Saturday 1st.August 2009

With cloud and rain due to arrive early afternoon , I headed for Fackenden Down and White Hill , while there was still some sunshine about . I arrived at White Hill with total cloud cover , and a cool breeze blowing as well . I walked the length of the reserve , to find very few butterflies , and very few nectar sources , as the damage by rabbits that I posted after my last visit , is now much worse . Over the whole site , I only found about half a dozen flower stems of Devil's Bit Scabious , all the rest having been nibbled down to the rosette of leaves at ground level , and almost no Knapweed . As I walked back again , the sun began to break through and by the time I reached the main bank , the motionless slope that I had passed earlier , was now starting to 'bounce' . I found a male Chalkhill Blue that hat just recently emerged , holding his antennae in that strange 'just emerged' way . The numbers of this species grew very quickly , and it wasn't long before I found the first of 10/15 mating pairs . For the males , having found a female wasn't the end of it , as they were constantly being pursued by anything up to 4/5 other males , all trying to separate the pair , so they could take his place . Strangely , one plant that the rabbits haven't started nibbling , yet , is the Autumn Gentian , which is just starting to come in to flower . Whilst searching the vegetation , I found this moth , which I knew was common , but couldn't remember the name . When I got home , I searched UK Moths , and I think that it is Shaded Broad-bar , but I stand to be corrected . Having used the 'A' word once , another reminder was found under a large Beech , as I left the reserve . Several other specimens had already been munched or uprooted , but this Russula mairei-Beechwood Sickener was still in good condition . This species is listed as poisonous . 7 species of butterfly were recorded on the site , the most numerous , Chalkhill Blue , estimated at 75-100 .
A short walk down the lane brought me to the entrance to Fackenden Down . The sun was milkier now , but it's warmth could still be felt through the cloud . Painted Ladies were found in good numbers just inside the reserve , along with Common Blue , Gatekeeper and Peacock

looking sultry in the subdued light . Just Slow Worms were found under the refugia in the first field , and on the log pile in the next field , 2 juvenile Common Lizards were sunning themselves ,

this being one of them . The refugia proved unused most of the way round , so it was good to have some flowers and more butterflies to record . The strange Carline Thistle , in 'full flower' at the moment , and this is as good as it gets . Small Scabious , with far less leaf than it's relation , Field Scabious , is brightening up the slope . Both are members of the Teasel family .

Many more Painted Ladies were found along the bottom track , protected from the breeze by the field hedge . Chalkhill Blues were found here in good numbers too , along with a few Brown Argus , including a freshly emerged female . The last few refugia did produce a couple of reptiles , making the visit more interesting . A small male , with 'blueing' eyes , showing that he is coming up to slough , was found under one , and the female that I have found on my last couple of visits , is still happily residing under another . A total of 10 Sow Worms and 3 Common Lizards were recorded . Very little bird activity , apart from the Yellowhammer still singing , a Kestrel , hovering over the slope , probably looking for breakfast , and the odd Tit call .

14 species of butterfly were recorded , the most numerous being , Painted Lady (26) , Common Blue (24) , Gatekeeper (49) , Meadow Brown (43) and Chalkhill Blue (121) .