Sunday 25th July 2008 - Shenstone.

Great news from the patch, the re-located Little Owl pair have successfully bred. One adult was observed in close proximity contact calling to a still slightly downy juvenile.

Also of note were a charm of 14 Goldfinch (10 juveniles) along Butts Lane and 5 Mistle Thrushes in a tree at the edge of Heath Lane paddock.

Butterflies were on the wing in good numbers today with 2 Holly Blues, a Green-veined White and a Peacock were seen along Heath Lane. At Butts Lane, 9 Gatekeepers, 4 Meadow Browns, 2 Peacocks, 7 Small Whites, 1 Large White & a Green-veined White were observed. Also seen along Butts Lane was the nymph of a Troilus Luridus Shield Bug. I found this particularly interesting as I have never seen one before. Being camera less, I took a record shot on my mobile phone (not the best picture but it serves a purpose).

Troilus Luridus Shield Bug Nymph - Shenstone, 25th July 2010: