31 August 2013
PM Update. SarahKilshaw recorded a Clouded Yellow butterfly in Kissing Gate Lane Meadow. This migrant species of butterfly has been seen in Suffolk andsouthern Englandthis year in good numbers, easily the best for several years. It’s great that the park has managed to be part of this wildlife spectacle. It also means that the number of butterfly species seen inHolywells Park this year is 26 species whichis a brilliant total.
A quick walk through the park this morning coincided with the sun coming out and temperatures rising. As such a few butterflies were on the wing early. Large White, Small White, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Red Admiral and surprisingly a Holly Blue were all seen by 8am. Several dragonflies were also seen with Common Darter, Ruddy Darter, Migrant Hawker (see male below via iPhone camera)and a probable Emperor Dragonfly recorded. Very few migrant birds were seen with only a single Blackcap and two Chiffchaffs recorded.
25 August 2013
I hada quick walk with the dog in Holywells Park this morning before heading off to Alton Water to lead the Butterfly Conservation walk. In the park a few migrant birds were seen including five Blackcaps, three Chiffchaffs and a probable Willow Warbler. A surprise bird came in the form of a calling Whimbrel which appeared to be flying with a small flock of four Oystercatchers! This is my first record for the park and also a newspecies forthe park list!
So the park’s bird list stands at 126 species and with 72 species seen so far this year.
11 August 2013
An early morning visit to the park in the hope of a migrant bird! Unfortunately, nothing of note was seen other than a single male Blackcap tucking in to some ripe blackberries! Other birds seen included a Mistle Thrush near the Moat Pond, Green Woodpecker over the allotment fence and a nice sized mixed tit flock in the Orchard area. On the meadows, 27 Black-headed Gulls were counted and a slowincreasein their numbers is now anticipated asadult birds leave breeding sites and young birds disperse. Three Lesser Black-backedGulls were sat on top of the climbing framesbefore being disturbed by the local Carrion Crows. The park’s Sparrowhawk family were seen on the wing and it appears that at least two youngsters were seen on the wing with both adult birds. It’s always great to see a soaring Sparrowhawk but four flying together is a real treat.
06 August 2013
I had noticed that there were a few reports of migrant birds being seen on the coast. Despite it being early August the Autumn migration was already starting. With this in mind I had a look early evening at a few migrant hotspots in Holywells Park. The usual bushes and hidden corners were checked but there was no sign of any flycatchers or unusual warblers. Around the Bat Roost enclosure, a favourite flycatcher spot, I watched a good sized Long-tailed Tit flock that was feeding in this area. Approximately 30 birds were counted along with several Blue Tits and Great Tits. Also mixed in with the tits were a couple of young Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap. Several House Martins and Swallows were seen to pass over the park along with a single Common Swift. A few butterflies were still on the wing with Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Large White, Small White and Peacock recorded. Two Brown and one Southern Hawker dragonflies were also seen.
03 August 2013
Parrish Colman recorded two Painted Lady butterflies (see image of an individual below)on the meadows at Holywells Park this afternoon.
Parrish also saw Small Copper, Common Blue andPeacock. A Brown Argus was recorded on Landseer Park.Several Willow Emerald Damselflies were also seen in Holywells Park including the individual female below.
Also, a White Admiral butterfly was seen by Mike Morley this afternoon along the Canal Path. This is a cracking record and the first in Holywells for a good number of years.
02 August 2013
A late afternoon walk in the park proved to be very worthwhile for both butterflies and dragonflies. Butterflies seen were:
Meadow Brown 50+
Ringlet 2
Gatekeeper 15+
Large Skipper 5
Essex Skipper 10+
Small Skipper 15+
Large White 30+
Small White 20+
Green- veined White 5
Comma 6
Peacock 5
Small Tortoiseshell 3
Holly Blue 3
Small Copper 1
Dragonflies seen were:
Brown Hawker 5,
Common Darter 3,
Ruddy Darter 2,
Migrant Hawker 3,
Southern Hawker 3,
Emperor 1,
Common Blue Damselfly 25+,
Azure Blue Damselfly 25+
Blue-tailed Damselfly 45+
Willow Emerald Damselfly 11
01 August 2013
Sarah Kilshaw was in the park todayand saw a Ruddy Darter near the benchnext tothe Paddling Pool. On the CanalPond Sarah sawthree Brown Hawkers along with another two Brown Hawkers circling over Kissing Gate Meadow.
Steven Bird