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My youngest son Daniel and myself took a walk from Cheesefoot Head car park to Longwood Warren this afternoon despite the serious threat of a thunderstorm, which threatened the south coast. Thunderstorms were looming all morning and unfortunately, we did get caught in one on the walk back to the car. I think it was worth it as we got some cracking views of some interesting flora and fauna on our walk.
Arriving at the car park around noon, I only took my binoculars and camera along with me, as I didn’t fancy trudging around my scope on such a warm early afternoon. We could see some seriously dark clouds in the south and west of the county but they did look a long way off.
Walking down the footpath leading to Longwood Warren, male Common Whitethroats were in song still with at least three singing birds seen along the footpath. A male Yellowhammer was also seen singing perched on a bramble by the footpath. The footpath itself was quite overgrown with weeds and flowers so we had to tread carefully.
Overhead, at least forty plus Swifts were seen in one flock alone, scouring the sky for flying insects. At least ten Common Buzzards were seen on our walk with three birds calling and flying together high up. No sign of any Red Kites which was unfortunate nor any calling Quail. A Lapwing flew over the fields in the distance and Skylarks were seen singing everywhere within the rape fields. Butterflies were in good numbers with Meadow Browns, Red Admirals, Marbled Whites being the most numerous. But Six Spotted Burnet Moth, Cinnabar Moth and best of all, a Hummingbird Hawk Moth was seen along the footpath. The latter let me get within just inches away from it, which I found most surprising.
Back to the birds, a Turtle Dove flew low over the fields and a second bird was seen flying into the Warren on the way back. A Blackcap was heard singing within the Warren but could not be seen but a flock of 10 Linnets was a surprise. Hare’s were in good numbers with at least two being seen but probably more were around. Finally, I spotted my first Red-legged Partridge flying over the fields. In fact, Daniel spotted it and pointed it out. Good old Duffs! Around 20 minutes from the car, the heavens opened and while thunder echoed around us, we took a damn good soaking! Groo!
Poppies in the rape fields near Cheesefoot Head this afternoon.
The Hummingbird Hawk Moth (left) and Six Spotted Burnet Moth (right) by Longwood Warren this afternoon.
