Brown Hairstreaks at Steyning

feamle Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus

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On Wednesday I visited Mill Hill to do my transect (last week’s results in brackets): Adonis Blue 57(4), Brimstone 3(1), Brown Argus 2(4), Chalkhill Blue  22(49), Clouded Yellow 1(2), Common Blue 39(69), Dark Green Fritillary 5(0), Large White 4(7), Meadow Brown 304(294), Painted Lady 1(6), Peacock 1(5), Red Admiral 1(2), Small Heath 8(6), Small Tortoiseshell 15(8), Small White 3(11), Speckled Wood 1(0), Wall 6(3), other whites 2(1). The next stop was Steyning Rifle Range where I saw 3 Brown Hairstreaks, all slightly worn. My final stop was Washington Chalk Pits where I found a fine female Common Blue.

Mill Hill:

Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus

Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus

Small Heath, Coenonympha pamphilus

Small Heaths are a challenge to capture in flight. The challenge continues.

Steyning:

female Brown Hairstreak, Thecla betulae

Brown Hairstreak, Thecla betulae

Washington Chalk Pits:

Common Blue, Polyommatus icarus

Common Blues courting

Small Tortoiseshell, Aglais urticae