Dorset Holiday Day 11

Because of a placement related open day for my brother we were transferring from Dorset to Hampshire, specifically Fareham. As a result the morning was spent in transit and it was not until around 2.00 that I was able to get out.

I headed into the woods around the campsite to see what was about. On the bird front it was very quiet but there was a bit more success to be had on the butterfly front. I was able to enjoy a few more Silver-Washed Fritillaries around the wood, as well as numerous Peacocks and Red Admirals sunning themselves. A bonus was a nice Holly Blue along one of the tracks which settled down for some photos, but the light was poor and they are no more than record shots.

-Silver Washed Fritillary

-Small Copper

-Holly Blue

 On the other insects front there were a few Dragonflies on the wing, including a very nice Common Hawker, but none chose to land sadly. I was treated to a very nice Green Tiger Beetle running along the path, which are always awesome to see.

-Green Tiger Beetle

 In the evening we did our usual activity at this site of looking for nightjars. According to the site owners forestry work had disturbed them so I did not expect to see any. However, when we went up to the original spot we were surrounded by at least 4 calling birds, including an individual that settled on the path in front of us. They are so awesome, and they just get better every time. What superb birds. Words cannot describe…

-Nightjar

The Nightjar was so awesome to see, even if it was expected at the start of the holiday. Nightjar was my 208^th species this year, and without doubt is one of the highlights on the year.

Species List:

Bere Forest: Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Woodpigeon, Long-Tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Pheasant, Nightjar, Common Hawker, Emperor Dragonfly, Black-Tailed Skimmer, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Small Copper, Common Blue, Holly Blue, Large White, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Comma, Peacock, Red Admiral, Silver-Washed Fritillary,