Monday, 14 July 2025

Hampshire Butterflies - Martin Down 6th July

I had planned to visit Martin Down NNR for Chalkhill Blue and Wall with Quail having been reported over the last couple of days adding an additional incentive. I parked at the Sillen Lane car park and walked west and quickly encountered a Quail singing from the first corn field to the north of the track and then a second singing at close range from the reserve, and then a third from the next cornfield and as I headed west two further birds were singing from the reserve. There were at least five Quail singing although there were reports today of seven. After some time sound recording on of the closest quail (see my eBird checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S257449031) I crossed over to Bockerley Dyke and walked south before crossing back to the car park. The grassland was alive with butterflies with numerous Chalkhill Blue seen but no sign of Wall despite checking some of the main spots, perhaps my visit was timed between broods. Other species seen included Dark-green Fritillary, Small Copper, Common Blue, Essex Skipper, Small Skipper and Large Skipper.

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Chalkhill Blue

Essex Skipper

Essex Skipper showing the diagnostic black antennae tips

Essex Skipper with the Conopid fly Sicus ferrugineous

Dark-green Fritillary

Dark-green Fritillary showng the white underwing spots which Silver-washed Fritillary lacks

Dark-green Fritillary note the black ant attached to the hind leg

Gatekeeper

Small Copper

Ringlet

The rare Large Red-belted Scabious Bee Andrena hattorfiana