Friday 22 June 2018

Grass Snake

Sunshine with minimal cloud, 21°, light NNW.

The flower meadow next to Bow Bridge was buzzing with butterflies this morning of at least 8 species.

The marsh was relatively quiet but all the usual Warblers present and also a brief burst of song from the Cetti’s Warbler.

Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Sparrowhawk also seen and several Swift and Swallow swooping down on the river to grab a drink. Around 6 House Martin also seen.

An active House Martin nest in Church road at last! (Per RB).

Reptiles: Grass Snake. (per GS).

Dragonflies: Banded Demoiselle, Azure Damselfly, Common Blue Damselfly, Blue-tailed Damselfly, Brown Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Four-spot Chaser & Broad-bodied Chaser.

Butterflies: Small Skipper, Essex Skipper, Large Skipper, Brimstone, Large White, Small White, Common Blue, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown & Ringlet.

Moths: several stunning Scarlet Tiger Moths.

Plants: 2 people were doing a survey on the flower meadow and have discovered an unusual species: Grass Leaved Vetch. Is fairly common on chalky soils but difficult to identify as when it’s not in flower it looks very similar to grasses.

Lots of Pyramid Orchids in flower.

Good to meet Gerry Sexton today, an inspirational photographer and he is turning up a lot of good sightings down on Cholsey Meadows and Marsh.

Grass Snake (courtesy Gerry Sexton)
Scarlet Tiger
Brown Hawker
Pyramid Orchid
Dog Rose

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