WEDNESDAY 10 JULY
Temperatures were much lower than of recent
days with a cool NE wind blowing, although did still peak at 72 degrees F. There
was a lot more cloud too and a fresher feel in general.
Within the CHESS VALLEY, Beautiful
Demoiselles were emerging in abundance, with quite a few Small Tortoiseshells on
the wing too; WESTERN REED WARBLERS have bred successfully at CHESHAM FISHING
LAKES and the Grey Herons are still incubating. A male BULLFINCH was the first
in my LITTLE CHALFONT garden in a while, feasting as usual on the white
sunflower hearts on the birdtable, whilst the 18-strong Common Swift flock now
included several screaming juveniles of the year.
To make the most of the heat, I spent
another day butterflying - this time concentrating on DARK GREEN FRITILLARIES on
the IVINGHOE HILLS. Despite counting over 40, I failed to photograph any but
whilst scaling the side of Steps Hill in search of them, a TREE PIPIT flew over
me calling, heading away towards Incombe Hole. Intriguingly, a singing male had
been reported in this area only recently - so possibly breeding. Lots and lots
of butterflies on the wing, including 35 Marbled White, 8 Small Tortoiseshell,
150 Ringlet, 15 Small Heath, 2 Brimstone and 50 Meadow Brown, whilst a pair of
BULLFINCH were in Top Scrub, 10+ Meadow Pipits in breeding groups, a jangling
male CORN BUNTING at the base of Steps Hill and pair of
Yellowhammers.
On neighbouring DOWN FARM CEREAL FIELDS, the
COMMON QUAIL was still calling and 3 CORN BUNTINGS were still marking out their
territories.