WNW on 24/25th May (see Plate 4) and after a two day gap when the weather was
rainy and cooler, a massive influx took place on 28th May. Interestingly the direction
of travel was exactly the same as previously until the late afternoon when it changed
suddenly to between NW and NNW. Exceptional numbers were again seen throughout
the second half of July. Since the vast majority of early summer larvae had unfortunately
been parasitized it seemed that most of these later butterflies were the results of a
further influx. It was a very good autumn for Clouded Yellow, seen from late July to
November. Very unusually the only ab.helice (see Plate 3) of the season was in fact the
final individual on 7th November. For those who are not familiar with this form of the
female, it is worth noting that it is sometimes so pale that at a distance it could quite
possibly be mistaken for a 'white'. In contrast to the Painted Lady and Clouded Yellow,
the Red Admiral was much less common than for many years.
Amongst the moth highlights were:- Cypress Carpet on 24th November (our first ever
record), Tree-lichen Beauty 14 between 16th July and 11th August, Clancy's Rustic on
19th September and 16th October, Ni Moth on 13th June and Dewick's Plusia on 4th
August. Other significant migrants included:- Vestal, Convolvulus Hawk-moth,
Delicate, Scarce Bordered Straw, Bordered Straw, Golden Twin-spot and Olive Crescent.
Other news
No significant dragonfly recording was attempted during the year, however an active
Common Darter was still present on 10th December (our latest ever). Apair of Buzzards
spent most of the autumn here and individuals can now often be seen at anytime off
and on throughout the year. The cold winter has also resulted in large numbers of
Woodcock coming in. Very young Adders were seen here for the first time, proving as
was strongly suspected that they are breeding in our reserve. Also for the first time
Slow Worms have been seen. Interestingly several individuals were noted in widely
different parts of the reserve. The site is also remarkable for its high population of
Common Lizards and Great crested newts. From none until quite recently, there are
now three types of orchids with a foothold here, Common Spotted, Pyramidal, and
Bec Orchid.
The ultimate in Fly-tipping
Ken Adams 63 Wroths Path, Baldwins Hill, Loughton, Essex IG10 1SH.
In Gibson's day the Fly Orchid Ophrys insectifera (see Plate 5 and inset) was recorded
from 12 different sites in the county with records from Strethall Chalk pit; Elmdon;
Wimbish; a chalk pit at Newport; in Shortgrove Park; in a lane from Rickling Church
to Wicken Bonhunt Farm; at Matching Park; Great Canfield; Roxwell; High Easter
and Kelvedon. Stanley Jermyn however, was unable to find it anywhere in the county,
10
Essex Field Club Newsletter No. 62, May 2010