It was overcast but very warm and humid and after parking up we started walking along the Plymouth Leat wending it's way across the Down. With David being fascinated by the Leat it gave me time to wildlife watch and the first thing I noted was a smart green hairstreak perched on top of a gorse bush before flying off. A very smart looking red admiral was also feeding on some flowers nearby and a butterfly that dashed past in a bit of a blur turned out to be a painted lady, my first of the year.
As we continued our walk alongside the Leat more painted lady butterflies were seen flying past, feeding on bramble flowers or resting with wings held open on the stone floor of the Leat, most were a little worn and faded but a few looked quite smart. More and more were seen and I soon lost track of numbers but it was great to watch them continuously flying past, not quite the influx of 2009 but obviously a major movement going on with most of the butterflies moving in a north west direction.
Painted Lady
Painted Lady
Meadow brown, small heath and large skipper were also seen but the highlight were small pearl-bordered fritillary flitting about over the grass amongst the gorse bushes including a very pristine individual which posed beautifully for me.
Meadow Brown
Large Skipper
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary
Another good find were 2 male clouded buff flying over the grass and only settling for short periods, a new moth species for me and larger than I expected them to be.
Clouded Buff
It was also nice to find a good showing of heath spotted orchids in the grass and easily overlooked amongst the bushes.
Heath-spotted Orchid
Heath-spotted Orchid
Heath-spotted Orchid
Heath-spotted Orchid
It was soon time to head off back to the hospital (the op went fine) but it had been a very interesting walk, neither of us have visited the area before but we certainly will be returning.
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