Westbury & District

Natural History

Leader: John Osborne

The group meets on the second Thursday with the location and time being dependent on the event.

PAST EVENTS

Carol and Mike led the way for 12 of us on our visit to Erlestoke Woods in April. After a brief shower, the morning was fine and sunny. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were singing and, in places, Bluebells were beginning to flower. In a sunny spot where the path divides, Caroline and Joy spotted a Pied Flycatcher which briefly disappeared but was soon relocated feeding high amongst catkins. We all enjoyed watching this rarity and eventually continued to the top of the hill where Jay was seen and Green Woodpecker heard. On returning, we discovered that the Pied Flycatcher was still feeding and was probably accompanied by a second bird. We had more opportunities for photos and returned to our cars elated by these magic moments!

Fourteen of us explored Battlesbury Hill in May. On a bright but chilly morning, conditions weren't ideal for finding butterflies but, in a sunny moment, a number of Green Hairstreaks were spotted around a flowering Hawthorn. A search for a Duke of Burgundy began, some of us on the hillside and the less agile on the path and it was the latter who came across a perfect specimen posing for us. It remained perched on it's bush for at least ten minutes allowing us all to have good views and take photographs. Elated, we climbed to the summit, admiring the Meadow Saxifrage and other emerging flora. Walking around the hill a Wall Brown was recorded and we had good views of a Red Kite. A very enjoyable walk with lovely views and no rain!

In June just three of us explored Priddy Mineries for the first time. This is a former lead mining site close to Stock Hill Wood and has several pools good for dragonflies. As we entered the grassland we heard a Tree Pipit and saw it displaying from a treetop. On our way to the largest pool a Crossbill was spotted on the top of a pine and gave good views. At the pool we found several dragonfly species including the spectacular Downy Emerald. With the temperature rising, butterflies began to be spotted and, as well as Green Hairstreak, we had good sightings of Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary for which the site is well known. A very successful morning and a habitat to revisit.

Our July meeting was a visit to Bentley Wood looking for Purple Emperor, in particular, and six attended. Unfortunately conditions weren't ideal for butterflying but after a short shower the sun emerged briefly and some saw a Purple Emperor flying around the top of an oak. Other butterflies were seen too including Silver Washed Fritillary and at the end of the day we had managed to find 13 species. Very few birds were recorded but we did have a brief sighting of a colourful male Siskin.

Eight of us went to Alners Gorse, the Butterfly Conservation Reserve, in August. It was very warm and bright and there were plenty of Speckled Wood and Gatekeepers. Mike spotted a Purple Hairstreak up in an oak and eventually we all managed to see it. A Brown Hairstreak was found settled on a thistle and we all had an opportunity to take photos. Several Small Coppers were also seen bringing the butterfly day total to 16.

In September there was a trip to Cley Hill.

In October we visited the Moldrams Ground Nature Reserve at Penselwood. It is a small reserve with woodland, ponds, a stream, and a bird hide. We saw siskins, bullfinches, and goldcrest.

In November we explored the area around Heaven's Gate, looking for fungi and birds. (see pictures, right)

On the afternoon of Thursday December 14th, a small group of us arrived in the White Horse car park to find the hill enveloped in thick mist. After some debate, we decided to stay on and regard the visit as a chance for some exercise, with little hope of seeing any wildlife. However, within a very short time, the mist cleared, the sun managed to make an occasional appearance, and we were rewarded with sightings of Fieldfares, Stonechats, Linnets, Kestrel, Blue and Great Tits and probably Redwings.

Six brave souls attended the first meeting of 2024, a visit to Slimbridge, on a very cold day with bitter northerly winds. Recent heavy rain meant that the surrounding fields were wet and the wildfowl and waders were spread out in the distance, not gathered in front of the hides as one would hope. But we were able to get good views of the Bewick Swans and White-fronted Geese as well as Cranes and big numbers of Golden Plover. Among the geese were a couple of Snow Geese: one was white with black wing tips, the other an unusual ‘blue’ morph. We were pleased to spot a distant Peregrine and a Marsh Harrier. Another highlight was the Spotted Redshank, showing well in front of the Rushy Pen hide. Despite having to adjourn to the cafe to warm up, members said they’d enjoyed the day. Between us, we totalled 53 species.

There are more pictures in the Gallery.

New members are welcome to join us. To get more details contact Natural History

See also Bird Watching.