A Straw Dot was a new moth for the year and lots of Silver-ground Carpets were flying.
A new odonata species was also seen, again near Big Pool island Cut, a Southern Hawker. Also seen today were 2 Downy Emeralds, a Broad-bodied Chaser and a Four-spotted Chaser. Damselflies seen were Blue-tailed D, Large Red D, Common Blue D and Red-eyed D!
A new Hoverfly was added for the year - Eristalis horticola. Another new species was a mating pair of the brightly striped Sawfly Tenthredo arcuata. A Seven-spot Ladybird was on brambles.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Thursday 28th of May 2020 08:40:55 PM
Another trip to Newchurch Common expectant of inverts due to the hot, sunny weather.
My first Common Blue of the year was near Big Pool with another 2 Large Whites also seen after the first four days ago. My first Blue-tailed Damselflies were also seen. Two Downy Emeralds were in one of my three locations too. A few Cinnabars were the only moths seen. A new insect for me on my patch was Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle.
A trip onto my Newchurch Common and adjacent mosslands patch today in the sun.
Highlight was a Common Lizard on Abbot's Moss, this had evidence of a re-grown tail. Two newly emerged Four-spotted Chasers were also on Abbot's Moss. The Gull Pool area was the hotspot for Azure Damselflies whilst Common Blue Damselflies and Large Red Damselflies were widespread. Lots of Red-eyed Damselfies were on Small Pool and emerging there.
The only butterflies were Peacock, Speckled Wood, Small White and Green-veined White. Moths seen were Silver-ground Carpet on the edge of Shemmy Moss (new for the year), Grass Wave on Abbot's Moss (new for the year), Brown Silver-line and Cinnabar.
Nice fly records were Dagger Fly and Scorpion Fly. also had a new hoverfly for me ever - Sericomyia lappona.
Hope you don't mind me jumping to the front of the queue again to bring this photo of the snake from Wednesday. Quality irrelevant!
A morning trip on my patch, mainly on the Whitegate Way and Shemmy Moss.
My first Large White of the year here was on the edge of Shemmy Moss, Small White being the only other butterfly seen. A few moths were recorded, Common Carpet, Brown Silver-line and the micro Bitter-cress Smudge (Eidophasia messingiella) were all near Shemmy Moss. Two Downy Emeralds were by Shemmy Moss still. A few Azure Damselflies and a few Large Red Damselflies were seen. Nettle Weevil and Scorpion Fly were recorded by Shemmy Moss, as well as White-lipped Snail.
Best U.K. day I've had for a while:-
a.m. Neumann's Flash. 1 dingy skipper posed briefly (another in flight only), 6+ common blue, 2 holly blue, c5 small heath, 2+ brimstone, peacock, orange tip, speckled wood, large white. 1 male banded demoiselle. 1 mother shipton moth, 1 agapanthia villosoviridescens.
p.m. Vale Royal locks. c6 Hairy dragonflies, sev. red-eyed damselflies (inc pair in cop), Comma, green-veined white, small white. Best by a mile though was a GRASS SNAKE swimming across the Weaver (not the main river). I usually say my address is Greater Manchester but, for the purposes of this sighting, I'm going to say I reside in Cheshire so I can say I've seen a snake in my adopted County. Superb. Who needs foreign holidays?
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Wednesday 20th of May 2020 08:19:29 PM
A good warm sunny morning on my Newchurch Common recording area.
The first 4 Downy Emerald Dragonflies were seen, the first on Gull Pool from the Whitegate Way bench (best place to go if you 'twitch' them), next one patrolling the edges of Shemmy Moss and then 2 over water in a private area. Another new dragonfly species for the year was a Four-spotted Chaser over Big Pool wher I also had a Broad-bodied Chaser. A new damsel was added with Azure Damselflies by Gull Pool, the other ones already out, Common Blue Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly were all abundant.
Two Green Hairstreaks were still flying, I was pleased to find them for 2 visiting wildlife pals who wanted to see them. Also seen were Small White and Peacock butterflies. Cinnabar moths were on the wing as was Pyrausta purpuralis.
Common Twayblade plants are now getting towards being fully grown specimens in their usual woodland area.
The only insect of note was a single "Oedemira noblis" type beetle on a dandelion in the NW corner of the flash.
Not too sunny at Newchurch Common this afternoon but had my first Red-eyed Damselflies of the year on Small Pool. Also saw Large Red and Common Blue Damselflies. The only butterfly was a Small White. A Marmalade Hoverfly was photographed.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Monday 18th of May 2020 06:55:06 PM
A short walk around Big Pool, Newchurch Common this afternoon, not really sunny and warm enough for hordes of inverts but recorded a few new ones.
My first Small Copper butterflies of the year were seen, at least 2 being noted. The only other butterfly was a female Orange-tip. The only odonata were Common Blue Damselflies, at least 15 being seen. Two beetle species were recorded, the Soldier Beetle Cantharis pellucida and female Swollen-thighed Beetles Oedemera nobilis. A Red & Black Froghopper (cercopis vulnerata) was seen. Two fly secies were recorded, a Daggerfly Empis tessellata and a Flesh Fly species (Sarcophaga sp).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 15th of May 2020 07:04:41 PM
A single Common Blue Damselfly was by Pumphouse Pool.
The only butterflies noted were a single Speckled Wood and 2 Green Veined Whites.
A "Athous haemorrhoidalis" type beetle was seen resting on a nettle leaf.
A return to Newchurch Common today (reason for my not going is in the bird thread!). Bright & sunny & very warm today.
A good odonata day with my first Broad-bodied Chaser of the year, in Big Pool Meadow on a bramble patch. Also the first Banded Demoiselle, a female in Big Pool island cut, their usual place. Lots of teneral and adult Common Blue Damselflies on the wing too, my first of these of the year as well. A pair of Large Red Damselflies was seen mating on Big Pool.
No new butterflies for the year but Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small White all seen.
Common Toad tadpoles were everywhere in the margins of Big Pool.
A group of "Adela reaumurella" moths were engaged in display/mating flights around a young oak.
A Common Green Shieldbug was at the base of the same tree.
Also noticed nearby was a female "Andrena haemorrhoa" type bee.
On my atypical Sunday visit to Newchucrh Patch the sun shone and it was very, very warm!
My first Green-veined White was near Big Pool, all other butterflies having been seen previously, but agood tally with Speckled Wood, Comma, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Orange-tip and Green Hairstreak (3 on Shemmy Moss) making it an 8 butterfly species day. After the first sighting last Friday I had 3 newly emerged Large Red Damselflies today, all on the area on Shemmy Moss where I had seen the first. A White-tailed Bumblebee was seen.