July 2023

Me & Dad had a walk around Kingsgate Park to look for Dragonflies & Damselflies. There were Common Blue Damselflies, Azure Damselflies, Emperor Dragonflies, Male Black-tailed Skimmer & Small Red-eyed Damselflies. Butterflies included Small Skipper, Ringlets, Speckled Wood, Comma, Female Brimstone, Gatekeepers, Meadow Brown & Large Skipper. A few Blue, Great & Coal Tits were about the park as well as Mallards, Moorhens, Coots & Mute Swans. A Little Grebe or Dabchick was feeding a recently fledged chick. A couple of Pond Skaters were fighting each other.

Emperor Dragonfly [Female]

Azure Damselfly [Male]

Small Red-eyed Damselfly [Male]

Black-tailed Skimmer [Male]

Small Skipper [Female]

Ringlets

Comma

Brimstone [Female]

Gatekeeper

Large Skipper [Male]

Speckled Wood

Moorhen [Adult]

Little Grebe [Adult Summer]

Little Grebe [Juvenile]

Yate 2nd July 2023

The Moths from the mothtrap today were Riband Wave [form remutata], The Uncertain, Mottled Rustic, Barred Straw, Treble Lines & Garden Grass-veneer.

Riband Wave [form remutata]

The Uncertain

Mottled Rustic

Treble Lines

Garden Grass-veneer

Old Sodbury
5th July 2023

A couple of Southern Hawkers newly emerged from the local pond.

Lower Woods GWT
6th July 2023

Me & Dad went for a walk around Lower Woods GWT. We saw Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Silver-washed Fritillares including the Valezina, European Hornets, Large Whites, Commas, Southern Hawker & a Juvenile Dunnock. Sadly no White Admirals.

Silver-shed Fritillary [Male & Valezina]

Silver-washed Fritillary [Male]

Orchid

Red Admiral

European Hornet

Silver-washed Fritillary [Male]

Comma

Silver-washed Fritillary [Pair]

Yate
7th July 2023

The Moths of the day were Privet Hawk-moth, Box-tree Moths, Scalloped Oak, Common Rustic, Bright-line Brown-eye, The Flame, Lackey, Small Magpie & Clouded Border.

Privet Hawk-moth

Privet Hawk-moth

Box-tree Moth

Common Rustic

Scalloped Oak

The Flame

Lackey

Small Magpie

Clouded Border

Emperor Dragonfly [Female]

A Female Emperor Dragonfly paid a flying visit to our garden. A pair of Common Green Shieldbugs were copulating on the Buddleia. We made a quick visit to Wapley Bushes LNR to look for White-letter Hairstreak. We saw Marbled Whites, Commas, Meadow Browns, Gatekeepers, Speckled Woods, Red Admirals & some Skippers with some probable Essex. Butterflies in our garden were Small Tortoiseshell, Comma & Red Admiral. A Hornet Mimic Hoverfly was feeding on the Buddliea.

Common Green Shieldbugs

Marbled Whites

Hornet Mimic Hoverfly

Comma

Grateley, Winterbourne Downs RSPB & Salisbury 9th July 2023

We went to Grateley to see 35018 British India Line passing through with the End of Southern Steam Tour from London Victoria-Yeovil Junction, where she was turned & serviced. 47802 took over for the journey down to Weymouth, due to a lack of turning facilities there. 35018 would then run light engine down to Weymouth, before heading the return 17:24 journey back to London Waterloo.

We went to Winterbourne Downs RSPB for our lunch stop. The Butterflies on site were Essex Skippers, Small Skipper, Red Admirals, Scarlet Tiger Moth, Gatekeeper, Brown Argus, Comma & Small Blue. Also saw a Tawny Longhorn Beetle.

35018 British India Line at Gratley

We spent the afternoon exploring around Salisbury Plain. A few Corn Buntings, Barn Swallows, Red Kites, Essex Skippers, Painted Lady, Humming-bird Hawk-moths & Dark Green Fritillaries.

Essex Skipper

Scarlet Tiger

Tawny Longhorn Beetle

Brown Argus

Small Blue

Corn Bunting [Juvenile]

Corn Bunting [Adult]

Barn Swallow [Juvenile]

Barn Swallow [Adult]

Painted Lady

Essex Skippers

Essesx Skipper [Male]

Red Kite [Juvenile]

Red Kite [Adult]

Red Kite [Juvenile]

Latteridge 11th July 2023

While I was working at Organic Blooms, I found a White Plume Moth in one of the Polytunnels.

Yate 13th July 2023

The Moths of the day were Common Footman, Small Magpie, September Thorn, Heart & Dart, Marbled Minor, Common Rustic, Lesser Yellow Underwing, Scalloped Oak & Box-tree Moths. Also there was a Red Admiral in our garden.

Red Admiral

Small Magpie

September Thorn

Heart & Dart

Common Rustic

Scalloped Oak

Norfolk
15th-22nd July 2023

15/07/23

On our way to Norfolk, we stopped to look for the Black-necked Grebe at Titchmarsh NNR. A few Dragonflies & Damselflies were on the wing during our visit, despite the windy conditons. The species included Banded Demoiselles, Brown Hawker, Common and Ruddy Darters. We sadly didn't see any Black-necked Grebes, but saw quite a few Greylag Geese with one Egyptian Goose mixed in and a fly over Red Kite.

Grey Heron [Juvenile]

Our final port of call was the Ouse Washes RSPB in Cambridgeshire to look for the Black-crowned Night Heron. Sadly again, we didn't see it. We made our way to the cottage in Thorpe Market, stopping to photograph some Brown Hares near Welney en route.

Banded Demoiselle

Brown Hare [Adult]

16/07/23

We started our first full day in Norfolk with a visit to the North Norfolk Railway. At Weybourne Shed, 92203 Black Prince & D3935 were stabled for the day. The services were run by 76084 & D6732.

We headed to Cley Marshes NWT to look for the Long-billed Dowitcher. After we got the permits, we explored around the reserve. A Sedge Warbler perched on the reed by the boardwalk. A few Barn Swallows were using one of the hides to rest in. We saw at least 8 Eurasian Spoonbills that day. The best views were obtained at Bishop's Hide, when an Adult and Juvenile flew in and landed in front of the hide. The other birds on site were Pied Wagtails, Little Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Little Egrets, Ruff & the usual Wildfowl. A couple of Goldfinches were perched in the bushes. We managed to see the long staying Long-billed Dowitcher, by this time it was in Summer Plumage. The bird showed well at times with Black-tailed Godwits, although distant. It is also slightly smaller than the Godwits.

76804 at Weybourne

We went to the Bee-eater watchpoint at Trimingham. The 3 birds were perched on the wire, very distantly. They then dropped into the quarry for a few seconds, before flying back to the wire again. Sadly this pair didn't managed to raise any young successfully this year & the site was later abandoned.

Sedge Warbler [Male]

Barn Swallow [Juvenile]

Goldfinch [Adult]

European Spoonbills & Little Egret

European Spoonbill [Adult Summer]

European Spoonbill [Adult & Juvenile]

European Spoonbill [Adult Summer]

Long-billed Dowitcher [Adult Summer]

Simon King Talk

Little Ringed Plover [Adult]

Little Egret [Juvenile]

Skylark [Juvenile

Skylark [Adult]

European Bee-eaters

17/07/23

We headed to Titchwell RSPB via Choseley Barns, where we saw a couple more Brown Hares, Linnet & Greenfinch drinking from a puddle. At Titchwell RSPB, a Holly Blue was seen in the carpark. We headed to the Island Hide, where the Pectoral Sandpiper was last seen and sadly, couldn't be relocated. Other birds around the reserve were Common Terns, Avocets, Ruff, Dunlin & the usual Wildfowl. A Female Chinese Water Deer was seen from the Parrinder Hide.
We had a quick look at Thornham, but only a Little Egret was seen in the creek.

We had a walk around Snettisham in the afternoon. Plenty of Sea Holly were on the beach. Along the river sections were Small Red-eyed Damselfly, Black-tailed Skimmers, Tufted Ducks with Ducklings, Emperor Dragonflies & Mallards. Three Eurasian Spoonbills flew overhead. Dad spotted some Cinnabar Caterpillars in the carpark. A Male Linnet perched in the bush by the carpark. Another Male Linnet was seen at Roydon Common NWT along with a Skylark singing on a fence post.

Brown Hare [Adult]

We headed to Flitcham, where we had good views of the Juvenile Marsh Harriers being fed by the Adult Male. Also saw a Stock Dove & 2 Little Owls. Then a Barn Owl made an appearance & perched on one of the fence posts, before flying off to hunt.
We headed to Salthouse Heath, where we mainly heard rather than saw Nightjars churring around the heathland.

Linnet [Male]

Holly Blue

Common Tern [Adult Summer]

Chinese Water Deer [Female]

Ruff [Male Moulting]

Small Red-eyed Damselfly [Male]

Black-tailed Skimmer [Male]

Emperor Dragonfly [Female]

Cinnabar Caterpillars

Tufted Ducklings

Tufted Duck [Female]

European Spoonbill [Juvenile]

Linnet [Male]

Skylark [Male]

Marsh Harrier [Juveniles]

Barn Owl [Adult]

18/07/23

Our 3rd day in Norfolk, we headed to Strumpshaw Fen RSPB to look for Swallowtail Caterpillars. We saw a Brown Hawker egg-laying, Norfolk Hawkers, Male Scarce Chasers, Fen Raft Spider, Red-eyed Damselfly & Ruddy Darter. Sadly no Swallowtail Caterpillars around the reserve.

Norfolk Hawker [Male]

Brown Hawker [Female]

Norfolk Hawker [Female]

Red-eyed Damselfly [Male]

Scarce Chaser [Male]

Ruddy Darter [Male]

We headed off to Hickling Broad NWT. Along the boardwalk were 2 Common Lizard and a Drinker Moth Caterpillar. We had better success at Hickling Broad NWT, as we saw a total of about 9-10 Swallowtail Caterpillars. Most of them were in their last stage, before pupating. There were a couple of 4th Instars alongside the bigger 5th Instar Caterpillars. A Garden Tiger Caterpillar was feeding on the plant near the path. A few Gatekeepers were also on the wing. We stopped in layby at Horsey, to have a cup of coffee & a couple of Common Cranes flew past, which landed out of view. On our way back to the cottage, we spotted another Barn Owl which showed very well on the fence post, before flying off to hunt.

Norfolk Hawker

Fen Raft Spider

Swallowtail Caterpillar

Common Lizard [Adult]

Drinker Moth Caterpillar

Swallowtail Caterpillar

Garden Tiger Caterpillar

Gatekeeper [Male]

Common Crane [Pair]

Barn Owl [Adult]

19/07/23

We headed to Cley Marshes NWT, but this time to walk along the East Bank. A couple of Marsh Harriers flew over. A couple of Eurasian Spoonbills were seen from bank. Also both Sedge & Reed Warblers, showed occasionally. A Common Toad crossed the path. The Wood Sandpipers only gave brief views along with Juvenile Common Redshank. Another visit to North Norfolk Railway that afternoon saw 76084 running service alongside D9537 Eric, who was on loan for the Summer season from Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. On our way back to the cottage, we popped back to Trimingham to see the Bee-eaters. This time, they didn't play ball. A Juvenile Lesser Whitethroat flitted through the bushes.

European Spoonbill [Adult Summer]

Marsh Harrier [Female]

Common Toad [Adult]

Sedge Warbler

Wood Sandpiper [Juvenile]

D9537 Eric at Weybourne

Lesser Whitethroat [Juvenile]

Lesser Whitethroat [Juvenile]

20/07/23

We started our 4th day in Norfolk with a visit to Cleyspy in Glandford. The Butterflies feeding on the Buddleia were Painted Lady, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small & Large Whites. A Juvenile Common Toad was briefly on the steps of the Cley Spy Shop, but was moved to safety. We headed back to Titchwell RSPB via Choseley Barns & this time only saw a Stock Dove perched on the wire. The Insects around the reserve were Brimstone, Ruddy Darter & Black-tailed Skimmer. On Patsy's Pool were a couple of Common Pochards. Also saw 3 Marsh Harriers from the viewing screen. Back at Glandford later that day, we saw a Hummingbird Hawk-moth feeding on the Buddleia. At Salthouse was a Meadow Pipit calling on a fence post & a few Linnets. On our way back to the cottage were some Brown Hares & a Male Roe Deer.

Painted Lady

Comma

Peacock

Brimstone [Male]

Black-tailed Skimmer [Male]

Common Toad [Juvenile]

Marsh Harrier [Juvenile]

Meadow Pipit [Adult]

Linnet [Male]

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

Brown Hare [Adult]

Roe Deer [Male]

21/07/23

We headed to Winterton-on-Sea to see if the Little Terns were nesting this year, which sadly to our disappointment they chose not to do for the season. We did see a Small Copper and a couple of Grayling. In the afternoon me & Mum went on the boat trip around Horsey Mere. We saw Mallards, Cormorants, Marsh Harriers, Moorhens, Coots, Mute Swans & Common Gulls. On our way back to Thorpe Market, a couple of Female Red Deer were seen near Horsey.

Small Copper

Grayling

Red Admiral

Red Deer [Female]

Horsey Mill

22/07/23

Our final day in Norfolk began in Dereham, the headquarters for the Mid Norfolk Railway. The loco running services that day was 47580 County of Essex. 80078 was stabled in the sidings.

80078 at Dereham

47580 County of Essex at Dereham

Tree Sparrow [Adult]

We headed to Welney WWT to see what was about. A few Tree Sparrows were on view by the feeders near the visitor centre. A Juvenile Reed Warbler was being fed by the Adult. From the main Observatory, the 3 Juvenile Common Terns were flying around the lake, before landing back on the raft. At least 6 Whooper Swans remained on site. From the Nelson-Lyle hide we saw a Great White Egret briefly. Back on the main lake, was a Tufted Duck Family and 2 Eurasian Spoonbill [one which unfortunately suffered a broken wing]. Afterwards we headed back home.

Tree Sparrow [Adult]

Common Tern [Juvenile]

Whooper Swan [Adult]

Great White Egret

Common Tern [Juvenile]

Tufted Duck [Family]

European Spoonbill [Adult Summer]

Common Tern [Juvenile]

Lockleaze 27th July 2023

Me & Dad went to Lockleaze near Bristol to see 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley working the Welsh Marches Express from Bristol-Shrewsbury. Originally booked to run her first one on 13th July, but failed her fitness to run exam a few days prior to the tour date. 47712 Lady Diana Spencer tailed on the rear of the tour, having ran all the way from High Wycombe-Bristol solo earlier in the day.

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on Filton Bank

47712 Lady Diana Spencer on Filton Bank

Moths, Yate 28th July 2023

The Moths of the day were Garden Tiger, Elephant Hawk-moth, Common Rustics, Shuttle-shaped Dart, The Herald, Marbled Minor, Straw Underwing, Rosy Tabby [Endotricha flammealis] & Scorched Carpet.