There was the promise of a bit of sun although a slight breeze, so I was hopeful of adding this species to my year list. On entering the reserve, I stopped. On a sign on the gate it read Beware 'Cows, calves and a bull in this field'!
I looked across the reserve and could see a herd of black cattle in the distance, mostly grazing facing away from me. I knew that I would need to keep an eye on them, as they can quickly change direction and would easily reach me if they wanted to! I therefore decided that I would have to forego the nice walk that I would have liked to do, and concentrate on looking for butterflies in the area of field near to me. There was quite a lot of wild marjoram in places which would attract a variety of species. Whenever the sun came out, a few butterflies would flutter around. Initially I saw several common blue, but then a brighter, more turquoise butterfly appeared amongst them... an adonis blue. Well, I had achieved what I came for anyway!.
I ventured a little further downhill, searching for butterflies but soon noticed that the cattle had now turned and were slowly returning uphill towards me. I decided not to take any risks, and retraced my steps until I was within 50 metres of the gate. I found a small copper butterfly and then two brown argus as well as the common and adonis blue I'd already seen.
Not wanting to take any chances I decided not to remain on the reserve any longer, so feeling a little disappointed not to have had a longer visit, I returned to the car park and then home.
distant cows
adonis blue
brown argus
common blue
small copper
cows now returning!
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