Another day of Orchids and Butterflies with Birds as a backup.
First stop was Poole and luckily I didn't have to cross a busy road to get to the roundabout with the Bee Orchids - there were a few plants on the verge on the side of the road.
In the New Forest were more orchids and a nice selection of birds including Woodlark, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart and Dartford Warbler. Also a new flower in the form of Bogbean
Despite some searching no new orchids at Noar Hill although did get a new moth.
And another good day.
Galley Down Wood had lots of Birds Nest Orchids and White Helleborine. About 6 Common Shrews were running around under my feet.
Beacon Hill had a nice selection of butterflies including 2 more Green Hairstreaks and Common Spotted Orchid.
The view of the Sword-leaved Helleborine's at Chappetts Copse were amazing and also saw Solomon's Seal here
At Noar Hill 4 Duke of Burgundy butterflies, Holly Blue, Early Purple
Alice Holt forest didn't have much
Homefield Wood gave me Military Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Common Twayblade, Greater Butterfly Orchid, White Helleborine and Fly Orchid. A couple of Ravens flew over
Aston Clinton Ragpits yielded another White Helleborine and a Green Hairstreak which I got some nice pictures of.
Bernwood Meadows was brilliant with the meadows carpeted in Green-winged Orchids.
Iffley Meadows was the let down - I wanted to see the Fritillaries (flowers) but found out I was a month too late.
Hartslock gave me my first damselfly/dragonfly of the year (Banded Demoiselle) and got better views of the Lady, Monkey and hybrid orchids. I was shown a Pasqueflower which I understand is quite rare.
Decided to go on Saturday rather than Sunday as the weather looked more promising.
A very good trip to Martin Down with a good selection of downland birds including Lesser Whitethroat, Grey Partridge, Turtle Dove, Corn Bunting and Wheatear.
Orchids included Burnt Tip, Early Purple and Common Spotted Orchid.
Butterflies included Orange Tip, Brown Argus, Duke of Burgundy, Adonis Blue and best of all a single Marsh Fritillary.
At Bentley Wood not a lot - one butterfly seen which could have been Pearl-bordered Fritillary but it didn't stop to let me see it properly.
Did see Marsh Tit
