Dear All,
First off for this update are Jean and Roger Hoyle who sent the following message with some superb photos:
“Mike, We haven't seen much wildlife here in Camberley recently but I have attached a couple of photos from Devon. I think the bird is a Wheatear but am happy to be told it's something else, as it was not very close. We saw many on Dartmoor and they kept standing on a rock and then flying to another one when we got near. Our bird book says that's a characteristic of a Wheatear so hope I'm right. We saw the butterfly which, we think is a 'Wall', in a Devon churchyard. The parish have left the area around the gravestones as a wild area so it was full of insects.
The 'Ringlet' and Red Admiral are Roger's photos. They were both seen in a Devon meadow. Roger also spotted a 'Jersey tiger moth' on a neighbour's wall. It's only found in Devon and Jersey. No photo though. Kind regards, Jean”
Jean, for what it’s worth, - I agree with your ID’s, - also interesting that Roger saw that Tiger Moth and Chris managed to photograph it last week!!
Wall Brown by Jean Wheatear by Jean
Ringlet by Roger Red Admiral by Roger
Next a great photo from Mike Reed from his well established garden pond in Lightwater, - a Southern Hawker I believe Mike, I think I can see at least another five exuviae in the reeds! So lucky, - for the very first time we have had none in our ponds this year.
“Hi Mike, Pretty common I guess however it does show the case from which it evolved I think.”
My camera club friend Alan Meeks and wife Sheila had an unexpected visitor during the week:
“Mike, - Attached a couple of photos taken less than 30 minutes ago.
The Fox had previously startled Sheila when she saw it in the hall while we were having dinner. It had walked in through the conservatory and the lounge into the hall and strolled back when Sheila reacted. Seemed quite at ease in the garden shortly after! Looks in good condition to my untrained eye.”
