Macclesfield Forest

I had a lovely walk around the foothills of Macclesfield Forest recently. I managed to find a few things that I wasn't expecting to see, and adversely didn't see some things that I wanted to see. The good weather continued though, and that is always a great to help to me when I get out. 

The reservoir edge had a Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Mandarin, Grey Wagtail and lots of the smaller species in the trees surrounding it. There were some brilliant butterflies, and a first sighting for me of a Purple Hairstreak butterfly. While I was wathcing this, a juvenile Common Redstart hopped into view, which in turn alerted me to a Common Sandpiper. It was just a lovely morning and very relaxing.

There was so much more to see, which you can see on my YouTube video below, and if you do like this sort of thing I'd really like you to Subscribe so that you can see more of my content and walks.

You can watch my recent visit here:

Common Sandpiper

Goldcrest

Grey Heron

Long-tailed Tit

Common Redstart

Ringlet Butterfly

Purple Hairstreak Butterfly

Red Admiral

Red Admiral

The birds have gone quiet for the time being, while they moult and re cooperate from the breeding season. It gives me the opportunity to look at other things, like bats (in the evening) and butterflies during the day.

It's a great time for butterflies at the moment. Lots are on the wing, and it's the time of year for the The Big Butterfly Count 2016 The idea is that you spend 15 minutes counting and identifying as many butterflies as you can. Near me, the most common this year seems to be Small White, but one of my favourites is the Red Admiral. Quite often seen on Buddleia, they contrast very well against these light colours.