Chiffchaff, Hill Road

Another migrant, passing through the garden
 

Warren Hill

 A few days of rain and the parched Downs have started to change. There hare hints of greeness here anf there and butterfly numbers have seemed to increase.

Buzzard

Chalkhill Blue

Clouded Yellow. I have easily seen more of these this year than all my previous sightings combined.

Brown Argus

Chalkhill Blue

Meadow Brown

Common Blue

Butchershole Bottom

 

Brown Argus

Stonechats, Seaford Head

Still very warm. The flowers in the Bird Winter Feeding field are less abundant than in previous years, but Chicory and mini Sunflowers are doing well in the drought.

A family group of Stonechats, with fledged juveniles afforded us some very intimate views.

Pointed Snail Cochlicella acuta. These snails climb up tall grass stems during hot, dry weather and seal their shells with mucus. This behaviour is called aestivation. Climbing off the hot ground allows them to find cooler airand conserve moisture.

 

Peregrines and Butterflies, Shooters Bottom

 Two squabbling Peregrines and Small Blue butterflies.

After a brief aerial skirmish, the Peregrines flew low towards the cliffs.

Small Copper

Small Blue

Incredible numbers of Blackberries

Female Chalkhill Blue

The amazing drought-surviving flowers

Chironomid Midge Swarms, Beachy Head

 Large swarms of non-biting Chironomid midges emerged from the bushes. This behaviour helps them attract mates. It had an intense sound.

Small Heath

Juvenile Stonechat

Common Blue

Battle

 Finally a cooler day. Amazing vaulting at Battle Abbey.

The best preserved 14th century carved grotesques from the gatehouse roof.