Carpet Hunting

Juvenile Kittiwake

 

Kittiwakes breed just round the corner on Straight Point but opportunities to photograph them are few and far between, so 3+ juveniles joining the black-head flock this morning were very welcome. That said, they never got that close and the early morning light was awful so my photos are typically crap. There were at least 7 Mediterranean Gulls with the Black-headed Gulls this morning but the only other species to make the notebook were 3 Common Tern and 1 Ringed Plover.
Mid-morning I took the kids cycling up on Haldon. We did the 'Kiddons' trail and for much of the way round we were accompanied by the friendly 'chip' of Crossbills - I reckon there are quite a few up there.

This afternoon I spent an hour wandering along Gore Lane, gently tapping the hedge with a stick in search of Galium Carpet - a new species for me that I really should have found before now. I was successful in my search, finding 2 Galiums as well as 5 other carpet species - Shaded Broad-bar, Yellow Shell, Common Carpet, Purple Bar and Red Twin-spot Carpet. I was surprised at the number of other species found with Small Fan-footed Wave, Riband Wave, Dingy Footman, Rosy Footman, Silver Y and Jersey Tiger all discovered, as well as several 'micros' and several species of butterfly.
Interestingly, when I disturbed the Jersey Tiger it was closely pursued along the lane by 2 Gatekeepers. Whether the orange of the Jersey's underwing attracted them or aggravated them I'm not sure. Anyone any ideas?

Adult winter Mediterranean Gull

 

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull - one of 4 juveniles this morning - one was wearing a green Darvic ring but I didn't manage to read it.

 

Shaded Broad-bar

Galium Carpet - a new species for me. Note the concave leading edge to the forewing.

Yellow Shell - much better 'hiders' than the other carpet species. This one was a sod to get close to and seemed to have a much better idea of how to conceal itself in a hedge!

Red Twin-spot Carpet

 

Purple Bar

 

Holly Blue

 

Micro sp - to be identified but I'm pretty sure I've seen it before so presumably a common one!

Gatekeeper - plenty of these around at the moment.

Acleris laterana/comariana - probably laterana but either way, a smart little 'tortrix'.