Ben Rainbow's Article
25/09/12 18:44
Here’s a link to a copy of Ben Rainbow’s article that appeared in this months ‘Your Steyning’ magazine.
Spring Observations
07/06/12 15:16 Filed in: Sightings
Here are some random observations about this Spring.
It started well with an early warm spell bringing out good numbers of butterflies such as Brimstone & Orange Tip, along with over-wintered Peacock & Red Admirals. However, April turned very wet and the butterflies went to ground and few were seen at all. In fact so far this year has been very disappointing with only small numbers of any species seen. Holly Blue’s have done well though, as have Small Heath.
So far this year I have seen: Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Small White, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, & Small Heath.
Here are a male & female Adonis Blue seen on the Steyning Coombe. This could mean we now have a breeding population here again, weather permitting!
Early Purple Orchids appeared in reasonable numbers, and now Common Spotted have emerged in good numbers.
Reptiles are doing OK with Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow Worms & Common Lizards seen on the Rifle Range & the Steyning Coombe. How they’re coping with the current, seemingly never-ending, wet spell is unknown.
Our newly formed Bird Surveying Group have been out & about and this year have found a total of 51 species so far, including some lovely migrants such as Nightingale, Cuckoo, Willow Warbler and Wheatear.
One of 2 Broad-bodied Chaser females seen on the Steyning Coombe:
PV
It started well with an early warm spell bringing out good numbers of butterflies such as Brimstone & Orange Tip, along with over-wintered Peacock & Red Admirals. However, April turned very wet and the butterflies went to ground and few were seen at all. In fact so far this year has been very disappointing with only small numbers of any species seen. Holly Blue’s have done well though, as have Small Heath.
So far this year I have seen: Brimstone, Orange Tip, Peacock, Red Admiral, Green-veined White, Small White, Wall, Green Hairstreak, Adonis Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, & Small Heath.
Here are a male & female Adonis Blue seen on the Steyning Coombe. This could mean we now have a breeding population here again, weather permitting!
Early Purple Orchids appeared in reasonable numbers, and now Common Spotted have emerged in good numbers.
Reptiles are doing OK with Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow Worms & Common Lizards seen on the Rifle Range & the Steyning Coombe. How they’re coping with the current, seemingly never-ending, wet spell is unknown.
Our newly formed Bird Surveying Group have been out & about and this year have found a total of 51 species so far, including some lovely migrants such as Nightingale, Cuckoo, Willow Warbler and Wheatear.
One of 2 Broad-bodied Chaser females seen on the Steyning Coombe:
PV
Avian Visitor
02/05/12 13:24
While fruitlessly searching for butterflies on the Steyning Coombe, I came across this lovely Wheatear. He was not worried by my presence and continued searching for food on the ground. Probably on his way north to breed.
The Adder’s Tongue is doing well on the Rifle Range this year. It seems to be spreading, maybe due to the grazing.
This Common Lizard is shedding it’s skin, revealing the beautiful new layer beneath.
Here’s it’s friend.
The Adder’s Tongue is doing well on the Rifle Range this year. It seems to be spreading, maybe due to the grazing.
This Common Lizard is shedding it’s skin, revealing the beautiful new layer beneath.
Here’s it’s friend.
Nightingale
25/04/12 13:13 Filed in: Sightings
Here’s a better recording of the Nightingale:
Nightingale3
These birds are really difficult to see as they nearly always keep themselves hidden in the undergrowth. It’s a challenge to get a photo or any video!
PV
Nightingale3
These birds are really difficult to see as they nearly always keep themselves hidden in the undergrowth. It’s a challenge to get a photo or any video!
PV
Spring Birds
24/04/12 11:57 Filed in: Sightings
Great to hear a Nightingale singing beautifully next to the MOD track leading to the rifle Range. It was only a few metres away tucked into the undergrowth. Accompanied by a Whitethroat.
For a slightly ropey audio recording, click here: Nightingale2
The weather was grey, chilly & windy, so no surprise that I didn’t see a single butterfly anywhere.
PV
For a slightly ropey audio recording, click here: Nightingale2
The weather was grey, chilly & windy, so no surprise that I didn’t see a single butterfly anywhere.
PV