Lletty Woods

Another hot day at 24c so I stuck to the cover of the woods and river area. My first Kingfisher of the year was seen going down river and a pair of Pheasant ran across the entrance lane and into the scrub. Grey Wagtail and Dipper were present on the river but I don't think they are nesting yet. Otherwise migrants included Blackcap (10), Willow Warbler (6) and Chiffchaff (2).

Butterflies were in good numbers for some species and included Brimstone (7), Orange-tip (8), Small White (4) and Peacock (1). New insects for the year included Large Red Damselfly, 14-spot Ladybird, Harlequin Ladybird, Bronze Shieldbug (1) and a rather unfriendly Hornet (1). Bee-flies and Honey Bee still in good numbers.

Sycamore blossom is just starting and Bluebell, Wood Speedwell and Ramsons joined the Lesser Celandine, Wood Anemone and Marsh Marigold in flower. Meaning I recorded 7 species of hoverfly with new for the year in Epistrophe eligans (2) and Rhingia campestris (1) and the most numerous being Melanostoma scalare (17).

Building work is moving along quickly in the sewage works with a new bridge across the river already finished for the heavy lorries to come.

 14-spot Ladybird

 Harlequin Ladybird

Bronze Shieldbug