Dorset - Martin Down - A While Back At The Counties Edge!

I have been keeping busy on a number of fronts since my last post. The football season although officially finished is continuing with numerous friendly matches that the man in black has been booked to officiate. Congratulations to Sutton Utd who secured promotion to the Football League 2 for the first time in their history. Chelsea also won their second Champions League which has added to the football furor in my household!

Bird wise it has also been a very interesting time having added a couple of very interesting species to my Dorset tally! Unfortunately I cannot add anything further at this point as they are sensitive breeding species but look forward to sharing the pictures (not location!) later on in the year! Take note news services and eBird!

I have spent time looking at orchids, butterflies and dragonflies all are fairly new to my growing arsenal of knowledge of the natural world. Thanks to Brett, Garry, Roly, Pete and Ian for assistance in identifying species across these groups. I have purchased Orchids of Britain and Ireland by Anne & Simon Harrap and have a kindle version Britain’s Orchids by Sean Cole and Mike Waller. I have several Butterfly books that I refer too. A kindle is such a bonus in the field provided the sun isn’t too bright!

 I spent a wonderful day exploring Martin Down which is situated at the crossroads where three counties meet (Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire). I could not say exactly which county I was in at any point in time but added new Butterflies, Orchids and a day flying moth to my tally.

A Red kite was one of the first species to greet me on a slightly chilly morning. This raptor is becoming more frequent sighting in my home county!

Passerines were also numerous with several Yellowhammer lining the route. Female above and male below.

Corn Bunting were also present. This is another species I frequently see on my travels within Dorset.

The butterflies were slow to emerge due to the chill in the air but when they did they took full advantage of wild flowers that littered the fields. Marsh Fritillary was one of a couple of new species for me.

I have found separating Adonis Blue and Common Blue tricky to separate in the field and hopefully female top and male bottom are right for the latter. 

Adonis Blue above lacking the "D" on the underwing? Is it just a case of getting your eye in?!

A couple of Small Blue was seen during the day I believe this is a first for this novice!

Grizzled Skipper was another welcome addition to the day list.

I even managed to photograph a Brimstone which is a picture first for me. This butterfly must have been asleep as is remained motionless during my observations.

Small Heath butterfly were regularly along with a Peacock which did not want to oblige the cameraman. I use my 300mm lens and won’t go chasing into the scrub / field to secure the perfect shot!

The only day flying moth was this one which may be a Companion or a Shooting. Unfortunately my picture is not great therefore has not helped the cause! I know next to nothing about moths!

I saw several species of orchid including Butterfly which were not in flower yet. Ian told me that due to the cold weather Orchids were generally a few weeks behind this year. 

I did however see a Common Twayblade which in his words made his day as this species is rare on the downs.

Common Spotted were fairly common in areas of the downs.

Orchid of the day was Burnt Tip which was seen in small clusters of plants. It amazes me how small some of these amazing plants are.