Yesterday's walk on Newchurch Common in the warmth produced plenty of sightings (31st May)
A new damselfly for the year was seen, and a rarity for the site, a male Banded Demoiselle, only the 2nd site record. Other odonata were at least 10 Downy Emeralds, Four-spot Chaser, and damselflies: Large Red, Blue-tailed, Common Blue, Azure and Red-eyed. A pregnant Common Lizard was on the mosslands. Also here a scarce moth for these parts in the shape of a Grass Wave. Other moths seen were Common Wave, Silver-ground Carpet, Cinnabar and Silver-Y. Butterflies seen were HollyBlue, Common Blue, Large White and Green-veined White. My first Swollen-thighed Beetles of the year were on buttercups. The impressive spider Pirata piscatorius was on Gull pool hunting the water's surface.
John O'Neill said
Fri Jun 1 10:06 AM, 2018
St Marys Rd
Penketh
Warrington
First Painted Lady of the year for me. Very faded individual zooming round flower beds.
John Williams said
Tue May 29 5:20 PM, 2018
Risley Moss NR (13.30-16.00)
Lots of Four Spotted Chasers, 2 Brown Hawkers (Near Peter's Hide).
Common Blue and Large Red Damselflies in abundance.
2 female Blue Tailed Damselflies.
5 Brimstone and 1 Speckled Wood Butterflies.
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 29 4:30 PM, 2018
On a sunny day I had the opportunity to do some invert hunting on Newchurch and wasn't disappointed yesterday (Monday May 28th).
One new butterfly species was added to the year tally in the shape of Common Blue. Other species were Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip. at least 10 Downy Emerald Dragonflies were seen in 5 different areas. Other odonata were Four-spotted Chaser, Red-eyed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Azure Damselfly. Moths included, new for the year; Silver-Y, Brown Silver-line,Common Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Common White Wave, and a repeat for Cinnabar.
New hoverflies were Lucozona lucorum, Cheilosia ranunculi, Eristalis intricarius and a Parheliophilus sp. Bettles included a Wasp Beetle, a massive hatch of Garden Chafers, Green Tiger Beetles and an Amara sp.
Finally two Common Lizards, two terrapins and two Common Frogs were seen.
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 27 9:12 PM, 2018
In a brief visit to Newchurch Common in the sun this afternoon a new dragonfly for the year for the site was added in the shape of a Four-spotted Chaser. Also still present were Downy Emerald, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu May 24 2:36 PM, 2018
Neumann's Flash, Northwich
Around 8 Dingy Skipper on the south side of the Flash this late morning together with Brimstone, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Speckled Wood.
Odonata were represented by several Hairy Dragonfly and the odd Black-tailed Skimmer, amongst others.
A day watching Butterflies in the Silverdale area yesterday.
Gait Barrows 3 Duke of Burgundy 6 Green Hairstreak 4 Dingy Skipper 5 Brimstone Also saw Orange tip, Large, Small and Green Veined White, Small heath and Peacock
A short but very productive walk in the sun this afternoon on Newchurch Common for insects.
Several new species of Odonata were added to the year list. Most impressive was an immature male Broad-bodied Chaser near Big Pool. There was a huge emergence of Common Blue Damselflies and a few Blue-tailed Damselflies new out. Two male Downy Emeralds were seen and Red-eyed Damselflies still. To complete the tally Azure and Large Red Damselflies were still on the wing.
The most noteworthy butterfly was Holly Blue. A Cinnabar moth was also seen. Other finds were Green Shieldbug, Scorpion Fly, Nursery Web Spider, Cockchafer and a Click Beetle.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 20th of May 2018 09:47:20 PM
John O'Neill said
Sun May 20 6:17 PM, 2018
Gaitwarth
Good numbers of toad tadpoles in pond near entrance
2 Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies
John Williams said
Sat May 19 4:29 PM, 2018
09.45-14.00
Neumanns Flash: 3 Dingy Skipper butterflies.
Walked around Neumanns Flash, the Haydn Pool and Marbury CP.
Butterflies seen along the route : 2 Brimstone, 3 Peacock, 1 Small White, 3 Orange Tip and 6 Speckled Wood.
A single Scorpion Fly was by Big Wood and lots of Caddis Flies were emerging along Budworth Mere.
Doc Brewster said
Fri May 18 5:26 PM, 2018
In my morning recuperative walk on Newchurch yesterday (Thursday 17th May) the sunshine produced plenty of invertebrate interest.
A new butterfly species for the year was seen on Shemmy Moss namely Small Copper. Other butterflies were as my last walk, just missing a couple of species. A new damselfly species was also seen, Red-eyed Damselfly on Small Pool. Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) was abundant and new for site. Red and Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata) was also seen. I had my first Volucella bombylans hoverfly too and 3 species of Ladybird: 14-spot, 7-spot & the first Harlequins.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 18th of May 2018 05:31:14 PM
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 15 9:48 PM, 2018
A sunny walk yesterday afternoon (Mon 14th) produced a bif hatch of my first Azure Damselflies of the year, along with lots of Large Red Damselflies and 2 Downy Emerald Dragonflies. 10 butterfly species were seen: Green Hairstreak, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood. Green Tiger Beetle and Click Beetle (Athous bicolor) were seen. The 'Footballer' hoverflyHelophilus pendulus was also seen as well as Alder Flies.
Shannon Llewellyn said
Sun May 13 10:43 PM, 2018
Green hairstreak on the Longshaw Estate moors today.
Steven Nelson said
Sun May 13 2:39 PM, 2018
Rixton Clay Pits LNR:
2 Broad-bodied Chasers - both female Large Red Damselflies
Butterflies: Orange Tips Green veined White Large White Peacock Speckled Wood
Mark Jarrett said
Tue May 8 8:19 PM, 2018
A few butterflies on the wing today, seen whilst birding in Primrosehill Wood which is a short distance south of Delamere Forest in Cheshire :-
Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Peacock and Speckled Wood.
Doc Brewster said
Mon May 7 5:03 PM, 2018
An unplanned visit to meet up with Melanie, Simon & Alan for a very pleasant couple of hours and added a couple of new species to my Newchurch 2018 listings to boot. A Holly Blue was in the field by the Farm Field Pool, my first spring one ever, despite getting them in good numbers later every year! Also a Downy Emerald had emerged on Gull Pool, found by visiting photographers with nets, not a very ethical practise in my opinion
Directed my pals onto Green Hairstreaks and Green Tiger Beetles too
Doc Brewster said
Sun May 6 10:00 PM, 2018
A walk on Newchurch Common, Cheshire, produced my first damselfly of 2018, predictably Large Red Damselfly, seen near the Whitegate Way. A good tally of butterflies included several first for patch for 2018, namely Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. Also seen were Green Hairstreak, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell , Comma and Green-veined White. A Scalloped Hook-tip moth and a Shaded Broad-bar moth were firsts for the year, as was a 14-spot Ladybird. Green Tiger Beetles were again on the mosslands.
John Williams said
Sat May 5 5:41 PM, 2018
Brockholes Nature Reserve Lancs
Butterflies : 1 Brimstone, 5 Peacocks, 3 Small Tortoiseshells and lots of Orange Tips.
1 Cockchafer and 1 Bee Fly along the the riverside path.
Elsewhere on the reserve : 2f Emerald Damselflies, 1 Common Blue Damselfly and 1 "Volcella Pellucens" hover fly.
Masses of caddis flies around Number One Pit.
Doc Brewster said
Tue May 1 10:01 PM, 2018
A Newchurch Common walk with a guest wanting to see the Green Hairstreak butterflies, and I duly delivered with 10+ individuals even though it wasn't ideal with lots of cloudy periods and quite a breeze. Saw my first patch Small Tortoiseshell today, also other butterflies I had seen before, namely Green-veined White and Peacock. Had my first Latticed Heath moth on the mosslands too. Also seen, especially for my visitor, Green Tiger Beetle, and for me to photograph on a bluebell a Common Carder Bee. Had the first Tawny Mining Bee at the 'nesting' area today. There was also a huge hatch of Alder Leaf Beetles.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Apr 30 4:24 PM, 2018
At Newchurch Common today, when the sun finally came out, c.8 Green Hairstreaks on the mosslands, a male Orange-tip in the same area and lots & lots of St Mark's Flies. Several 7-Spot Ladybirds were seen and a Common Carder Bee. Spotted Cranefly (Nephrotoma appendiculata) was on the mosslands.
John Williams said
Sat Apr 28 6:57 PM, 2018
Moore NR
Lots of St Marks flies around the Eastern Reedbed, and Caddis Flies by Pumphouse Pool.
Oddly, after a 6 hour walk around the site, with no rain and it being warm enough to just wear a jumper, no butterflies were seen throughout.
John Williams said
Thu Apr 26 12:31 AM, 2018
Neumanns Flash Around 8.30pm (25.04.18)
2 Pipistrelle sized and 1 Noctule sized bats flying over the path on the E. side of Neumanns Flash.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Apr 23 10:20 PM, 2018
On April 20th (last Friday) hope was high in the warm sunny weather.
I recorded my first Green Hairstreaks with 10+ on the mosslands. Other butterflies present, again in the same area, were my first Green-veined White, Comma and Peacock. At least 10 Green Tiger Beetles were on the mosslands too, with four even watched in territorial battle on a sandy mound, a type of lek I suppose! Also present were Whirlygig Beetles and Pond Skaters. Two queen Tree Bumblebees were seen too.
Whilst visiting Burton Mere RSPB earlier also viewed: Brimstone, Peacock and Orange Tip butterflies.
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Apr 21 4:34 PM, 2018
A walk from Newton le Willows to St Helens along the Sankey Canal 10am to 1pm. 5 Orange Tip 2 Brimstone 6 Peacock 4 Tortoiseshell Butterfly 1 Large White 1 Small White 1 Comma
John Williams said
Sat Apr 21 3:56 PM, 2018
Neumanns Flash
2 Speckled Wood butterflies in shady areas on the Marsden side. 1 Zebra Spider on a wooden post.
Haydn Pool : 6 Peacock and 3 Orange Tip butterflies.
Marbury CP and Big Wood : 4 Brimstone, 4 Orange Tip and 2 more Peacock butterflies.
Dairyhouse Meadows : 1 Small Tortoiseshell butterfly.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Apr 19 10:16 PM, 2018
On Newchurch Common, Cheshire today:
2 Comma and 1 Peacock Butterfly. queen Red-tailed Bumblebee, queen Common Carder Bee, Tawny Mining Bee, White/Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
For anyone who does Geocaching I've found a box on my patch, so inbox me if you wanna see it
Doc Brewster said
Thu Apr 5 10:13 PM, 2018
On Newchurch Common, Cheshire today in warm sunshine my first basking Common Lizard, probably one of last years young from the small size. Also a male Smooth Newt.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Mar 25 10:05 PM, 2018
N.Wales, Denbighshire - Fox Moth Caterpillar up at Craig Bron-banog Mast in Clocaenog Forest.
dave broome said
Fri Mar 23 12:52 PM, 2018
Red-Eared Terrapin on the River Dee in Chester this morning, swimming across the mud below Castle Drive
Doc Brewster said
Tue Feb 20 5:41 PM, 2018
Out on Newchurch Common, Cheshire, today in the sunshine and I had my first butterfly of the year (apart from hibernating ones we used to have in the old Focalpoint farm unit) in the shape of a Peacock butterfly flying near East Bay, Sandiway Big Pool. My first butterflies on this patch last year were on March 26th so this is a really early date for me to record one in 2018 here
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 20th of February 2018 05:44:37 PM
Doc Brewster said
Wed Nov 8 3:45 PM, 2017
On Newchurch Common this morning for a patch walk and at the boundary of Shemmy Moss and the Whitegate Way I had my latest ever Common Darter Dragonfly, a pretty drab individual. Amazing to think that I scraped ice off my car before setting out to go there, but the sun certainly was warm in the end
Doc Brewster said
Wed Oct 25 9:44 PM, 2017
Out near home on a sunny autumn day.
On the R.waever by New Bridge S.of Moulton, Cheshire, 2 fisheren were unhooking a pike which was between 3 and 4 feet in length, it was a monster, it's mouth looked like a cavern !!
Down the road at Newchurch Common I had 2 butterfly species, one predicatbly a Red Admiral. The other was a late Speckled Wood, which I thought should have gone over, but checking UK Butterflies a few folk have had them still late October.
John O'Neill said
Sat Oct 14 11:21 PM, 2017
Penketh
M Brimstone flying round gardens
John Williams said
Sat Oct 14 3:48 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash 10.00-13.30
Just 1 dragonfly seen, a male Common Darter, and no butterflies recorded at all.
The main feature though was the sheer number of Harlequin Ladybirds around, especially on Dairyhouse Meadows.
At least 6 were clinging to my clothing at any point throughout. They were flying at eye level, so they often hit you in the face.
Everyone I met here was troubled by the ladybirds, the Harlequins appeared more numerous than a hatch of winged ants.
4 much smaller native 7-Spot ladybirds were also seen.
John Williams said
Thu Oct 12 4:23 PM, 2017
Redsmere Cheshire 11.00-14.30
2 Red Admiral butterflies. 1 Migrant Hawker dragonfly.
A pair of coupled Common Darter dragonflies were by a pool at nearby Capesthorne Hall.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Oct 6 10:50 PM, 2017
A quick afternoon walk around Newchurch Common produced a Bank Vole on Shemmy Moss and 6 Smooth Newts under logs. Quite a few fungi too with lots of Shaggy Inkcaps and a huge patch of Common Earthballs.
Yesterday at Foxwist Green there were 6 Red Admiral butterflies on Ivy plus one Speckled Wood. Also, sadly, a dead large female Grass Snake, squashed by a car on the road.
John Williams said
Sat Sep 30 8:05 PM, 2017
Elton Hall Flash Sandbach
6 Red Admiral butterflies still around the hawthorne hedge at the back of the flash.
John Williams said
Thu Sep 28 4:13 PM, 2017
Rixton Clay Pits NR
A couple of Red Admirals were the only butterflies seen.
Dragonflies though are still around in reasonable numbers with 2 Brown Hawkers, 2 Southern Hawkers, 8 Common Darters and 3(m) Black Darters.
An "Inanis" hover fly rested on a sowthistle flower.
Prospect Lane, Holly Bush Lane and Woodend Lane (Circular walk)
A big oak on Prospect Lane was full of Red Admiral butterflies, I gave up trying to count them.
They seem to be attracted by Ivy flowers, but many were also just sun bathing from the trees leaves. 2 Comma and 1 Peacock butterflies were also there.
1 Small Copper butterfly was by Woodend Lane. 2 Brown and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies were also seen there.
John Williams said
Tue Sep 26 4:17 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash & Marbury Country Park 10.30-14.30
The only dragonflies seen throughout were 4 Common Darters.
2 Red Admirals by the Haydn Pool were the only butterflies recorded.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Sep 25 11:41 AM, 2017
A morning walk round Newchurch Common, Cheshire yesterday, Sunday 24th September, produced a mammal new for the patch for me. This was a Field Vole (otherwise known as Short-tailed Vole, Microtus agrestis). This was seen at the border on the mosslands near the Whitegate Way and no doubt is plentiful but rarely seen. The only other wildlife of note, not of an avian variety, was a single Green-veined White butterfly over a sphagnum bog area by the Whitegate Way.
John Williams said
Sun Sep 24 5:57 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash ( 11.30-14.30)
Butterflies : 1 Red Admiral and 6 Speckled Woods.
Dragonflies : 2 Southern Hawkers, 1 Migrant Hawker and 2 Common Darters.
John Williams said
Fri Sep 22 10:10 PM, 2017
Elton Hall Flash Sandbach. (Around noon)
8 Red Admiral butterflies were along the lane down the side of the flash, where a single Southern Hawker dragonfly was also seen.
John Williams said
Wed Sep 20 7:44 PM, 2017
Burton Wetland RSPB
Dragonflies :Until the rain started Common Darters were abundant along the path near the reception.
Migrant Hawkers were numerous too, mainly on the former IMF side of the reserve. 2 Southern Hawkers were also seen.
The only butterflies seen were 2 Commas and a single Large White.
2 large ichneumon wasps (Pimpla Instigator) were seen near the former IMF hide. A single "Arbustorium" hover fly was also seen near there.
John Williams said
Sat Sep 16 4:17 PM, 2017
Woolston No 3 Bed 11.30-14.00
Migrant Hawker dragonflies were still plentiful when the sun came out. 1 Southern Hawker was seen near the weir on No 2 bed.
2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Speckled Wood butterflies were noted, as was 1 Dark Arches moth.
Steve Judge said
Thu Sep 14 7:52 PM, 2017
Pembrokeshire, Wales 9th - 14th September:
Following Butterflies - Red Admiral x lots, Comma, Speckled Wood x lots, Green-Veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell.
John Williams said
Thu Sep 14 5:00 PM, 2017
Woolston Eyes No3 Bed 11.00-14.00
Butterflies : 10 Red Admirals (8 of which were on the few remaining flowers on a Buddleia bush), 1 Comma, 3 Speckled Wood,
1 Green Veined White and 2 Small Whites.
Dragonflies : 3 Brown Hawkers, 3 Southern Hawkers and numerous Migrant Hawkers (Migrant Hawkers most numerous near the footbridge on No 3 bed).
2 Common Darters were also seen.
John Williams said
Tue Sep 12 3:55 PM, 2017
Rixton Clay Pits 10.30-12.00
Butterflies : 4 Red Admirals, 3 Comma, 3 Speckled Woods, 1 Green Veined White and 2 Large White.
Dragonflies : 1 Brown Hawker, 4 Migrant Hawkers, 1 Southern Hawker, 5 Common Darters and 1m Black Darter.
Also 1 Common Frog.
John Williams said
Sun Sep 10 3:23 PM, 2017
Woolston Eyes No3 Bed 11.00-13.00
4 Migrant Hawker dragonflies above the old river and 1 Southern Hawker near the meadow.
The only butterfly seen was a single Comma seen near the footbridge.
Yesterday's walk on Newchurch Common in the warmth produced plenty of sightings (31st May)
A new damselfly for the year was seen, and a rarity for the site, a male Banded Demoiselle, only the 2nd site record. Other odonata were at least 10 Downy Emeralds, Four-spot Chaser, and damselflies: Large Red, Blue-tailed, Common Blue, Azure and Red-eyed. A pregnant Common Lizard was on the mosslands. Also here a scarce moth for these parts in the shape of a Grass Wave. Other moths seen were Common Wave, Silver-ground Carpet, Cinnabar and Silver-Y. Butterflies seen were Holly Blue, Common Blue, Large White and Green-veined White. My first Swollen-thighed Beetles of the year were on buttercups. The impressive spider Pirata piscatorius was on Gull pool hunting the water's surface.
Penketh
Warrington
First Painted Lady of the year for me. Very faded individual zooming round flower beds.
Lots of Four Spotted Chasers, 2 Brown Hawkers (Near Peter's Hide).
Common Blue and Large Red Damselflies in abundance.
2 female Blue Tailed Damselflies.
5 Brimstone and 1 Speckled Wood Butterflies.
On a sunny day I had the opportunity to do some invert hunting on Newchurch and wasn't disappointed yesterday (Monday May 28th).
One new butterfly species was added to the year tally in the shape of Common Blue. Other species were Comma, Peacock, Brimstone, Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood and Orange-tip. at least 10 Downy Emerald Dragonflies were seen in 5 different areas. Other odonata were Four-spotted Chaser, Red-eyed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly and Azure Damselfly. Moths included, new for the year; Silver-Y, Brown Silver-line, Common Carpet, Silver-ground Carpet, Common White Wave, and a repeat for Cinnabar.
New hoverflies were Lucozona lucorum, Cheilosia ranunculi, Eristalis intricarius and a Parheliophilus sp. Bettles included a Wasp Beetle, a massive hatch of Garden Chafers, Green Tiger Beetles and an Amara sp.
Finally two Common Lizards, two terrapins and two Common Frogs were seen.
In a brief visit to Newchurch Common in the sun this afternoon a new dragonfly for the year for the site was added in the shape of a Four-spotted Chaser. Also still present were Downy Emerald, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly and Large Red Damselfly.
Around 8 Dingy Skipper on the south side of the Flash this late morning together with Brimstone, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Speckled Wood.
Odonata were represented by several Hairy Dragonfly and the odd Black-tailed Skimmer, amongst others.
Gait Barrows
3 Duke of Burgundy
6 Green Hairstreak
4 Dingy Skipper
5 Brimstone
Also saw Orange tip, Large, Small and Green Veined White, Small heath and Peacock
Warton Crag
3 Pearl Bordered Fritillary
1 Dingy Skipper
1 Wall Butterfly
2 brimstone
Also saw saw 6 Green Hairsteak today near the trig point on Pendle Hill
Butterflies - Orange Tip, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Speckled Wood, Comma and Brimstone.
Odonata - Banded Demoiselle, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue tailed Damselfly, Large Red Damselfly, Four-spotted Chaser and Broad-bodied Chaser.
A short but very productive walk in the sun this afternoon on Newchurch Common for insects.
Several new species of Odonata were added to the year list. Most impressive was an immature male Broad-bodied Chaser near Big Pool. There was a huge emergence of Common Blue Damselflies and a few Blue-tailed Damselflies new out. Two male Downy Emeralds were seen and Red-eyed Damselflies still. To complete the tally Azure and Large Red Damselflies were still on the wing.
The most noteworthy butterfly was Holly Blue. A Cinnabar moth was also seen. Other finds were Green Shieldbug, Scorpion Fly, Nursery Web Spider, Cockchafer and a Click Beetle.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 20th of May 2018 09:47:20 PM
Good numbers of toad tadpoles in pond near entrance
2 Small Tortoiseshell Butterflies
Neumanns Flash: 3 Dingy Skipper butterflies.
Walked around Neumanns Flash, the Haydn Pool and Marbury CP.
Butterflies seen along the route : 2 Brimstone, 3 Peacock, 1 Small White, 3 Orange Tip and 6 Speckled Wood.
A single Scorpion Fly was by Big Wood and lots of Caddis Flies were emerging along Budworth Mere.
In my morning recuperative walk on Newchurch yesterday (Thursday 17th May) the sunshine produced plenty of invertebrate interest.
A new butterfly species for the year was seen on Shemmy Moss namely Small Copper. Other butterflies were as my last walk, just missing a couple of species. A new damselfly species was also seen, Red-eyed Damselfly on Small Pool. Nettle Weevil (Phyllobius pomaceus) was abundant and new for site. Red and Black Froghopper (Cercopis vulnerata) was also seen. I had my first Volucella bombylans hoverfly too and 3 species of Ladybird: 14-spot, 7-spot & the first Harlequins.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Friday 18th of May 2018 05:31:14 PM
A sunny walk yesterday afternoon (Mon 14th) produced a bif hatch of my first Azure Damselflies of the year, along with lots of Large Red Damselflies and 2 Downy Emerald Dragonflies. 10 butterfly species were seen: Green Hairstreak, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Orange-tip, Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Holly Blue and Speckled Wood. Green Tiger Beetle and Click Beetle (Athous bicolor) were seen. The 'Footballer' hoverfly Helophilus pendulus was also seen as well as Alder Flies.
2 Broad-bodied Chasers - both female
Large Red Damselflies
Butterflies:
Orange Tips
Green veined White
Large White
Peacock
Speckled Wood
Green-veined White, Orange Tip, Peacock and Speckled Wood.
An unplanned visit to meet up with Melanie, Simon & Alan for a very pleasant couple of hours and added a couple of new species to my Newchurch 2018 listings to boot. A Holly Blue was in the field by the Farm Field Pool, my first spring one ever, despite getting them in good numbers later every year! Also a Downy Emerald had emerged on Gull Pool, found by visiting photographers with nets, not a very ethical practise in my opinion
Directed my pals onto Green Hairstreaks and Green Tiger Beetles too
A walk on Newchurch Common, Cheshire, produced my first damselfly of 2018, predictably Large Red Damselfly, seen near the Whitegate Way. A good tally of butterflies included several first for patch for 2018, namely Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small White. Also seen were Green Hairstreak, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell , Comma and Green-veined White. A Scalloped Hook-tip moth and a Shaded Broad-bar moth were firsts for the year, as was a 14-spot Ladybird. Green Tiger Beetles were again on the mosslands.
Butterflies : 1 Brimstone, 5 Peacocks, 3 Small Tortoiseshells and lots of Orange Tips.
1 Cockchafer and 1 Bee Fly along the the riverside path.
Elsewhere on the reserve : 2f Emerald Damselflies, 1 Common Blue Damselfly and 1 "Volcella Pellucens" hover fly.
Masses of caddis flies around Number One Pit.
A Newchurch Common walk with a guest wanting to see the Green Hairstreak butterflies, and I duly delivered with 10+ individuals even though it wasn't ideal with lots of cloudy periods and quite a breeze. Saw my first patch Small Tortoiseshell today, also other butterflies I had seen before, namely Green-veined White and Peacock. Had my first Latticed Heath moth on the mosslands too. Also seen, especially for my visitor, Green Tiger Beetle, and for me to photograph on a bluebell a Common Carder Bee. Had the first Tawny Mining Bee at the 'nesting' area today. There was also a huge hatch of Alder Leaf Beetles.
At Newchurch Common today, when the sun finally came out, c.8 Green Hairstreaks on the mosslands, a male Orange-tip in the same area and lots & lots of St Mark's Flies. Several 7-Spot Ladybirds were seen and a Common Carder Bee. Spotted Cranefly (Nephrotoma appendiculata) was on the mosslands.
Lots of St Marks flies around the Eastern Reedbed, and Caddis Flies by Pumphouse Pool.
Oddly, after a 6 hour walk around the site, with no rain and it being warm enough to just wear a jumper, no butterflies were seen throughout.
2 Pipistrelle sized and 1 Noctule sized bats flying over the path on the E. side of Neumanns Flash.
On April 20th (last Friday) hope was high in the warm sunny weather.
I recorded my first Green Hairstreaks with 10+ on the mosslands. Other butterflies present, again in the same area, were my first Green-veined White, Comma and Peacock. At least 10 Green Tiger Beetles were on the mosslands too, with four even watched in territorial battle on a sandy mound, a type of lek I suppose! Also present were Whirlygig Beetles and Pond Skaters. Two queen Tree Bumblebees were seen too.
Whilst visiting Burton Mere RSPB earlier also viewed: Brimstone, Peacock and Orange Tip butterflies.
5 Orange Tip
2 Brimstone
6 Peacock
4 Tortoiseshell Butterfly
1 Large White
1 Small White
1 Comma
2 Speckled Wood butterflies in shady areas on the Marsden side. 1 Zebra Spider on a wooden post.
Haydn Pool : 6 Peacock and 3 Orange Tip butterflies.
Marbury CP and Big Wood : 4 Brimstone, 4 Orange Tip and 2 more Peacock butterflies.
Dairyhouse Meadows : 1 Small Tortoiseshell butterfly.
On Newchurch Common, Cheshire today:
2 Comma and 1 Peacock Butterfly. queen Red-tailed Bumblebee, queen Common Carder Bee, Tawny Mining Bee, White/Buff-tailed Bumblebee.
For anyone who does Geocaching I've found a box on my patch, so inbox me if you wanna see it
On Newchurch Common, Cheshire today in warm sunshine my first basking Common Lizard, probably one of last years young from the small size. Also a male Smooth Newt.
N.Wales, Denbighshire - Fox Moth Caterpillar up at Craig Bron-banog Mast in Clocaenog Forest.
Out on Newchurch Common, Cheshire, today in the sunshine and I had my first butterfly of the year (apart from hibernating ones we used to have in the old Focalpoint farm unit) in the shape of a Peacock butterfly flying near East Bay, Sandiway Big Pool. My first butterflies on this patch last year were on March 26th so this is a really early date for me to record one in 2018 here
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Tuesday 20th of February 2018 05:44:37 PM
On Newchurch Common this morning for a patch walk and at the boundary of Shemmy Moss and the Whitegate Way I had my latest ever Common Darter Dragonfly, a pretty drab individual. Amazing to think that I scraped ice off my car before setting out to go there, but the sun certainly was warm in the end
Out near home on a sunny autumn day.
On the R.waever by New Bridge S.of Moulton, Cheshire, 2 fisheren were unhooking a pike which was between 3 and 4 feet in length, it was a monster, it's mouth looked like a cavern !!
Down the road at Newchurch Common I had 2 butterfly species, one predicatbly a Red Admiral. The other was a late Speckled Wood, which I thought should have gone over, but checking UK Butterflies a few folk have had them still late October.
M Brimstone flying round gardens
Just 1 dragonfly seen, a male Common Darter, and no butterflies recorded at all.
The main feature though was the sheer number of Harlequin Ladybirds around, especially on Dairyhouse Meadows.
At least 6 were clinging to my clothing at any point throughout. They were flying at eye level, so they often hit you in the face.
Everyone I met here was troubled by the ladybirds, the Harlequins appeared more numerous than a hatch of winged ants.
4 much smaller native 7-Spot ladybirds were also seen.
2 Red Admiral butterflies. 1 Migrant Hawker dragonfly.
A pair of coupled Common Darter dragonflies were by a pool at nearby Capesthorne Hall.
A quick afternoon walk around Newchurch Common produced a Bank Vole on Shemmy Moss and 6 Smooth Newts under logs. Quite a few fungi too with lots of Shaggy Inkcaps and a huge patch of Common Earthballs.
Yesterday at Foxwist Green there were 6 Red Admiral butterflies on Ivy plus one Speckled Wood. Also, sadly, a dead large female Grass Snake, squashed by a car on the road.
6 Red Admiral butterflies still around the hawthorne hedge at the back of the flash.
A couple of Red Admirals were the only butterflies seen.
Dragonflies though are still around in reasonable numbers with 2 Brown Hawkers, 2 Southern Hawkers, 8 Common Darters and 3(m) Black Darters.
An "Inanis" hover fly rested on a sowthistle flower.
Prospect Lane, Holly Bush Lane and Woodend Lane (Circular walk)
A big oak on Prospect Lane was full of Red Admiral butterflies, I gave up trying to count them.
They seem to be attracted by Ivy flowers, but many were also just sun bathing from the trees leaves. 2 Comma and 1 Peacock butterflies were also there.
1 Small Copper butterfly was by Woodend Lane. 2 Brown and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies were also seen there.
The only dragonflies seen throughout were 4 Common Darters.
2 Red Admirals by the Haydn Pool were the only butterflies recorded.
A morning walk round Newchurch Common, Cheshire yesterday, Sunday 24th September, produced a mammal new for the patch for me. This was a Field Vole (otherwise known as Short-tailed Vole, Microtus agrestis). This was seen at the border on the mosslands near the Whitegate Way and no doubt is plentiful but rarely seen. The only other wildlife of note, not of an avian variety, was a single Green-veined White butterfly over a sphagnum bog area by the Whitegate Way.
Butterflies : 1 Red Admiral and 6 Speckled Woods.
Dragonflies : 2 Southern Hawkers, 1 Migrant Hawker and 2 Common Darters.
8 Red Admiral butterflies were along the lane down the side of the flash, where a single Southern Hawker dragonfly was also seen.
Dragonflies :Until the rain started Common Darters were abundant along the path near the reception.
Migrant Hawkers were numerous too, mainly on the former IMF side of the reserve. 2 Southern Hawkers were also seen.
The only butterflies seen were 2 Commas and a single Large White.
2 large ichneumon wasps (Pimpla Instigator) were seen near the former IMF hide. A single "Arbustorium" hover fly was also seen near there.
Migrant Hawker dragonflies were still plentiful when the sun came out. 1 Southern Hawker was seen near the weir on No 2 bed.
2 Peacock, 1 Red Admiral and 1 Speckled Wood butterflies were noted, as was 1 Dark Arches moth.
Following Butterflies - Red Admiral x lots, Comma, Speckled Wood x lots, Green-Veined White, Small White, Meadow Brown, Small Copper, Painted Lady and Small Tortoiseshell.
Butterflies : 10 Red Admirals (8 of which were on the few remaining flowers on a Buddleia bush), 1 Comma, 3 Speckled Wood,
1 Green Veined White and 2 Small Whites.
Dragonflies : 3 Brown Hawkers, 3 Southern Hawkers and numerous Migrant Hawkers (Migrant Hawkers most numerous near the footbridge on No 3 bed).
2 Common Darters were also seen.
Butterflies : 4 Red Admirals, 3 Comma, 3 Speckled Woods, 1 Green Veined White and 2 Large White.
Dragonflies : 1 Brown Hawker, 4 Migrant Hawkers, 1 Southern Hawker, 5 Common Darters and 1m Black Darter.
Also 1 Common Frog.
4 Migrant Hawker dragonflies above the old river and 1 Southern Hawker near the meadow.
The only butterfly seen was a single Comma seen near the footbridge.