Saturday 3 July 2010

Staveley

The Yorkshire Wildlife Reserve at Staveley was a nice surprise as I didn't realise the scale of the reserve, it comprises a lagoon, woodland, grassland and shallow ponds, and covers approximately 40 hectares. The 2 hides overlooking the water were locked at the time of visiting but it didn't hamper our enjoyment of the area.

We spotted 8 Meadow Brown, I was confused about the identity of this first one until it revealed the front underwing.



A Small Tortoiseshell landed to feed on Red Clover and gave great views of both its upper and underwing. Other butterflies included 10 Ringlets, 6 Small Skippers, 6 Speckled Wood.


Its a good time for wildflowers in bloom, including one of my favourites, this Field Scabious Knautia arvensis.




At one of the ponds I watched three Damselflies ovipositing in a relatively small area within close proximity to each other. Unfortunately the pics didn't come out too well but I did manage to salvage this shot which shows two close together.

3 comments:

  1. I love seeing your photos of Butterflies for some reason I have seen so few this year!
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Pam that's really nice of you, maybe the next few weekends will send some butterfly sightings your way. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope so, my Buddleia should entice a few when that flowers!
    Pam

    ReplyDelete

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