Fly Agaric, several specimens, but only one in decent condition Two possible Ballerina, I've seen them at the site before, but pretty much smashed, a shame they don't seem to last very long.
Late morning at Godley Hill Heathland SBI with Simon Ghilks
At least 10 Ringlets on the SBI and surrounding grassland area 6+ Speckled Wood Large Skipper seemed to be everywhere with at least 15 present over the whole of the area 8+ Meadow Brown Common Blue 4 6-spot Burnet
A wonderful sight along the River Tame this afternoon with at least 20 male Banded Demoiselles and two females seen including one ovipositing. Also at least 20 Brown Hawkers in the general area. Perfect conditions this year for the Demoiselles.
Butterflies Speckled Wood Small Skipper Meadow Brown Large White Gatekeeper
A visit to Godley Hill Heathland area with Simon Ghilks produced the hoped for Ringlets with us seeing at least 30. Other butterflies were in similar numbers to Simon's previous post.
I then went on to Brookfold Wood SBI where I recorded another 10 Ringlets, 6 Small Skipper, 3 Large White and 1 Gatekeeper. Also present 7-Spot Ladybird, Brown Hawker and a Chaser-type dragonfly I didn't see well enough to identify.
Had a visit here this lunch time as a follow up visit to see if the Ringlets that were seen last summer were still around and indeed they were, in quite large numbers, being by far the most numerous butterfly seen, noted 40+ probably many more hidden in the long grass. Also around, good numbers of Meadow Brown, a few Large and Small Skippers, 1 Gatekeeper, a couple of Small Tortoiseshell, 2 Speckled Wood and also the caterpillar of Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell feeding on nettle.
I think the phrase is touche (can't do an acute accent on this site)
You may be surprised to hear that Karen Foulkes has suggested the very same!!
I looked at the recording methods earlier in the year but got a bit bogged down. Don't worry - it is on my "to do" list, particularly now as the council seems to have sanctioned an outline plan to earmark land a suitable for housing on what is currently green belt land which stretches almost to the rifle ranges.
Just done it David, thanks for the heads up I hadn't heard anything about this survey. Also informed GMEU Now, how about you submitting your excellent bird sightings from the Brushes area to the GMBRG.
1st visit here for an SBI bird survey. Nothing unusual regarding bird life but did note quite a few dark butterflies in the grassy areas and having read a recent post on the forum I had checked Ringlet ID in a guide so was aware that these looked very similar. Rechecking the guide later confirmed that they were indeed Ringlets.
Polebank-one of Hyde's Public Parks but not well advertised as it is also a residential home. Result some nice finds. The main pond is neglected and has had the water level reduced for some time as a six foot chestnut sapling is growing in one part. Nonetheless Yellow and white water lily, Skullcap, Gypsywort, Figwort and Yellow Iris. In the woods Enchanter Nightshade, Wood Anemone, Wood Sorrel, Ramsons gone over but huge swathes must have been a stunning display earlier, yellow pimpernel, Wood Speedwell Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage the and a fox.
Along the canal watermint, Banded Demoiselle waterdock, water plantain, more shullcap, brooklime, Arrowhead and the dreaded floating pennywort at the Manchester Road Bridge
Railway Spotted Orchid, Great Burnet coming into flower, Great Mullion, Hedge Bedstraw, Ragged Robin, Meadow Cranesbill, among others
And pretty sure Upland Enchanter Nightshade which this site has records for iD based on leaf shape compared to common Enchanter Nightshade
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 7th of July 2013 06:26:08 PM
Broad-leaved Helleborine - I do a yearly count of this plant growing on the old railway line between Godley and Apethorn Lane, Hyde. Best counts up to and inc. 2011 have been 52 flowering spikes. This year has been exceptional with 107 flowering spikes counted yesterday and a considerable extension of its flowering range along the track. This species does poorly in dry summers so the wet spring and summer would appear to be to its liking.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 8th of August 2012 01:36:08 PM
