Otmoor Birding

I walked down to the top of Ashgrave yesterday morning before it got too hot and was rewarded by hearing my first calling Quail of the year in the long grasses at the top of the field. Both the R.S.P.B. staff and other birders have had more luck with them over last weekend than I did. There were also many more butterflies on the wing including the first Silver Washed Fritillaries on the edge of Noke wood. They seem much more widely distributed than last year and were much more difficult to photograph as they seemed to be more reluctant to settle and nectar than in other years. It is still early in their season (they were not there on Sunday) and this may be a behavioural trait. Contractors have made an early start on the earthworks on Ashgrave and hopefully they will complete their work this year after the frustrations of the previous four !

Cheers Peter

The long-staying Marsh Warbler is still present in it's usual place and is being reported regularly on Bird Guides.


Silver washed fritillary © Peter Barker