6 Migrant Hawker and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies. 1 Red Admiral and 1 Peacock butterflies.
Mike Duckham said
Thu Aug 31 11:38 AM, 2017
Thanks for the info Paul. I saw another one yesterday, this time in Dunham Hall Gardens! As far as i can recall in the '80's in Cheshire, they were pretty much unheard of!
I don't think hornets have reached where i live now, in Conwy.
Doc Brewster wrote:
Myself & Paul Hill see them regularly around Cheshire, several times a year. I had a nest last year at Newchurch Common but none this year. I see them just about every time I go to the R.Dee area looking for dragonflies too, in fact I've never failed there!! They are still a great insect to see and it is great that they are getting commoner
I suppose one of the things with Paul & I is that we go out on dedicated invert walks and seek stuff like that out, it's probably a less frequently encountered species if it isn't looked for.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 30th of August 2017 10:18:52 AM
John Williams said
Wed Aug 30 8:28 PM, 2017
Lune Estuary, Glasson, Lancs
4 Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolled the seawall this afternoon.
Also here were 4 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.
Doc Brewster said
Wed Aug 30 10:16 AM, 2017
Myself & Paul Hill see them regularly around Cheshire, several times a year. I had a nest last year at Newchurch Common but none this year. I see them just about every time I go to the R.Dee area looking for dragonflies too, in fact I've never failed there!! They are still a great insect to see and it is great that they are getting commoner
I suppose one of the things with Paul & I is that we go out on dedicated invert walks and seek stuff like that out, it's probably a less frequently encountered species if it isn't looked for.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 30th of August 2017 10:18:52 AM
Mike Duckham said
Wed Aug 30 1:51 AM, 2017
One hornet was watched chomping on an apple in the gardens of Arley Hall today, Tue 29th.
A Cheshire first for me - anyone know how common they are?
John Williams said
Mon Aug 28 10:54 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash 15.00-19.00
1m Black Tailed Skimmer and 1m Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen by Pods Hide.
Common Darters were seen in low numbers throughout.
The only butterflies seen were Speckled Woods, and they were in profusion.
John Williams said
Sun Aug 27 3:36 PM, 2017
Brockholes NR Preston. 11.00-14,00
Plenty of Speckled Wood butterflies, although no other butterfly species were seen.
Common Darter dragonflies and Common Blue damselflies abound around the pools.
2 Southern Hawker, 2 Migrant Hawker and 2 Brown Hawker dragonflies also seen.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 26 9:51 PM, 2017
We reverted to yesterday's plan & stayed local today. Started at Ham Wall RSPB, Somerset & some good sightings including Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Brimstone butterfly, Dock Shieldbugs & lots of Dark Bush Crickets. Then we went to Westhay Moor NR where we saw a Mink, Ruddy Darter & Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies and a Comma Butterfly amongst lots of other non- bird sightings. The day ended with a Fox in our headlamps at the B&B, and that's the last full day of our holiday done!
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 26 9:44 PM, 2017
We reverted to yesterday's plan & stayed local today. Started at Ham Wall RSPB, Somerset & some good sightings including Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Brimstone butterfly & lots of Dark Bush Crickets. Then we went to Westhay Moor NR where we saw a Mink, Ruddy Darter & Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies and a Comma Butterfly amongst lots of other non- bird sightings. The day ended with a Fox in our headlamps at the B&B, and that's the last full day of our holiday done!
Doc Brewster said
Fri Aug 25 9:49 PM, 2017
Late decision to head down the 70 miles or so to Arne RSPB today. Lovely sunshine & very hot. Highlight was 4 Wasp Spiders and several Raft Spiders. One of the latter was eating a Common Darter and then decapitated it & sucked it's brains out!!! A Four- spotted Orb Weaver & lots of Cross Orb Weaver Spiders were seen too. Emperor dragonflies & Black Darters were on the Heath as well as a Small Red Damselfly. A Sika Deer Stag & a Common Seal were also seen. A few Common Lizards were asking in the sun too.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Aug 24 9:47 PM, 2017
Stayed in Somerset today on our West Country trip. In the morning not much of note except for a Bank Vole, Common Darters & Migrant Hawker, all at Greylake RSPB. Spent the afternoon at Ham Wall RSPB and apart from the same dragonflies as last time the highlights were all spiders, which were everywhere! Best one was a stunning bright yellow male Four-spotted Orb Weaver, lots of Tetragnatha sp, wolf spiders, Nursery Web spiders & one sp yet to be identified! Three Perez Frogs and a Common Toad seen too.
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Aug 24 8:43 PM, 2017
Arnside Knott - Two Scotch Argus noted. Not a good day for butterflies with heavy rain showers in the morning followed by stiff breezes later. Not sure if they have been a bit early this year, so could be the last ones now until next year.
A day in Devon on our holiday today. Aylesbeare Common in the morning produced lots of Grayling butterflies and young Common Lizards. In the afternoon at Seaton Wetlands the only non-bird sighting was a Slow Worm.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Aug 22 10:12 PM, 2017
Over today into Dorset & Hants on our West Country hol, following the sun again. Most of the day was spent at Martin Down NR, a fabulous chalk down land reserve. Highlights here were lots of stunning Adonis Blue butterflies & one Silver-washed Fritillary. Also seen Common Blue, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Small Heath. Also Brown Bush Cricket & Common Darter and Migrant Hawker dragonflies. A Bloody-nosed Beetle was seen and a herd of Fallow Deer. We also had lots of Slow Worms and a few Common Lizards here.
sid ashton said
Tue Aug 22 9:43 PM, 2017
After a walk along the beach at Crosby this afternoon, with our son and grandson to see Antony Gormley's Iron Men we went over to Formby pine woods to look for the Red Squirrels. We weren't disappointed as there appears to be a healthy population there these days. Lovely little creatures.
Doc Brewster said
Mon Aug 21 10:34 PM, 2017
Today we decided to head to Portland, Dorset due to a sunny weather forecast there. It was mainly to be a butterfly trip, but never ended that way!
First call for insects etc was Cheyne Weares Quarry where we saw over 10 Wall Lizards. We also had a Clouded Yellow butterfly, a Hummingbird Hawkmoth & a Painted Lady. Also here was the hornet-mimic hoverfly Volucella zonaria. Then up the road to Broadcroft Quarry butterfly reserve. Here we added Slow Worm & Common Lizard.
Finally to Tout Quarry butterfly reserve. Here we saw a few Wall Browns, 3 Painted Ladies, Chalkhill Blues, Common Blues, Brown Argus, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small Copper, Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown & Holly Blue. We Also had another Hummingbird Hawkmoth which actually settled & we got photos.
Then Mega bird news broke (see other post) and insects were forgotten!
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 19 10:21 PM, 2017
Somerset, Shapwick Heath NR, our first half day of our holiday & a stunning start!! First an Otter crossed the track only 30m in front of us and then half an hour later we found a Harvest Mouse on the top of a grass seed head by the track! We could go a whole year without seeing either & we get both on the first afternoon of our holiday!
Also seen:
Odonata: Southern Hawker, Migrant Hawker, Common Darter, Emerald Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Butterflies: Large White, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood.
Great Green Bush Cricket.
Perez Frog (an introduced Iberian species of marsh frog).
John Williams said
Thu Aug 17 5:21 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash
11.00-14.30
Still 2 Black Tailed Skimmers showing near Pods Hide. 1 Ruddy Darter also here.
Brown Hawkers and Common Darters numerous both at Neumanns and around the Haydn Pool.
Another Ruddy Darter seen near the Haydn Pool.
Just 2 Gatekeeper butterflies seen, Meadow Browns though are still plentiful.
3 Speckled Wood and 2 Red Admiral butterflies also seen.
Doc Brewster said
Tue Aug 15 8:27 PM, 2017
At last my first Grass Snake sighting on my Newchurch Common local patch for 2017! After having seen them on 20 or so visits last year I was almost giving up this year, but thank goodness I went out today. One smallish one, either a male or young female, was on Shemmy Moss, but I retreated quickly and left it undisturbed, I don't think it even knew I had been there, which may bode well for a repeat sighting in the same location. What with the recent news that there are now two recognised species of Natrix in the UK, Natrix natrix (what we have always known as 'our' Common Grass Snake) and Natrix helvetica (Barred Grass Snake) I would like to check this one properly, but for now I will let it rest undisturbed! I have checked all previous photos from this site of snakes I have seen and all have been Common Grass Snakes.
A usual mix of other species:
Butterfly: Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Aug 13 10:48 PM, 2017
No chance to get out wild-lifing this weekend but managed a walk with the horse today near the yard at Foxwist Green, Cheshire. Lots of butterflies about on the short walk including a Holly Blue stiill along with numbers of Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods, Red Admirals, Green-veined Whites and Large Whites. A Southern Hawker Dragonfly was also seen.
John Williams said
Sun Aug 13 8:00 PM, 2017
Lymm Area
16.00-18.00
Walked from Lymmhay Lane to Manchester Ship Canal along Sow Brook.
The path was lined with balsam throughout, which limited the wildlife to be seen, apart from an abundance of Honey Bees.
However, 3 Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolled the brook. If the invasive balsam was not enough, another alien appeared near the canal, a large American Mink.
John Williams said
Sat Aug 12 4:32 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash & Haydn Pool
3 Brown Hawkers were the only dragonflies seen.
Speckled Wood butterflies in profusion. Meadow Brown butterflies still abundant, though most are looking very shabby.
1 Peacock butterfly was seen, whilst Gatekeeper sightings had dropped to just 2.
Mark Jarrett said
Sat Aug 12 1:58 PM, 2017
Isles of Scilly Cetaceans 7-10 August 2017
Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Blue Shark (five caught, tagged and released), Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Sun Fish.
Butterflies
Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Common Blue & Holly Blue.
Doc Brewster said
Thu Aug 10 10:24 PM, 2017
Another morning walk at Newchurch Common, mainly sunny & quite warm, but at the moment it somehow feels Autumnal rather than the third Summer month!
A nice sighting was a Common Shrew by Shemmy Moss.
Butterflies recorded were: Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Large White and Green-veined White.
Odonata: Black-tailed Skimmer (worn female), Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly.
A totally different route today hence the different mix of species and why some obvious ones (especially butterflies) are missing compared to yesterdays list. A more representative list of species present at the moment would be given by adding the tow days together
Doc Brewster said
Wed Aug 9 10:22 PM, 2017
A morning walk at Newchurch Common, Cheshire, eventually produced a few insects as the sun came out.
Butterflies: Holly Blue, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Green-veined White.
Damselflies: Common Blue and Blue-tailed.
Shannon Llewellyn said
Sun Aug 6 10:54 PM, 2017
A few dragons around at the London Wetland Centre:
c20 red-eyed damselfly c5 common darter 1 black-tailed skimmer 3 brown hawker 1+ emperor (not suffering the browns at all)
A few butterflies around, mainly large whites (plenty of whites; presumably other species present too) and red admirals, with a comma the only other species noted.
John Williams said
Sat Aug 5 8:03 PM, 2017
11.30-15.30
Neumanns Flash
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies still numerous, also 2 Green Veined Whites 3 Speckled Woods, and a couple of Red Admirals.
Only dragonfly seen apart from a couple of large blue coloured hawkers that shot past (Could of been an Emperor or Southern Hawker?), was a single Brown Hawker.
The only damselfly seen was a single Common Blue on Dairyhouse Meadows, perhaps the strong Westerly kept them in hiding.
The path from the Haydn Pool towards the canal bridge and Marbury CP nearly always delivers good butterfly sightings.
Today was no exception with 6 Holly Blues seen, mainly around clumps of ivy, plus 2 Red Admirals.
Despite scanning every oak though, there was no sign of any Purple Hairstreaks. A single ichneumon, "Amblyteles Armatorius" showed well as it ambled across a flower head.
Along the edge of Big Wood in Marbury CP, there appears to be a fair amount of young Wych Elm trees, are White Letter Hairstreak butterflies ever found here?.
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 5 2:25 PM, 2017
Andy Bissitt wrote:
Doc,
I thought I remembered a record from you on here, but couldn't find it when I looked back. They may be relatively common now, but still not recorded on this site much which is my main source of insect records for the area. Please keep us in touch with any more you come across.
Cheers,
Andy
Andy
Have a word with Paul Hill too, he see's them regularly in Cheshire too and came a few times to photo the ones at Newchurch
Andy Bissitt said
Sat Aug 5 1:56 PM, 2017
Doc Brewster wrote:
Simon Gough wrote:
I saw a Hornet dive down and take a smaller wasp once; that was quite something. You don't think of wasps as victims very often. Docile wasn't the word that sprang to my mind...
Hahahaha, no predator is docile with its prey!!!!!! They are docile with humnas as opposed to smaller wasps that can sting without much provocation! I wouldn't bird in a hide with a Vespa vulgaris nest in it
Doc,
I thought I remembered a record from you on here, but couldn't find it when I looked back. They may be relatively common now, but still not recorded on this site much which is my main source of insect records for the area. Please keep us in touch with any more you come across.
Cheers,
Andy
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 5 1:40 PM, 2017
Simon Gough wrote:
I saw a Hornet dive down and take a smaller wasp once; that was quite something. You don't think of wasps as victims very often. Docile wasn't the word that sprang to my mind...
Hahahaha, no predator is docile with its prey!!!!!! They are docile with humnas as opposed to smaller wasps that can sting without much provocation! I wouldn't bird in a hide with a Vespa vulgaris nest in it
Simon Gough said
Sat Aug 5 1:10 PM, 2017
I saw a Hornet dive down and take a smaller wasp once; that was quite something. You don't think of wasps as victims very often. Docile wasn't the word that sprang to my mind...
Doc Brewster said
Sat Aug 5 10:45 AM, 2017
I love them too Andy, one of the most docile 'wasps' we get, lovely creatures, I have birded in a hide with a hornets nest inside it & no problems for anyone! They are relatively common in Cheshire now (I had a nest at Newchurch last year (see back in this thread) and regularly see them at Aldford (inc earlier this year), so there must be a GM record, although, like you, I don't recall seeing one reported recently. I see on NBN Gateway a record for Dunham Massey Park in 2008.
Andy Bissitt said
Fri Aug 4 9:02 PM, 2017
A piece of late news. My brother found a hornet whilst working in a private garden in Church Minshull, Cheshire, about three weeks ago. Unfortunately (or otherwise if you don't fancy coming face to face with one), it was floating in a pond and could not be saved. Personally, I love them and hope to see one in Greater Manchester soon (not sure it has been recorded, certainly in modern times).
John Williams said
Thu Aug 3 7:27 PM, 2017
Rixton Clay Pits NR
13.30-15.00 (Trying to the dodge the heavy showers)
Despite the rain, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies were still flying, and are still abundant.
Also around were 3 Peacock and 1 Holly Blue butterflies, and 2 Shaded Broadbar moths.
During a brief sunny spell, I was lucky enough to be alongside the pool that appears to be the best for odonata, and one with no fish.
The result was 2 Common Darter dragonflies, 1 Emerald, 2 Common Blue and 4 Blue Tailed damselflies.
Also here, sat on a floating leaf was a ground beetle, "Pterostichus Cupreus", a brightly coloured little predator that appeared poised to strike at having that passed by.
This pool seems to attract froghoppers, that leap from the surrounding tall grass and end floating in the middle of the pond.
I waited to see what beast would strike these unfortunate insects, but each time they managed to scramble out, this happened 3 or 4 times whilst I was there.
Lawrence Hindley said
Wed Aug 2 3:21 PM, 2017
here are some of my back and front yard butterfly and moth sightings over the past week
1 Hummingbird Hawk Moth 1 Holly Blue 3 Red Admiral 1 Large White
Doc Brewster said
Mon Jul 31 10:04 PM, 2017
Another morning on Newchurch Common, Cheshire again concentrating on inverts due to the sunshine.
Another fabulous butterfly day with 11 species, and a different mix from yesterday. Star of the show was my first Painted Lady of 2017 (picture). Also present: Red Admiral, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Small Skipper and Common Blue.
There was a nice surprise on the odonata front too with a new species of dragonfly for 2017, Migrant Hawker (female). Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were also seen.
Mother of Pearl Moth and Harlequin Ladybird were recorded, as well as a Red-eared Terrapin on Big Pool.
1 Black Tailed Skimmer and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies. 2 Common Blue, 1 Emerald and 1 Blue Tailed damselflies.
4 Peacock and 2 Common Blue butterflies. Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies still numerous although most of them are now looking a little shabby now.
1 Yellow Shell moth.
Doc Brewster said
Sun Jul 30 9:55 PM, 2017
Back on Newchurch Common, Cheshire in warm, sunny weather.
10 species of butterflies were seen including 2nd brood Holly Blue (picture). Also present: Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood and Small Copper. Only 2 dragonfly species: Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker, and just two damselfly species, lots of Common Blues and a single immature male Red-eyed Damselfly.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 30th of July 2017 10:24:38 PM
Butterflies : 1 Painted Lady, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Common Blues, 1 Peacock, 2 Speckled Woods plus lots of Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns.
Moths : 1 Mother of Pearl, 1 Shaded Broadbar and 2 Garden Carpet.
Odonata : 4 Blue Tailed, 1 Emerald and 2 Common Blue Damselflies. No dragonflies were seen.
A shoal of Rudd have settled into a pool where I have previously seen Great Crested Newts.
Mark Jarrett said
Wed Jul 26 5:22 PM, 2017
Haydn's Pool, Northwich :- Two separate singles of Purple Hairstreak amongst the oaks on the path that leads to Uplands. Southern Hawker nearby (photo attached).
A summary of the last few days in the Highlands of Scotland.
Yesterday (24th) we visited the W.coast mainly for dragonflies and weren't disappointed! Much of the day was spent at Slattadale by Loch Maree. A long search produced 2 lifer dragonflies, a female Azure Hawker and a couple of Northern Emeralds. Also seen were Highland Darter dragonfly and Scotch Argus butterfly. Two huge Giant Dark Horseflies were also seen, at over an inch long they are true beasts!
Today we headed up a mountain, Creag Meagaidh, and found our target butterfly - Mountain Ringlet, adding Large Heath for good measure. Eight Common Lizards were seen too as well as a Common Shrew. We also popped in to Uath Lochans were we saw another Northern Emerald, a Highland Darter, a Four-spotted Chaser, Common Hawkers and Large Red Damselflies. Also here were Scarce Silver-Y moth and Bordered Whites.
Earlier in Dell Woods Nethy Bridge we found the rare Twinflower, Creeping Ladies Tresses, Common Cow Wheat and Chanterelle mushrooms.
John Williams said
Tue Jul 25 8:38 PM, 2017
Sandbach Flashes
Elton Hall Flash :
5 Red Admiral butterflies were attracted to a damp patch on the trunk of a willow, which appeared to be a scar that was seeping sap.
The butterflies seemed very agitated, I then discovered the damp patch was also attracting several wasps and masses of flies, mainly Greenbottles.
Pumphouse Flash :
Winged ants were seemingly everywhere. A single Painted Lady butterfly showed well near the broken wooden gate.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jul 24 3:44 PM, 2017
Walking an eight mile section of the Sandstone Trail today in the Delamere Forest and adjacent farmland area. The sun finally came out around midday offering some warmth at which time a few butterflies were on the wing including Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Peacock (photo attached), Gatekeeper and a Painted Lady, the latter being my first of the year.
Plenty of Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies on the heath, Speckled Woods being numerous in the shady wooded areas.
Alarmingly just 1 Common Blue butterfly was seen. Just 1 Comma butterfly was found too, and that was along the towpath of the old canal.
A single Azure Damselfly was seen on the heath, Common Blues though are plentiful along the edge of Birchwood Pool.
The only dragonflies seen around the reserve were 6 Brown Hawkers. A Brown Rat strolled across the path near Colin's Hide.
Doc Brewster said
Fri Jul 21 10:10 PM, 2017
Up in The Highlands of Scotland, especially for insects but watching everything! Yesterday, Thursday 20th, we saw Red Squiirrel, Bank Vole and Wood Mouse at Loch Garten. Also Grey Birch, Dark Marbled Carpet and Scalloped Oak moths. Today's butterflying near Grantown produced Northern Brown Argus (Scottish race), Small Pearl-bordered & Dark Green Fritillaries, Small Heath and Ringlet. Chimney Sweeper & 6-spot Burnet Moths were here too. When the sun comes out properly this could be good!
Mark Jarrett said
Thu Jul 20 4:08 PM, 2017
Newchurch Common, Sandiway Small Pool
A minimum of thirty Red-eyed Damselflies seen this afternoon along with Common Blue and Blue-tailed. A Southern Hawker was noted on the nearby Whitegate Way path just south of Gull Pool. Not the best day for Odonata but the sun did its best to come out later and give off a bit of warmth.
A late post for Tuesday 18th, a visit to Newchurch Common, Cheshire in hot sunny weather.
Unsurprisingly isects dominated the walk with 12 species of butterfly and 6 odonata.
Butterflies: Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Skipper and my first Small Copper and first second gen Holly Blues (2).
Odonata: Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly.
Moths: Mother of Pearl, Silver-Y, Silver-ground Carpet.
Nursery Web Spider
and 2 new insects for me on patch - a flea beetle Crepidodera fulvicornis, and a rove beetle Ocypus brunnipes.
Then pm popped over to Rudheath, Northwich again and saw 2 White-letter hairstreaks in elms where I saw them before. Being windy and with them in the crowns of the elms viewing was hard, but a few ercord shots were obtained (below).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 19th of July 2017 08:49:04 PM
Butterflies - Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White. Odonata - Common Darter, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
River Dane Fishermen's Ponds, Rudheath, Northwich.
Butterflies - Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown. Odonata - Ruddy Darter, Common Darter, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
John Williams said
Tue Jul 18 7:42 PM, 2017
Neumanns Flash (11.00-13.30)
4 male Black Tailed Skimmer dragonflies were chasing each other along the path leading to the new hide.
Several Brown Hawker dragonflies were seen here too.
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies were plentiful throughout. The shady areas held numerous Speckled Wood butterflies too.
6 Red Admiral and 1 Common Blue butterflies were also seen.
2 Southern Hawker dragonflies were by the Haydn Pool, whilst another was seen on Dairyhouse Meadows.
A single cuckoo wasp "Chrysis Ignita" was basking on a wooden post by the Haydn Pool.
Mark Jarrett said
Mon Jul 17 5:04 PM, 2017
Northwich Woodlands/Neumann's Flash/Haydn's Pool/Anderton Nature Park
Spent around five hours on patch today in glorious sunny and warm weather.
Butterflies :- Common Blue (2), Large White (2), Small White (1), Green-veined White (c.60), Gatekeeper (c.35), Meadow Brown (c.30), Small Skipper (2), Red Admiral (c.12), Speckled Wood (c.10), Comma (c.8), Brimstone (3).
Odonata :- Four-spotted Chaser (1), Common Darter (c.10), Emperor Dragonfly (3), Brown Hawker (c.15), Banded Demoiselle (1), Blue-tailed Damselfly (c.10), Common Blue Damselfly (c.20).
6 Migrant Hawker and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies. 1 Red Admiral and 1 Peacock butterflies.
Thanks for the info Paul. I saw another one yesterday, this time in Dunham Hall Gardens! As far as i can recall in the '80's in Cheshire, they were pretty much unheard of!
I don't think hornets have reached where i live now, in Conwy.
4 Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolled the seawall this afternoon.
Also here were 4 Red Admiral and 1 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.
Myself & Paul Hill see them regularly around Cheshire, several times a year. I had a nest last year at Newchurch Common but none this year. I see them just about every time I go to the R.Dee area looking for dragonflies too, in fact I've never failed there!! They are still a great insect to see and it is great that they are getting commoner
I suppose one of the things with Paul & I is that we go out on dedicated invert walks and seek stuff like that out, it's probably a less frequently encountered species if it isn't looked for.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 30th of August 2017 10:18:52 AM
One hornet was watched chomping on an apple in the gardens of Arley Hall today, Tue 29th.
A Cheshire first for me - anyone know how common they are?
1m Black Tailed Skimmer and 1m Migrant Hawker dragonflies were seen by Pods Hide.
Common Darters were seen in low numbers throughout.
The only butterflies seen were Speckled Woods, and they were in profusion.
Plenty of Speckled Wood butterflies, although no other butterfly species were seen.
Common Darter dragonflies and Common Blue damselflies abound around the pools.
2 Southern Hawker, 2 Migrant Hawker and 2 Brown Hawker dragonflies also seen.
After a walk along the beach at Crosby this afternoon, with our son and grandson to see Antony Gormley's Iron Men we went over to Formby pine woods to look for the Red Squirrels. We weren't disappointed as there appears to be a healthy population there these days. Lovely little creatures.
11.00-14.30
Still 2 Black Tailed Skimmers showing near Pods Hide. 1 Ruddy Darter also here.
Brown Hawkers and Common Darters numerous both at Neumanns and around the Haydn Pool.
Another Ruddy Darter seen near the Haydn Pool.
Just 2 Gatekeeper butterflies seen, Meadow Browns though are still plentiful.
3 Speckled Wood and 2 Red Admiral butterflies also seen.
At last my first Grass Snake sighting on my Newchurch Common local patch for 2017! After having seen them on 20 or so visits last year I was almost giving up this year, but thank goodness I went out today. One smallish one, either a male or young female, was on Shemmy Moss, but I retreated quickly and left it undisturbed, I don't think it even knew I had been there, which may bode well for a repeat sighting in the same location. What with the recent news that there are now two recognised species of Natrix in the UK, Natrix natrix (what we have always known as 'our' Common Grass Snake) and Natrix helvetica (Barred Grass Snake) I would like to check this one properly, but for now I will let it rest undisturbed! I have checked all previous photos from this site of snakes I have seen and all have been Common Grass Snakes.
A usual mix of other species:
Butterfly: Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly.
No chance to get out wild-lifing this weekend but managed a walk with the horse today near the yard at Foxwist Green, Cheshire. Lots of butterflies about on the short walk including a Holly Blue stiill along with numbers of Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Speckled Woods, Red Admirals, Green-veined Whites and Large Whites. A Southern Hawker Dragonfly was also seen.
16.00-18.00
Walked from Lymmhay Lane to Manchester Ship Canal along Sow Brook.
The path was lined with balsam throughout, which limited the wildlife to be seen, apart from an abundance of Honey Bees.
However, 3 Migrant Hawker dragonflies patrolled the brook. If the invasive balsam was not enough, another alien appeared near the canal, a large American Mink.
3 Brown Hawkers were the only dragonflies seen.
Speckled Wood butterflies in profusion. Meadow Brown butterflies still abundant, though most are looking very shabby.
1 Peacock butterfly was seen, whilst Gatekeeper sightings had dropped to just 2.
Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Blue Shark (five caught, tagged and released), Fin Whale, Minke Whale, Sun Fish.
Butterflies
Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Common Blue & Holly Blue.
Another morning walk at Newchurch Common, mainly sunny & quite warm, but at the moment it somehow feels Autumnal rather than the third Summer month!
A nice sighting was a Common Shrew by Shemmy Moss.
Butterflies recorded were: Red Admiral, Comma, Peacock, Speckled Wood, Large White and Green-veined White.
Odonata: Black-tailed Skimmer (worn female), Migrant Hawker, Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Common Blue Damselfly and Red-eyed Damselfly.
A totally different route today hence the different mix of species and why some obvious ones (especially butterflies) are missing compared to yesterdays list. A more representative list of species present at the moment would be given by adding the tow days together
A morning walk at Newchurch Common, Cheshire, eventually produced a few insects as the sun came out.
Butterflies: Holly Blue, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and Green-veined White.
Damselflies: Common Blue and Blue-tailed.
c20 red-eyed damselfly
c5 common darter
1 black-tailed skimmer
3 brown hawker
1+ emperor (not suffering the browns at all)
A few butterflies around, mainly large whites (plenty of whites; presumably other species present too) and red admirals, with a comma the only other species noted.
Neumanns Flash
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies still numerous, also 2 Green Veined Whites 3 Speckled Woods, and a couple of Red Admirals.
Only dragonfly seen apart from a couple of large blue coloured hawkers that shot past (Could of been an Emperor or Southern Hawker?), was a single Brown Hawker.
The only damselfly seen was a single Common Blue on Dairyhouse Meadows, perhaps the strong Westerly kept them in hiding.
The path from the Haydn Pool towards the canal bridge and Marbury CP nearly always delivers good butterfly sightings.
Today was no exception with 6 Holly Blues seen, mainly around clumps of ivy, plus 2 Red Admirals.
Despite scanning every oak though, there was no sign of any Purple Hairstreaks. A single ichneumon, "Amblyteles Armatorius" showed well as it ambled across a flower head.
Along the edge of Big Wood in Marbury CP, there appears to be a fair amount of young Wych Elm trees, are White Letter Hairstreak butterflies ever found here?.
Andy
Have a word with Paul Hill too, he see's them regularly in Cheshire too and came a few times to photo the ones at Newchurch
Doc,
I thought I remembered a record from you on here, but couldn't find it when I looked back. They may be relatively common now, but still not recorded on this site much which is my main source of insect records for the area. Please keep us in touch with any more you come across.
Cheers,
Andy
Hahahaha, no predator is docile with its prey!!!!!! They are docile with humnas as opposed to smaller wasps that can sting without much provocation! I wouldn't bird in a hide with a Vespa vulgaris nest in it
I love them too Andy, one of the most docile 'wasps' we get, lovely creatures, I have birded in a hide with a hornets nest inside it & no problems for anyone! They are relatively common in Cheshire now (I had a nest at Newchurch last year (see back in this thread) and regularly see them at Aldford (inc earlier this year), so there must be a GM record, although, like you, I don't recall seeing one reported recently. I see on NBN Gateway a record for Dunham Massey Park in 2008.
A piece of late news. My brother found a hornet whilst working in a private garden in Church Minshull, Cheshire, about three weeks ago. Unfortunately (or otherwise if you don't fancy coming face to face with one), it was floating in a pond and could not be saved. Personally, I love them and hope to see one in Greater Manchester soon (not sure it has been recorded, certainly in modern times).
13.30-15.00 (Trying to the dodge the heavy showers)
Despite the rain, Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies were still flying, and are still abundant.
Also around were 3 Peacock and 1 Holly Blue butterflies, and 2 Shaded Broadbar moths.
During a brief sunny spell, I was lucky enough to be alongside the pool that appears to be the best for odonata, and one with no fish.
The result was 2 Common Darter dragonflies, 1 Emerald, 2 Common Blue and 4 Blue Tailed damselflies.
Also here, sat on a floating leaf was a ground beetle, "Pterostichus Cupreus", a brightly coloured little predator that appeared poised to strike at having that passed by.
This pool seems to attract froghoppers, that leap from the surrounding tall grass and end floating in the middle of the pond.
I waited to see what beast would strike these unfortunate insects, but each time they managed to scramble out, this happened 3 or 4 times whilst I was there.
1 Hummingbird Hawk Moth
1 Holly Blue
3 Red Admiral
1 Large White
Another morning on Newchurch Common, Cheshire again concentrating on inverts due to the sunshine.
Another fabulous butterfly day with 11 species, and a different mix from yesterday. Star of the show was my first Painted Lady of 2017 (picture). Also present: Red Admiral, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Small Skipper and Common Blue.
There was a nice surprise on the odonata front too with a new species of dragonfly for 2017, Migrant Hawker (female). Brown Hawker, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly and Blue-tailed Damselfly were also seen.
Mother of Pearl Moth and Harlequin Ladybird were recorded, as well as a Red-eared Terrapin on Big Pool.
Rixton Clay Pits
1 Black Tailed Skimmer and 1 Southern Hawker dragonflies. 2 Common Blue, 1 Emerald and 1 Blue Tailed damselflies.
4 Peacock and 2 Common Blue butterflies. Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies still numerous although most of them are now looking a little shabby now.
1 Yellow Shell moth.
Back on Newchurch Common, Cheshire in warm, sunny weather.
10 species of butterflies were seen including 2nd brood Holly Blue (picture). Also present: Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood and Small Copper. Only 2 dragonfly species: Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker, and just two damselfly species, lots of Common Blues and a single immature male Red-eyed Damselfly.
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 30th of July 2017 10:24:38 PM
Butterflies : 1 Painted Lady, 1 Red Admiral, 2 Common Blues, 1 Peacock, 2 Speckled Woods plus lots of Gatekeepers and Meadow Browns.
Moths : 1 Mother of Pearl, 1 Shaded Broadbar and 2 Garden Carpet.
Odonata : 4 Blue Tailed, 1 Emerald and 2 Common Blue Damselflies. No dragonflies were seen.
A shoal of Rudd have settled into a pool where I have previously seen Great Crested Newts.
Elton Hall Flash :
5 Red Admiral butterflies were attracted to a damp patch on the trunk of a willow, which appeared to be a scar that was seeping sap.
The butterflies seemed very agitated, I then discovered the damp patch was also attracting several wasps and masses of flies, mainly Greenbottles.
Pumphouse Flash :
Winged ants were seemingly everywhere. A single Painted Lady butterfly showed well near the broken wooden gate.
Sandy heath area W. of Lapwing Lane :
Plenty of Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies on the heath, Speckled Woods being numerous in the shady wooded areas.
Alarmingly just 1 Common Blue butterfly was seen. Just 1 Comma butterfly was found too, and that was along the towpath of the old canal.
A single Azure Damselfly was seen on the heath, Common Blues though are plentiful along the edge of Birchwood Pool.
The only dragonflies seen around the reserve were 6 Brown Hawkers. A Brown Rat strolled across the path near Colin's Hide.
Up in The Highlands of Scotland, especially for insects but watching everything! Yesterday, Thursday 20th, we saw Red Squiirrel, Bank Vole and Wood Mouse at Loch Garten. Also Grey Birch, Dark Marbled Carpet and Scalloped Oak moths. Today's butterflying near Grantown produced Northern Brown Argus (Scottish race), Small Pearl-bordered & Dark Green Fritillaries, Small Heath and Ringlet. Chimney Sweeper & 6-spot Burnet Moths were here too. When the sun comes out properly this could be good!
A minimum of thirty Red-eyed Damselflies seen this afternoon along with Common Blue and Blue-tailed. A Southern Hawker was noted on the nearby Whitegate Way path just south of Gull Pool. Not the best day for Odonata but the sun did its best to come out later and give off a bit of warmth.
A late post for Tuesday 18th, a visit to Newchurch Common, Cheshire in hot sunny weather.
Unsurprisingly isects dominated the walk with 12 species of butterfly and 6 odonata.
Butterflies: Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Comma, Red Admiral, Small Skipper and my first Small Copper and first second gen Holly Blues (2).
Odonata: Brown Hawker, Common Darter, Four-spotted Chaser, Common Blue Damselfly, Red-eyed Damselfly, Azure Damselfly.
Moths: Mother of Pearl, Silver-Y, Silver-ground Carpet.
Nursery Web Spider
and 2 new insects for me on patch - a flea beetle Crepidodera fulvicornis, and a rove beetle Ocypus brunnipes.
Then pm popped over to Rudheath, Northwich again and saw 2 White-letter hairstreaks in elms where I saw them before. Being windy and with them in the crowns of the elms viewing was hard, but a few ercord shots were obtained (below).
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Wednesday 19th of July 2017 08:49:04 PM
Butterflies - Common Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small White, Green-veined White.
Odonata - Common Darter, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
River Dane Fishermen's Ponds, Rudheath, Northwich.
Butterflies - Green-veined White, Small White, Large White, Speckled Wood, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown.
Odonata - Ruddy Darter, Common Darter, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly.
4 male Black Tailed Skimmer dragonflies were chasing each other along the path leading to the new hide.
Several Brown Hawker dragonflies were seen here too.
Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies were plentiful throughout. The shady areas held numerous Speckled Wood butterflies too.
6 Red Admiral and 1 Common Blue butterflies were also seen.
2 Southern Hawker dragonflies were by the Haydn Pool, whilst another was seen on Dairyhouse Meadows.
A single cuckoo wasp "Chrysis Ignita" was basking on a wooden post by the Haydn Pool.
Spent around five hours on patch today in glorious sunny and warm weather.
Butterflies :- Common Blue (2), Large White (2), Small White (1), Green-veined White (c.60), Gatekeeper (c.35), Meadow Brown (c.30), Small Skipper (2), Red Admiral (c.12), Speckled Wood (c.10), Comma (c.8), Brimstone (3).
Odonata :- Four-spotted Chaser (1), Common Darter (c.10), Emperor Dragonfly (3), Brown Hawker (c.15), Banded Demoiselle (1), Blue-tailed Damselfly (c.10), Common Blue Damselfly (c.20).