Wednesday morning dawned bright and sunny,a quick check of weather forecast and a snap decision was made to go for the brown hairstreak in Sussex,I`ve been looking at the Sussex web site and Steyning rifle range seemed to be the place to go,so off I went.Arrived just after 9.30 and soon found the area which is managed for them,at first there was no sign so I wandered off to the higher ground,still no joy, but eventually found a female laying eggs in the blackthorn where I had first started.
BROWN HAIRSREAK
She was soon on her way, I don`t understand why they don`t occur in Kent we have plenty of blackthorn,tis a mystery and a great shame.Other species seen included Red Admiral, Comma, Green Veined White,Speckled Wood,Common Blue and Small Heath
RED ADMIRAL
GREEN VEINED WHITE
I celebrated finding the hairstreak in time honoured fashion with a pint of the local brew" Harveys Best" at the Cricketers near Alfriston a pub well worth a visit,lovely beer, lovely garden.
Had a quick walk up Windover Hill near the Long Man of Wilmington to try for Grayling,may have seen one flying but could not be sure,but did see a fresh Chalk Hill Blue alongside some pretty well worn specimens and several Adonis blues and this flower,which I`ve not seen inKent
ROUND HEADED RAMPION (I think)
The only drawback of going to Sussex is coming back ,it can take an eternity,but it was well worth the effort.
Some Great shots of the Brown Hairstreak well worth the visit !
ReplyDelete