Had a walk with the family around Old Winchester Hill before retiring to the Hurdles for lunch. (Superb spot the Hurdles, and the Hill wasn’t bad either). As we drove up to the Hill we passed through the odd shower, but glad to say it was dry at the car park.  The only downside was the strong breeze; the butterflies present on the upper slopes were being blown all over. As we dropped down towards the wood I could see at least three Clouded Yellows. Luckily one spent a good deal of time feeding on the abundant Rough Hawkbit on the slopes. This is my best guess for the plant species. But the butterfly showed well and just flitted from plant to plant. Just a shame they never open their wings other than flying. Plenty of Chalk Hill Blues around the area and also Common Blues. Still not 100% at separating all the Blues and the fact that today they were zooming all over the place did not help matters. Also present at the site were a few Small Tortoiseshells and plenty of Painted Ladies and a dozen or so Small Heath. The most common species by far was the Large White. Hundreds present all over the hill. On the bird front I had at least 5 Kestrels over the hill. One individual being harassed by a superb Hobby, from which the Kestrel could not get away.

Clouded Yellow, Old Winchester Hill, 21 Aug 2009

Common Blue, Old Winchester Hill, 21 Aug 2009

Small Heath, Old Winchester Hill, 21 Aug 2009

I also had an early morning walk around Hook with Slasher. Overall pretty quiet but Wader numbers do seem to be building. Most noticeable was the 56 Ringed Plover in the harbour and around c150 Black Tailed Godwit. Mainly in the harbour with around 30-40 on the scrape. A single Common Sand and Greenshank were also in the harbour. Rather pleased with the Kestrel. This must be the most confiding bird I have ever seen here. The Wheatear shot was taken the other day at the end of Hurst Spit adjacent to the castle.

Kestrel, Hook with Warsash, 21 Aug 2009

Wheatear, Hurst Point, 19 Aug 2009

Clouded Yellow, Old Winchester Hill, 21 Aug 2009. Not so brilliant flight shot.

Get the Gin out. Blackthorn/Sloe berries, Old Winchester Hill, 21 Aug 2009.

Steve Copsey