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  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128145.jpg
  • Dawn over the River Thames at Mill End and Hambleden Lock near Henley, Oxfordshire, UK
    154538.jpg
  • Panorama from hills overlooking the River Thames at Bourne End and the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154438.jpg
  • River Thames at Bourne End from the railway bridge, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154521.jpg
  • Footpath from the North End of Lundy Island looking south
    156527.jpg
  • Footpath from the North End of Lundy Island looking south
    156526.jpg
  • Footpath from the North End of Lundy Island looking south
    156578.jpg
  • The north end of Lundy Island from Tibbets, Devon
    156525.jpg
  • Sunset over the River Thames near Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, UK
    154855.jpg
  • View across Whitesands Bay from the end of St David's Head looking toward Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Uk
    145694.jpg
  • View across Whitesands Bay from the end of St David's Head looking toward Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Uk
    145695.jpg
  • Mallard Anas platyrhynchos L 50-65cm. Our most familiar duck. In flight, both sexes show white-bordered blue speculum. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has yellow bill and green, shiny head and upper neck, separated from chestnut breast by striking white collar. Underparts are grey-brown except for black stern and white tail. Back is grey-brown grading to reddish brown. Legs and feet are orange. In eclipse, male resembles adult female but note yellow bill and well-defined reddish brown breast. Adult female has orange-brown bill and mottled brown plumage. Legs and feet are dull orange-yellow. Juvenile is similar to adult female. Voice Male utters whistles and nasal calls. Female utters familiar quack. Status Widespread, commonest on lowland lakes, rivers and urban ornamental lakes.
    133411.jpg
  • Tibbets on Lundy Island, Devon
    156588.jpg
  • Tibbets on Lundy Island, Devon
    156577.jpg
  • Tibbets on Lundy Island, Devon
    156589.jpg
  • Coastal cliffs on the west side of Lundy, Devon
    155453.jpg
  • Panoramic view from the path to Cat Bells looking west towards Causey Pike and Knott Rigg, Lake District, UK
    154437.jpg
  • Panorama from hills overlooking the River Thames at Bourne and the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154447.jpg
  • Panorama from hills overlooking the River Thames at Bourne and and the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154446.jpg
  • North Light on Lundy Island, Bristol Channel
    159667.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127805.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127806.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128147.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136128.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144193.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144195.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    125276.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127803.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    127804.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128148.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    128149.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    136129.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144192.jpg
  • Slow-worm Anguis fragilis Length 30-40cm Legless lizard. Hibernates Oct-Mar. Length comprises 50-60% tail but this can be shed in dire distress. Female gives birth to live young. Sexes are similar. Adult male has slender, shiny body and no discernible ‘neck’. Male is usually coppery brown or greyish brown, sometimes with darker markings on head. Adult female is similar but with a thin, dark vertebral stripe along back (may end in faint ‘v’ at anterior end) and broken black line on flanks. Belly is marbled bluish and some animals have blue spots on sides. Juvenile has golden or silvery back with thin, dark vertebral stripe and dark flanks. Favours sunny, open habitats with areas of grass and bramble.
    144194.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    157965.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europeus - Chicks in nest. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156479.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153713.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153629.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153632.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153633.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153645.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    134064.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    158083.jpg
  • Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus - male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156328.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus - Male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156272.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    145982.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153635.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153643.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153644.jpg
  • Caledonian Pine Forest comprising Scots Pine, with an understorey of Bilberry and Heather. Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 36m. A conical evergreen when young and growing vigorously, but becoming much more open, and flat-topped with a long bole when an older tree. BARK Reddish- or grey-brown low down on the trunk, but markedly red or orange higher up the trunk in mature trees. The lower trunk is scaly, and higher up it becomes more papery. BRANCHES Irregular, with broken-off stumps of old branches remaining on the trunk lower down. LEAVES Needles, borne in bunches of 2, grey-green or blue-green, up to 7cm long, usually twisted with a short point at the tip. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and borne in clusters at the ends of the previous year’s shoots, shedding pollen in late spring. Female flowers grow at the tips of new shoots; they are usually solitary, and are crimson at first, ripening to brown by the end of the summer and persisting through the winter. In the second summer they enlarge and become green and bluntly conical, ripening to grey-brown in the autumn; they do not open their scales and shed seeds until the following spring. Each cone scale has a blunt projection in the centre. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A tree native to Scotland, and originally much of Britain, as well as a wide swathe of Europe from Spain to Siberia and Turkey.
    127550.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    104727.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    134044.jpg
  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
    144985.jpg
  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
    144984.jpg
  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
    136546.jpg
  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
    136509.jpg
  • Poplar Hawk-moth  Laothoe populi Wingspan 70mm. An interesting moth whose wing shape and colouration is a good match for dry, crumpled leaves. Adult has grey-brown forewings with darker central band containing white crescent mark. At rest, hindwings project slightly in front of forewings; a reddish patch on the hindwing is exposed if the moth is startled. Double-brooded: flies May–August. Larva is bright green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment and a ‘horn’ at the tail end. Feeds on poplar and willows. Common and widespread.
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  • Saint Lucie Cherry Prunus mahaleb (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 12m. Often little more than a spreading shrub, but sometimes a small tree. BARK Greyish-brown and ringed with brown lenticels. BRANCHES Spreading, the young twigs covered with short greyish hairs and often slightly weeping at the tips. LEAVES Alternate, up to 7cm long and almost rounded, with a short point at the tip and a rounded or nearly heart-shaped base. The margin is finely toothed, the upper surface is glossy and the lower surface finely downy. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The white, scented flowers, which open in April–May, grow in clusters of 3–10 in groups of racemes at the end of leafy shoots. The 5 petals are about 8mm long and surround the yellowish anthers. The fruit is a 0.6–1cm-long ovate or rounded black berry with bitter-tasting flesh surrounding a smooth rounded stone. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of central and S Europe, growing in woodland glades and thickets. Planted in our region for ornament and naturalised occasionally.
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  • BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Scrambling, slightly downy perennial of rough, grassy places and scrub. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and pale lilac; borne in groups of 2-6 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of broadly oval leaflets and end in branched tendrils. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
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  • Adder Vipera berus Length 45-60cm Venomous snake. Hibernates October-March and sunbathes regularly in spring. Males perform wrestling ‘dances’ to determine access to females for mating. Sexes are similar but females are larger than males. Adult ground colour ranges from reddish brown, greenish yellow or grey to creamy buff.  Almost all have a blackish zigzag line along back, anterior end of which looks arrowheaded and framed by inverted ‘V’ marking on head. Melanic ‘Black Adders’ also occur; commonest in N. Juvenile is similar but slender and usually reddish brown. Widespread but local, found on heaths, moors, open woodlands, rough grassland and coastal dunes. Easiest to see in early spring when basking.
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  • Adder Vipera berus Length 45-60cm Venomous snake. Hibernates October-March and sunbathes regularly in spring. Males perform wrestling ‘dances’ to determine access to females for mating. Sexes are similar but females are larger than males. Adult ground colour ranges from reddish brown, greenish yellow or grey to creamy buff.  Almost all have a blackish zigzag line along back, anterior end of which looks arrowheaded and framed by inverted ‘V’ marking on head. Melanic ‘Black Adders’ also occur; commonest in N. Juvenile is similar but slender and usually reddish brown. Widespread but local, found on heaths, moors, open woodlands, rough grassland and coastal dunes. Easiest to see in early spring when basking.
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  • Brent Goose Branta bernicla L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts.
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  • Brent Goose, dark-bellied race  Branta bernicla L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts.
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  • Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos L 18-20cm. Active little wader with a bobbing gait and elongated tail end. Flies on bowed, fluttering wings low over water: note white wingbar and absence of white rump. Sexes are similar.Adult has warm brown upperparts with faint dark centres and barring feathers of back and wings. Head and neck are grey-brown; note clear demarcation between dark breast and white underparts, white extending up sides of breast. Juvenile is similar but wing covert feathers s are barred. Voice Utters a whistling tswee-wee-wee call. Status Fairly common summer visitor, nesting beside upland and northern rivers and lakes. Widespread and fairly common passage migrant, found at inland sites and on coasts. A handful overwinter.
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  • Purple Emperor - Apatura iris. Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
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  • Purple Emperor - Apatura iris - male (top row) - female (bottom row). Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
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  • Lime Hawk-moth Mimas tiliae Wingspan 65mm. A beautifully patterned moth whose markings and jagged wing shape give it a resemblance to crumpled, dappled leaves. Adult is typically olive-green with pinkish marbling and darker markings. Flies May–June. Larva is pale green with a pale diagonal stripe on each segment, numerous white dots, red spiracles, and red-tinged ‘horn’ at the tail end. Larva feeds mainly on lime. Locally common in lowland southern and central England and Wales.
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  • Brent Goose - Branta bernicla - pale-bellied race and dark-bellied race. L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts.
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  • Brent Goose - Branta bernicla - pale-bellied race - Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Ireland. L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts.
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  • Brent Goose - Branta bernicla - pale-bellied race - Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Ireland. L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts.
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  • COMMON RAGWORT Senecio jacobaea (Asteraceae) - on the cliffs of Lundy. Height to 1m. Hairless and poisonous biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in grassland; thrives in grazed areas (animals avoid eating living plant). FLOWERS are yellow and borne in heads, 15-25mm across; these are carried in dense, flat-topped clusters (Jun-Nov). FRUITS of disc florets are downy; ray floret fruits hairless. LEAVES are pinnate with a blunt end lobe. Foodplant of Cinnabar Moth larvae. STATUS-Common and widespread
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  • Thrift - Armeria maritima - Lundy, north end.  Height to 20cm<br />
Attractive, cushion-forming perennial that often carpets suitable coastal cliffs. Sometimes also grows in saltmarshes and, to a lesser extent, it is also found on a few mountain tops. FLOWERS are pink and borne in dense, globular heads, 15-25mm across, that are borne on slender stalks (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are dark green, long and narrow. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant; mainly coastal.
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  • Brent Goose Branta bernicla L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts
    154962.jpg
  • Brent Goose Branta bernicla L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts
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  • St Nicholas' Church in Hedsor near Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Uk
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  • St Nicholas' Church in Hedsor near Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Uk
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  • Brent Goose, dark bellied race - Branta bernicla bernicla - in flight. L 56-61cm. Our smallest goose – similar size to Shelduck. Subtle plumage patterns allow separation of two subspecies that winter here: Pale-bellied Brent B.b.hrota (breeds on Svalbard and Greenland) and Dark-bellied Brent B.b.bernicla (breeds in Russia). Seen in sizeable and noisy flocks. In flight, looks dark except for white rear end. All birds have a black bill and black legs. Sexes are similar. Adult Pale-bellied has blackish head, neck and breast; side of neck has narrow band of white feathers. Note neat division between dark breast and pale grey-buff belly. Back is uniform dark brownish grey. Adult Dark-bellied is similar but belly is darker and flanks are paler. Juveniles are similar to respective adults but note pale feather margins on back and absence of white markings on side of neck; white on neck is acquired in New Year. Voice Very vocal, uttering a nasal krrrut. Status Winter visitor to coasts
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  • Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis - Winter. L 25-29cm. Dumpy, buoyant waterbird with powderpuff of feathers at rear end. Dives frequently for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Wings are rounded and uniform grey-brown. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly brownish but neck and cheeks are chestnut. Pale-tipped dark bill has lime-green spot at base. In winter, has mainly brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Juvenile recalls winter adult but with pale throat and black stripes on face. Voice Utters a whinnying trill. Status Ffairly common resident of freshwater ponds and slow-flowing rivers; in winter, also seen on sheltered coasts and estuaries.
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  • Land's End, Cornwall
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  • Land's End, Cornwall, Uk
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  • Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis L 25-29cm. Dumpy, buoyant waterbird with powderpuff of feathers at rear end. Dives frequently for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Wings are rounded and uniform grey-brown. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly brownish but neck and cheeks are chestnut. Pale-tipped dark bill has lime-green spot at base. In winter, has mainly brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Juvenile recalls winter adult but with pale throat and black stripes on face. Voice Utters a whinnying trill. Status Ffairly common resident of freshwater ponds and slow-flowing rivers; in winter, also seen on sheltered coasts and estuaries.
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  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
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  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
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  • Pine Hawk-moth Hyloicus pinastri Wingspan 80mm. An extremely well-camouflaged moth when resting on the bark of pine trees.  Adult has grey-brown forewings marked with darker streaks and stippled with dark spot. The hindwings are flushed buffish but are only occasionally exposed if the moth is alarmed. Flies June–July. Larva is green with lengthways pale stripes and a dark ‘horn’ at the tail end. Larva feeds on Scots Pine needles. Locally common only in southern England.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
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  • The Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci Length 25-27mm. A striking, narrow-winged moth whose shape and markings make it resemble a snapped twig. At rest, the wings are held in a tight tent-like manner, and tufts of hairs project from the head end. Adult has buff wings with dark brown leading and trailing edges, and a lengthways pale stripe. Flies April-May. Larva is white with yellow bands and black spots; feeds on mulleins, figworts and Buddleia. Widespread but common only in southern and central Britain.
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  • Purple Emperor Apatura iris Wingspan 65mm. An impressive and iconic butterfly of broadleaved woodlands with tall oaks and mature Goat Willows (the larval foodplant). Adult has brown upperwings marked with a white band; the male has the purple sheen, only seen at certain angles. Underwings of both sexes are chestnut with a white band. Flies July-August. Larva is green with diagnostic ‘horns’ at head end. Rare and local, restricted to a few good woodlands in southern England.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Hummingbird Hawk-moth Macroglossum stellatarum Wingspan 45mm. A fascinating, migrant day-flying moth that hovers and sips nectar from flowers using its long tongue; the wingbeats create an audible hum. Resting moths sometimes sit on banks but are well camouflaged and hard to spot. Adult has brown forewings and an orange patch on the hindwings. Flies May-October. Larva is pale green with a lengthways white line, white spots and a small bluish ‘horn’ at tail end. Larva feeds on bedstraws. An occasional migrant visitor to Britain from mainland Europe; numbers vary from year to year but always commonest on the south coast.
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  • Elephant Hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor Wingspan 70mm. One of our most attractive moths. It is sometimes seen at dusk visiting flowers such as Honeysuckle. Adult has pink and olive-green wings and body. Flies May–June. Larva is brown or green; the head end fancifully resembles an elephant’s trunk and eyespots deter would-be predators; when alarmed the head is contracted, enlarging the eyespots. Larva feeds on willowherbs. Common in southern and central England and Wales, and more locally in lowland Scotland.
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  • Nut-tree Tussock Colocasia coryli Length 17-19mm. A distinctive moth that has furry legs and head end. It usually rests with it wings held in a tent-like manner. Adult has forewings that range from bluish-grey to buffish-brown; all colour forms show a broad, darker cross band with a small eyespot outlined in black. Flies May–July. Larva feeds on deciduous shrubs and trees, notably birches and Hazel. Widespread and locally common in southern and central England and Wales, and central Scotland.
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  • The Mullein Shargacucullia verbasci Length 25-27mm. A striking, narrow-winged moth whose shape and markings make it resemble a snapped twig. At rest, the wings are held in a tight tent-like manner, and tufts of hairs project from the head end. Adult has buff wings with dark brown leading and trailing edges, and a lengthways pale stripe. Flies April-May. Larva is white with yellow bands and black spots; feeds on mulleins, figworts and Buddleia. Widespread but common only in southern and central Britain.
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  • Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing Noctua janthe Length 20-23mm. An attractively marked moth that rests with wings held flat, one forewing partly overlapping the other. Adult has reddish-brown forewings with subtle purplish-grey banding and a reddish margin to the outer leading edge. There is a neatly defined pale front end. Flies July-September. Larva feeds on a range of herbaceous plants. Widespread throughout but commonest in southern Britain.
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