09/09/2023-Walk from Spring Bushes in the New Forest
Pictures I took in this set are of: 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Beautiful views. 2 and 5. An enigmatic Dor Beetle which we got extraordinary views of, stars of the forest floor. 8. A beautiful Small Copper which I was very pleased to spot, I'm enjoying a late summer surge in seeing these butterflies I really like. 9. One of a few mushrooms it was good to see on the walk. 10. Bell heather which looked pretty alongside common heather.
We were astounded late in the walk to see an Osprey flying over! Heading south, they pop up just about anyway at this time of year with migration underway but it was still a great surprise. It was wonderful to watch this joyous and majestic raptor soar for a bit very high up, with small birds probably finches flying below it at one point. I feel spoiled as it's the third weekend running I've seen this favourite bird of mine, one of my birds of the year. Goldfinches including young, Great Tit, possibly a Marsh Tit, Blackbird and Woodpigeon with Chiffchaff's sweet one note call heard were other avian highlights on the walk. We also enjoyed epic views of Fallow Deers a couple of times and New Forest Ponies were nice to see. Speckled Wood and of course this year Red Admiral were other great butterflies to see. Migrant and Southern Hawkers rushing around were great insects to see too. Lots of pretty little tormentil, sneezewort and gorse were other nice flowers seen. Fruit wise I liked seeing chestnuts, rose hips, holly berries, acorns and apples. It was great to see bright Stonechat in the gorgeous purple heather on the way here.