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.

Jevington Plantation

Oppressively hot again. The wood was filled with an Autumnal, golden light.

A Common Dor Beetle, or Dumbledor. A type of dung beetle.

 

Jevington Plantation

 Very warm well before 9am. The wood was filled with a beautiful golden morning light. Robins were singing with the support of Woodpigeon and Stock Dove. Far too hot again.

Speckled Wood

Stock Dove

Hill Road

Tiger Moth caterpillar

Garden Spider, pretending to be a Crab Spider
 

Hill Road

 Crippling heat, with everywhere tinder dry.

Buzzard

Common Darter, Hill Road

The orange-red colour identifies it as a male.
 

Hobby hunting Swallows, Warren Hill

 A dozen or more gregarious and chatty Swallows feeding above Warren Hill and occasionally landing in a tree. Suddenly the relaxed behaviour became urgent as a predator was spotted and alarm calls filled the air. A few moments later a Hobby arrived.

Chatty Swallows

The Hobby

A Swallow following the Hobby and calling a warning

Some of the repeated dives the Hobby made

The Hobby moves off empty-handed