24th June: Hot Woodpigeon, Alfriston

 This poor Woodpigeon struggled along with us in  34°C at Alfriston.

Seaford Head

Another ridiculously hot day and evening. Sadly, there was hardly a breeze when we arrived at Seaford Head. However, the evening light was delightful

Marbled White

Stonechat

Blackbird

Song Thrush
 

Hill Road

 These photos mark a new beginning for my nature photography. Since my old camera's sad demise on the 13th June, I had been making do with my mobile.

Arriving days earlier than expected, hello to my new Nokia Coolpix P1100! It is a big beast. Here's hoping it can last for ten years too!

Garden Tiger

Flying Ant Day: Black Garden Ants

The local Herring Gulls cash in on the flying ant buffet

Running Crab Spider

23rd June: Long Ridge, Friston Forest

 Back up to the Ridge again. Some convenient feaces proved irresistible to the Red Admiral and Painted Lady butterflies. Thunderstorms were nearby and it was windy and cool briefly. Another new species of butterfly for the year in Dark-green Fritillary. Even more Ringlets than yesterday. 

The Red Admirals about their despicable business 

Common Field Speedwell 

Marmalade Hoverfly 

Presumably, a mouse hole, with lots of discarded cherry pits

22nd June: Long Ridge, Friston Forest

Sitting for several hours at a DofE check point o  Long Ridge, gave me a great chance to watch the butterflies. I saw 11 species, the highlight of which was definitely a White Admiral.  Two other year tick species were Silver-washed Fritillary and Ringlet. Both these were in good numbers, with up to 3 excitable Fritillary adults buzzing a out at once. They even chased dragonflies! The Ringlets were to be found in long grass verges of every track and ride.

The other species seen: Small Skipper, Large White, Brimstone, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Marbled White, Meadow Brown 

Emperor Dragonfly, perched before hunting over the Bramble patch.

Record shot, taken with my phone, of a Silver-washed Fritillary 

Bladder Campion

Bramble 

Thick-kneed Flower Beetle 

Wildflower Lawn, Hill Road

#46 Everlasting Sweet Pea 

#47 Chicory

#48 Oregano

21st June: Wandering Crab Spider, Hiil Road

 This Crab Spider has mistaken the parasol for a large flower.