π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ Tuesday 13th June 2023 ☀️ 26C ~ Wind SSE @ 5MPH ~ I am happy to report that the continuous northeasterly winds have finally subsided after weeks of cold spring weather. The shift in wind direction towards the south and the presence of a high-pressure system has provided an ideal environment for butterflies. Hence, a trip to Muir of Dinnet NNR.
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| Pearl-bordered Fritillary ~ One of the first of the fritillaries to emerge! |
During my visit, I was fortunate to record both
Pearl-bordered Fritillaries and
Small Pearl-border Fritillaries in flight. The Pearl-bordered fritillaries, one of the first fritillaries to emerge, are active from early May until mid-June, while the Small pearl-bordered fritillaries have a slightly later season. However, there is a brief overlap period where both species can be observed.
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| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary ~ Just 2 recorded today. |
I recorded in the region of 20
Pearl-bordered Fritillaries, which with the warm and perfect flying conditions (26C) rarely settled. Just two
Small-pearl Bordered today, but much happier to pose for a while for photographs.
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| Double-figure Four-spotted Chaser |
While the boardwalk over the raised bog area was slightly lacking in water in some areas, there was an abundance of it around the bridge. The main highlight here, however, was the
Four-spotted Chaser dragonflies, which were in the double digits. Also noted were various numbers of
Common Blue and
Large Red Damselflies.
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| Just a single Green Tiger Beetle was noted today. |
When I've completed the boardwalk, I always keep a lookout for
Green Tiger Beetles. Luckily, today I was able to spot one lone specimen. I absolutely adore these little creatures.
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| Young Tree Pipit awaiting a snack. |
Today, while I wasn't specifically birdwatching, I enjoyed watching a family of
Tree Pipits, a
Meadow Pipit caring for their young on the boardwalk bridge, and hearing
Garden Warbler and
Common Redstart (even though I couldn't spot the latter two). I also came across a few other interesting creatures, including a
Common Shrew,
Red Admiral and
Speckled Wood Butterflies.
Other Images of the Day...
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| Meadow Pipit about to feed young. |
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| Tree Pipet in song. |
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| Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary |
