Whilst the temperatures have been low over the last few days there has been plenty of sunshine, so I had high hopes of finding some this morning. I arrived mid morning and as I walked up the slope to the reserve the wind was still quite chilly. I walked into the first chalk pit but other than a Green-veined White that flew through nothing showing. As I came out there were several Early Purple Orchids in bloom.
I found another male close by, so up to now I had seen three individuals
I walked to the far end of the reserve to another sheltered spot where a Green-veined White sat nicely on a leaf.
I chased this Orange Tip for ages, it would pause at the Self Heal flowers but never settle, but finally it did.

I walked down the bridleway and it was dominated by Holly Blues, they seemed to be everywhere. Not all would settle but a few did, this one on the Ransome's, or wild garlic.
The Bridleway comes out into the open and view aout across the fields was spectacular with the white fluffy clouds.
I walked back through the reserve and found another three Duke of Burgundy taking my day total to seven. Not a bad count for my first visit this year and some of my earliest sightings.
As I walked past the newly cleared area near the junipers I heard a Firecrest singing and I waited and it showed nicely.
I was hoping to find a Dingy Skipper, but there weren't any about. I did manage to see Large and Small White though, but again they did not stop.
I walked back down the bridleway once more with more stunning views.
A Song Thrush was hunting on the grass amongst the Cowslips.
It wasn't until I made my way out that I found another butterfly, the Comma.
Walking out of the reserve another spectacular sky in front of me, the clouds and sky colour reminding me of the cartoon Simpsons Sky!
Great to see the little Duke once again and to spend time around the lovely reserve, I would have liked a Dingy though, but there is still plenty of time.

































































