Main aim was to get some data for the big butterfly count. This I did in warm, but overcast conditions, with the following totals being forwarded.
peacock 11
small white: at least 78 and probably 150+
gatekeeper 19
meadow brown 22
large white 7
small skipper 4
common blue 3
The numbers of small white were high due to counting 66 over one rape field in Green Street. These were ones in the air, so suspect the actual number present was far higher.Near Muggin's Wood are 3 old straw bales left for the pheasant shot. As I lent on one to complete some notes I became aware of one or two hornets about. I then noticed a whole squadron of them taxiing, ready for lift off from a hole in the bale. Obviously a busy nest and one that will be worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. Not a place to set a moth trap as they would be attracted to the light! I had enough wasps in the trap this morning, but irate hornets are an altogether different matter.
I only had my 55mm lens with me as the camera body for the 400mm had a flat battery, so no bird photos.
In all, I registered 25 species, with pleasing numbers of yellowhammer noted (12) 2 bullfinches, a garden warbler, treecreeper and 3 chiffchaff. Not too bad for the first week in August. Need to keep an eye to the sky at dawn and dusk for migrating waders, although their migration route is usually some 40 miles west of the village, encompassing Tring reservoirs.
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| gatekeeper hiding in the pasture |
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| wasp's nest dug out by, perhaps, a badger |
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| small skipper on knapweed |
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| hornet leaving the nest. |
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| As close as I was happy to get. |
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