Deep Dale - 14th May 2023

 The weather played ball today (20 degrees and sunny) so Jayne and I set off up Deep Dale for a walk.

Whilst there, we spotted 4 species of butterfly, including our first Green Hairstreaks of 2023. Species seen were: Orange Tip (15+), Green Hairstreak (c.10), Brimstone (1 male) and  Red Admiral (1).

Green Hairstreak

Birds were far and few between, but we did see 1 male Redstart, Jackdaw, Carrion Crows, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Blackcap and, best of all, a single Spotted Flycatcher - my 163rd species of the year.

Deep Dale - 19th May 2020

Jayne and I had a few hours walking in the Plantlife reserve in Deep Dale on Tuesday. We go most years to see the orchids and Cowslips. This year, due to the lockdown, we were a little late for the flowers, but we did manage to see some of the other specialities of this reserve.

First up was the Green Hairstreak butterflies. We saw 3 whilst on site. We also spotted a new species for us at Deep Dale, the Dingy Skipper. Again, we managed to see three different individuals. Other butterflies seen were: Wall Brown (1), another new species for us here, Orange Tip (2 males) and Large White (1).

Green Hairstreak

Dingy Skipper (and friend!)

Birdwise it was quite quiet, but we did get great views of a female Redstart, and heard Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs.

Deep Dale

Last May I visited Deep Dale to see the Early Purple Orchids and Cowslips that grow there. This weekend Jayne and I had a return visit to see them again.

Early Purple Orchids and Cowslip

 Whilst there, we also spotted a few butterflies, including this male Orange Tip and a beautiful Green Hairstreak.

Orange Tip (male)

Green Hairstreak

Deep Dale

On Monday it was a bank holiday, and the weather was bright and sunny, so I went out to Deep Dale in the Peak District for a walk with  my family. The site is managed by Plant Life, and contains many species of  plant including many Early Purple Orchids and Cowslips.

Early Purple Orchid

Cowslip

Unfortunately, we were a little early as most of the flowers were just coming out, so a return trip in a few weeks would be useful!!

As well as the flowers, we also spotted a black Rabbit. I've never seen one before, but apparently they are not that uncommon, and the area around Deep Dale is, according to the Derbyshire Mammal Group, a known "hotspot" for them. Here's a picture.

Black Rabbit

Whilst there, we also managed another "year tick" with a singing Garden Warbler heard by the entrance to the reserve.

Year List update:
130 - Garden Warbler