☀️
Monday 17th July 2017 ~ I've not had much chance recently to get out a little further afield so decided it was time to make amends. With the Bee-eaters at East Leake, Nottinghamshire still in residence and the sun set to shine I thought why not!
 |
| One of four Bee-eaters at East Leake |
I have to say that of the few 'twitches' I've attended this one was very well organised! Five quid for the car parking (split between RSPB and the farmer apparently) and once pointed in the right direction a 15-minute hike has you at the viewing area! Today only around 15 or so were there to witness this rare UK treat. Four birds were showing very nicely, although at distance and happily feeding, returning to the same preferred tall tree and offering some record shots for posterity!
 |
| Another record shot! |
On the trek back to the car park a
Lesser Whitethroat in song and at least three
Yellow Wagtails, although I suspect there were more.
 |
| White Admiral to the year list! |
Where to next? With the sun still shining and plenty left of the day a quick plot on my GPS had me heading for Fermyn Woods Country Park, Northants in search of
Purple Emperor butterfly! A couple of enjoyable hours here and a nice selection of butterflies and dragonflies. Unfortunately, despite some tree top sightings of
Purple Emporer I never managed to find a ground dwelling one for that record shot.
 |
| Silver-washed Fritillary |
Still, 18 species of butterflies is a decent haul, including
White Admiral,
Silver-washed Fritillary and
Purple Emporer to add to the year list!
 |
| Southern Hawker at Fermyn Woods |
