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Woolston Eyes Monthly Sightings

2026-08-02

Record shot of a Clouded Yellow. Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a Small Tortoiseshell. Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a female Common Blue Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a fresh Painted Lady Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a male Common Blue Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a Water Rail Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of a Greenshank Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Photo of an in-coming Greenshank Cheers David

Submitted by: David Bowman

2026-08-02

Yesterday we started in the Morgan Hide on No.3 bed, before heading down to No.1 bed for a butterfly and dragonfly survey. On our way into the bed, a quick scan from the South Screen produced good but brief views of a hunting Weasel, which are fairly common and most easily seen at this time of year. In late summer, when the water levels are at their lowest, it’s always rewarding to spend time watching the Morgan Hide scrape for passing waders, as well as for Kingfishers using the fence posts as perches and Water Rails probing along the muddy margins. Both of the latter showed well, while Greenshank, Redshank, Green Sandpiper and Snipe also put in appearances. Mid-morning, with the sun starting to win the battle with the breeze and the temperature rising, we set of for No.1 bed. It has been a remarkable summer for butterflies in particular, with Reserve records set for many species, including Clouded Yellow, Essex Skipper, Red Admiral and Ringlet. Even so, the numbers present were amazing, with around 500 butterflies of 13 species counted. Highlights were the four Clouded Yellows (bringing the Reserve total to 14), 169 Common Blues and 72 pristine Painted Ladies. Spectacular! Photo of a Kingfisher Cheers David Bowman (with Dan Owen, Helen Wynn and Brian Baird)

Submitted by: David Bowman