Saturday 3rd July 2010, Trench Wood (again)

My birdwatching sabbatical continued today as I returned to Trench Wood in Worcestershire for more butterflying (is that a proper word?). There were fewer White Admirals on the wing today with only 12 counted during my circuit but since my last visit small numbers of Gatekeeper have now stated to emerge. Again there were large numbers of Ringlet, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown but the real highlight was a Marbled White, which was the first I've seen this year and not a species I've seen at Trench Wood before. Other butterflies seen were Speckled Wood, Large White, Small White and Small Tortoiseshell. Also of interest was a stunning bronze coloured Red-legged Shieldbug.

Also seen on the walk were Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, Long-tailed Tits, Common Buzzard and Chiffchaff. Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, Great-spotted Woodpecker and Jay were all heard. A Slow Worm was also seen. For those of you who may not know, a Slow Worm may look like a snake but it is actually a legless lizard.

White Admiral - Trench Wood 3rd July 2010:


Slow Worm - Trench Wood 3rd July 2010:


Red-Legged Shieldbug - Trench Wood 3rd July 2010: