More Willow Emeralds

 Friday's dipression had eased somewhat by the time I got on the bus for Weldon this morning though Friday's weather seemed content to linger. Those far flung and heady days of last week's heatwave were all but forgotten as temperatures had fallen a little and clouds have taken a hold. I wasn't entirely sure that I would see anything of note though my morning session at Priors Hall was entertaining enough (just!) to warrant the effort.

Willow Emerald and violacea form of Blue-tailed Damsel

Damselflies contributed most of the ode activity and a small number of teneral Willow Emeralds were again the highlight. I wonder if emerging on overcast days reduces the risk of predation, there were certainly very few dragons on the wing today. Commonest damsel was Blue-tailed, this species is usually the most active on overcast days. Not too far behind in the number stakes was Common Blue and there were still a few Azures keeping them company. A single female Banded Demoiselle completed my damsel list for today. The only dragon identified was Common Darter, a few tenerals were seen to take their first flights.

Common Darter and Silver-washed Frit.

Not surprisingly given the conditions it was the browns that provided most of the butterfly sightings. Ringlets and Meadow Browns were the commonest species though both Gatekeepers and Marbled Whites were present in decent enough numbers. A single Speckled Wood was probably a survivor from the previous brood as there are very few about at the moment. Perhaps the best species seen today was a male Silver-washed Fritillary as there's only a relatively small population here. Rather a lot of Large Skippers are still on the wing while both Green-veined and Small Whites were seen. Numbers of Six-spotted Burnets are rising and I also saw a couple of Common Heaths.

Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown.

Best bird was also the last that I saw today with an Oystercatcher present in the quarry area on the new workings. These workings have restricted the view of the lake meaning that future birding here will be difficult if not quite impossible. The only other wildlife noted day was a single Fallow Deer near one of the ponds.

Large Skipper and Oystercatcher.