Jul 2010
Botanical Survey
30/07/10 13:04 Filed in: Sightings
Another botanical survey took place on the site today.
Here are some photos taken by Sherie New of species found:
Here are some photos taken by Sherie New of species found:
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Carline Thistle 
Dwarf Thistle 
Field Mint 
Pyramidal Orchid
Blues back!
23/07/10 10:29
Over the past week or so I’ve seen some more butterflies on site including second brood Common Blues,
a Brown Argus, Wall Brown, Small Copper,
Peacock
Brimstone & Red Admiral, in addition to the many Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers & Marbled Whites previously mentioned.
This brings my personal tally of butterfly species spotted on the SDS site to 19. Perhaps some not in great numbers, but as the habitats are improved, hopefully numbers will as well.
PV
a Brown Argus, Wall Brown, Small Copper,
Peacock
Brimstone & Red Admiral, in addition to the many Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers & Marbled Whites previously mentioned.
This brings my personal tally of butterfly species spotted on the SDS site to 19. Perhaps some not in great numbers, but as the habitats are improved, hopefully numbers will as well.
PV
Windy Walk
14/07/10 15:49 Filed in: Sightings
On a windy & dullish day the butterfly numbers somewhat diminished, but still plenty of Ringlets, Marbled Whites & Meadow Browns about. Also saw one pristine Silver-washed Fritillary, a couple of Commas & a Red Admiral. Still no sign of any Blues.
The Common Spotted Orchid display is now over but some fine Pyramidals scattered around the site. One Buzzard seen soaring above.
The Common Spotted Orchid display is now over but some fine Pyramidals scattered around the site. One Buzzard seen soaring above.
Video
07/07/10 16:45 Filed in: Sightings
Here’s a short(ish) video taken on the Rifle Range recently. Please let me know if it doesn’t play on your system.(sdsblog@me.com) Starring: Marbled White, Meadow Brown, 6 Spot Burnet Moth, unidentified Hoverfly, Ringlet, Skipper (large, I think), Gatekeeper, Common Spotted Orchids, & unsuspecting residents of Steyning!
PV
PV
Summer!
02/07/10 11:49 Filed in: Sightings
Lots of butterflies about at the moment, especially Marbled Whites which are in profusion.
I must have seen at least a dozen at the same time. Also lots of Meadow Browns, Large Skippers & a few Ringlets. These look almost black as the flutter past, but on closer inspection prove to be rather lovely. Where are the Blues?
A fine display of Common Spotted Orchids on the Rifle Range ‘Orchid Bank’, with the odd Pyramidal among them.
PV
I must have seen at least a dozen at the same time. Also lots of Meadow Browns, Large Skippers & a few Ringlets. These look almost black as the flutter past, but on closer inspection prove to be rather lovely. Where are the Blues?
A fine display of Common Spotted Orchids on the Rifle Range ‘Orchid Bank’, with the odd Pyramidal among them.
PV