Clouded Yellows at Samphire Hoe

[Wild-Woman]

We've had an amazing day, visiting Lydden Temple Ewell reserve and Samphire Hoe.
For those that may not know, Samphire Hoe was created from the excavated rock(chalk) from the Channel Tunnel. Laid at the foot of the cliffs west of Dover, it forms an extensive plateau area which contains small lakes and rolling areas that are absolutely stuffed with wonderful wildlife.
It is superb. We saw 5 clouded yellow butterflies the moment we were out the car. We also saw, Emperor Dragonfly, Small red-eyed Damselfly, Migrant and Southern Hawkers, Common, Blue-tailed Damselflies, Painted Lady,Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral, Comma, Small Skipper, Small Copper and White butterflies.
We rescued a Grey Bush cricket from a pond and she was so happy, she sat on Chris's camera and posed for us.
Prior to all this, at Lydden Temple Ewell, we were treated to-Long and Short-winged Coneheads, Meadow and Field grasshoppers, Adonis and Chalkhill Blue Butterflies and the very beautiful Silver-spotted skipper. There were hundreds of all types of Brown butterflies. Our original quarry was for Wartbiter-sadly we couldn't find the area where they've been reintroduced but we do know someone who does, so guess where we'll be going again soon.
I almost forgot to add-at the end of our walk at Samphire we saw a Redstart! A first for me. The shot I got is grotty so not worth showing-hopefully Chris's will be better.

I have loaded some shots to the Gallery-so if they're up to scratch with the mods, I'll attach some to this thread. I was just so excited about today, I wanted to tell you about it.

Jules

[Ollie]

Crikey Jules you certainly did have a great day, would have loved to have seen the Clouded Yellows as that's one I have never seen. The Redstart was a great sighting as well hope Chris's shot comes out ok. Look forward to any images you post from this.
Roger

[glsammy]

What an amazing sightings list Jules. What a great day. Many of those I've still to see, I rerally must try and arrange a visit to that area.

[Wild-Woman]

Both places are fabulous. They're only a few miles apart too, so can easily fit in a day.
Next year-a big Down South WAB meeting would be good-then all across to France for some nice cheap wine.

[aeshna5]

Sounds like a superb day- I keep meaning to go there for the Early Spider Orchids + never get round to it! Haven't seen any Clouded Yellows in UK this year- a really good list; years since I've seen a Grey BC.

[GuyF]

Sounds like a brilliant day out, I really want to see Grey Bush Crickets and Silver-spotted Skippers. I look forward to seeing some of your shots.
I was going to start a thread to see whether people had been seeing Clouded Yellows, I've seen just the 2 this year, 5 together must've been nice.
Guy

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by GuyF

Sounds like a brilliant day out, I really want to see Grey Bush Crickets and Silver-spotted Skippers. I look forward to seeing some of your shots.
I was going to start a thread to see whether people had been seeing Clouded Yellows, I've seen just the 2 this year, 5 together must've been nice.
Guy

Guy, I don't know if you can get to these two places but you'd love them. I forgot to say about the Wasp Spiders at Lydden too!
At Samphire there were 4 male and 1 female Clouded yellow so she was out-numbered a bit!
They are mighty hard to get a shot of-they're so fast and always on the move!

I should think that Samphire is alive with migrants of all kinds. It is first land-fall and completely sheltered from north winds.


Hope I'm allowed to attach this but it tells you more than I can.

Samphire Hoe

Go there!

[GuyF]

It really does look great, if I'm ever in the area I will try and visit.
Guy