On Tuesday 19th July 2011 - a bat survey along a short section of the river at dusk, 21.15 to 21.40.
(using a bat detector and by sight)
First survey - a sudden emergence of numerous common pipistrelle bats probably from a nearby roost and a few soprano pipistrelles all along the trees (mainly old oaks). On the river itself - numerous Daubenton's bats flying very low over the surface of the water catching insects. Further along, in a gap between the trees, just before it started to rain, lots of Noctule activity - high flyers dashing down, possibly returning to a roost in a split dead oak to shelter from the deluge.
the bat flyway from the pond to the river at dusk (second survey area)
On Friday 22nd July 2011 - a second survey, this time in the area of the long bat flyway: 21.30 to 22.15.
Huge continuous activity of common pipistrelle bats, flying down the long hedge flyway to the old riverside oaks and then along the riverside trees and thickets and back, with some soprano pipistrelles. In a gap with visible sky, Noctules were detected, high level hunting, well above the pipistrelles. Down on the river Daubenton's were again insect hunting close to the surface. Other bats were also detected, possibly Natterers and Brown long-eared bats, not easy to detect amongst the pipistrelle crowds.
Today
A fine day becoming very warm. This has been a very good summer for Holly Blue butterflies.
Here is a second brood (early!) female Holly Blue showing dark borders to upper wings
The Holly Blue in characteristic perch with closed wings
and last but not least, a MINI MOTH, not yet identified but very small and beautiful:
Day flying MINI MOTH about 10mm wing tip to wing tip
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