Malling Down

Though the partially overcast conditions and breeze kept the numbers to a minimum a good selection of butterflies were seen on the Sussex Butterfly Branch outing to Malling Down today. Including the target species, Silver-spotted Skipper, we saw numerous Meadow Brown, a good number of Small Heaths and Gatekeepers, 1 Chalkhill Blue and 1 Wall. I even managed to get one Silver-spotted Skipper to sit on my finger (photo courtesy of Doug Neve); though getting any shots of this species was very difficult as the breeze and lack of sun meant they preferred to stay low down.

Saw an interesting orchid too, Autumn Lady's-tresses S.sprialis (L.) Chevall.

Silver-spotted Skipper Hesperia comma

Orchid, Autumn Lady's-tresses S.sprialis (L.) Chevall

Number for year now stands at 37 (38 if include the possible Brown Hairstreak near Steyning); I think with the luck behind me there is a possible 5 more species I could add to the list this year: Brown Hairstreak, Grayling, Essex Skipper, Clouded Yellow and Painted Lady.