Calstone Coombes

28-08-2022

Small White (4)

Common Blue (9)

Adonis Blue (160)

Wall Brown (1)

Meadow Brown (9)

 12.45 - 13.15. My usual trek along the south face of the main bank up to the water trough. Having come from Cherhill I was hopeful of even more ABs, as they are usually more numerous at Calstone. But it wasn't to be. The slope isn't half dry. The main nectar source favoured by the ABs was Carline thistle, which seems to have coped OK with the weather. What few knapweed flowers are present would often have two or three ABs sat on them.

Shortly after leaving Calstone, in a neighbouring area, I came across a rotting deer carcass which was most attractive to butterflies, with 40+ Adonis Blues making the most of it. One of the least gruesome photos uploaded, in case you are interested.

Simon Crampin